NAMED as one of Australia’s most influential women in 2013, Su McCluskey said she was forever grateful to her nominator and is encouraging others "to put their hand up" and be recognised.
“A lot of women are still reluctant to be recognised or acknowledged for their work,” said Ms McCluskey, CEO of Regional Australia Institute (RAI). “I wouldn't necessarily have entered myself but after I was nominated I could see the positive attention that it placed on women, particularly in rural and regional area.”
Ms McCluskey was named in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 2013 100 Women of Influence list and was also the regional category winner. The awards recognise and celebrate influential women across Australia, including remote and regional locations.
“It is crucial that as a community, we recognise, promote or celebrate the impact influential women are making as leaders in their local communities and respective fields,” said Larke Riemer, Westpac director of women’s markets. “Su McCluskey, is an incredible example of the ways in which women can influence positive change in their communities. (She) has remained at the centre of debate on rural, regional and small business issues over a number of years, and she has worked tirelessly towards ensuring the voice of regional Australia is heard for the benefit of local residents.”
Influence and leadership, Ms McCluskey said, was inspiring others to “come along on the journey with you”.
“It’s not about telling, it’s about listening and about saying ‘how can we work together’ and ‘how can we make a difference’, because a collective is much more powerful and can achieve more than one person.”
Ms McCluskey said RAI was an independent not-for-profit organisation that provided the link between research, policy and implementation on the ground. The attention the awards had placed on her in the past 12 months had helped raise the profile of her organisation, which, she said, would only benefit regional communities. It also encouraged her to reflect on her own leadership style and how she might be perceived in business.
“Like so many of us, I just get on and do the job … and to see it from the perspective of others is incredible as I realised you can learn about yourself and be inspiring for other people,” she said.
With a background in farming, taxation and policy Ms McCluskey said she simply "puts theory into practice” and understands what life is really like for rural and regional people. She still works and lives on a cattle farm in Yass and drives to her Canberra office, where she swaps sturdy work boots for "wonderful shoes".
Ms McCluskey said she was inspired to nominate women for the awards and encouraged other people to do so.
“It is a great opportunity for other, not just women, other people around the country to see what great things women are doing in a whole range of different areas. These awards allow the spotlight to be shone on the great things women are doing and allows others to say ‘hey, I think I can do that, too’.”
Now its in third year, the 100 Women of Influence has 10 categories: board/management, public policy, young leader, social enterprise and not-for-profit, philanthropy, global influence, innovation, local/regional community, diversity and business. Nominations close on August 10 and can be submitted at 100womenofinfluence.com.au.