Westpac Outstanding Women Awards 2026 finalists announced

For more than 100 years, Westpac has stood alongside the people of the Pacific, supporting communities, creating opportunities and investing for the long term. The Westpac Outstanding Women’s Awards are part of this continued commitment.

Selected across seven award categories, this year’s finalists represent a diverse group of women whose contributions are helping communities grow, businesses succeed and industries progress across the country, creating impact today and for generations to come.

The finalist announcement marks the next stage of the 2026 awards program, leading up to the awards ceremony on Saturday, 25 July 2026 in Port Moresby. Winners from each category will be announced on the night, together with the Overall 2026 WOW Award Winner – recognising a woman whose leadership and impact stands out across all categories.

The finalists by category are:

• Entrepreneur: Judy Ejampi, Martha Raka and Sylvia Pascoe
• Private: Orpah Peter, Rita Karaie and Stella Ipang
• Not-for-Profit: Naomi Longa, Jacqueline Mary Boga Garoau and Sr. Bolena Azimo
• Public: Debra Sungi, Elizabeth Tandoa and Fiona Gesa
• Sports & Arts: Edith Monagi, Susanne Sere and Wosi Kaeyo
• Sustainability: Deborah Yassa Yulu, Emma Oliver and Kiteni Kurika
• Young Achiever: Getta Kambar, Naomi Dubabagi and Zimmah Neinaka

Tamzin Wardley, Chairwoman of the Westpac PNG Board, said “The WOW Awards are a powerful reminder of the leadership, resilience and service women bring to every part of Papua New Guinea. This year’s finalists reflect the strength of women who are driving progress in their communities, workplaces and industries.”

Each category winner will receive a PGK 5,000 grant to support their continued work and impact.

Emma Low, Managing Director for Westpac Pacific, said “For more than a century, Westpac has stood alongside Pacific communities, and these awards are one way we continue that commitment. By recognising and supporting outstanding women, we are helping create opportunities that can carry forward for generations.”

Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns said “These finalists show what is possible when talent, determination and purpose come together. Their achievements are not only inspiring others today, but they are also helping build stronger communities and a more inclusive future for Papua New Guinea.”

In the lead-up to the event, finalist profiles will be shared across Westpac’s channels to celebrate their achievements and the work they are doing to help drive progress across Papua New Guinea.