Two southern Fleurieu business women have been named among the finalists in the SA Woman Australia awards, which are open to public vote.

Victor Harbor’s Carolyn Jeffrey, the founder of the Women in Business Regional Network, is a finalist in the Community category while Yankalilla’s Tiarnie Marks, the owner/operator of 21 Junk Street is a finalist in the Regional Star Award.

The awards attracted more than 400 nominations across nine categories.

Carolyn founded the Women in Business Regional Network in October 2017 to provide support, networking, promotion and advocacy for women in business in regional areas of the state.   

The network now has chapters meeting regularly in Victor Harbor, Strathalbyn, Murray Bridge, McLaren Vale, the Riverland, Yorke Peninsula and Port Pirie, and Carolyn organises and attends each function.

Tiarnie, who has recently been elected chair of the Fleurieu Business Association, established 21 Junk Street with her husband.  

The business started off as a retro and vintage shop in a back shed and is now a well-known catering business and coffee van servicing the Fleurieu.

“Being nominated was an unexpected surprise, and I still don’t know who nominated me,” Tiarnie says.

“I am so grateful as it has already opened a whole door of opportunities, new networking and refreshing people who love to give advice but are also not afraid to ask for it!”

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Stamford Grand on Wednesday 27 November.

Voting closes midnight on Sunday 17 November. To vote visit the SA Woman Australia website.