Media Release

CEO Puts Philanthropy On The Map

26 November 2003

FRRR - Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Admans has been nominated as a finalist for the prestigious Equity Trustees CEO of the Year Award 2003.

The awards acknowledge outstanding achievements of chief executives working in the not for profit and charitable sector. Hundreds of applications were received from throughout Australia recognising service excellence, enhancing organisational imagery and achieving partnership success.

Ms Admans leads one of Australia’s most innovative philanthropic foundations – FRRR. Now in its third year, FRRR’s strategies for creating rural and regional opportunity are supported by a range of funding programs and initiatives.

Making their home in the historic regional city of Bendigo, Victoria, over the past three years, FRRR has attracted more than 1500 applications nationwide with over 300 successful applicants receiving funds for their projects. All up, approximately $3.7 million has been distributed to rural and remote Australian communities.

Ms Admans said that ‘To be listed as a finalist for the EQT CEO of the Year Awards is a great achievement and was only made possible by the outstanding support of my dedicated staff. It is significant to have a regional success listed as a finalist.’

The Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC, Chairman of the FRRR Board strongly believes that one of Ms Admans major strengths is the ability to lead the way with innovative partnerships. In describing this unique role Mr. Sinclair explains, ‘Sylvia has worked with others who are inspiring communities and who have the ability to drive projects that are wanted and needed by their communities. Sylvia has done an outstanding job having created the partnerships not only with business but with governments, the community and other philanthropic bodies.’

The winner of the EQT CEO of the Year Award will be announced on November 27 at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne and will be offered an all expenses paid international study tour to the value of $20,000.

Sylvia Admans, CEO of FRRR is available to talk about the extraordinary work undertaken by the Foundation in rural and regional Australia.

For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact: Natalie Elliott tel: 03 5443 7300 mob: 0421 044 251 email: natalie@frrr.org.au