Fernwood franchisor finalist for Telstra Business Women’s Award

Through the success of Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs , founder Diana Williams was announced as the finalist for the 2005 Telstra Business Women’s Award for Victoria, hosted at the Sofitel Melbourne on 7 October.

With 65 health clubs across Australia and a further 23 clubs due to open by June 2006, the award is a recognition of the entrepreneurial success Williams has achieved in the business world during the past 15 years.

She established the first Fernwood Women’s Health Club in Bendigo, Victoria in 1989, when she recognised a need for women to have their own special space – a sanctuary, to enjoy regular exercise to reach their health, fitness and wellbeing goals.

Today, with national reach, Fernwood is the largest organisation of its kind in Australia, with more than 80,000 members, 2,275 employees, and an annual turnover in excess of $75 million.

Her current role as chairman of the board of directors is to manage the growth into new markets both in Australia and internationally, and to keep alive the vision of the organisation and its core purpose of ‘empowering women to shine’.

Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs is currently on the threshold of further expansion, with plans to move into New Zealand and South Africa in 2006/07.

Williams aims to float the company in the future while also developing and diversifying the offering of member services, including a full range of spa and beauty treatment facilities in each club, aimed at attracting a greater market share and providing members with a greater choice of options.

In 1999, Williams was inducted into the Australian Women’s Hall of Fame, then went on to publish her first book in 2000, titled The Women’s Club. She was also honoured by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources in 2001 for her contribution to Australian business and commerce.

As a strong advocate for women in business, Williams regularly speaks at various forums, sharing her success story with other women, which she hopes may inspire them to realise their potential.

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