Pioneer wins Businesswoman of the Year award

“Never give up on your dreams.”

That’s the advice from Brisbane Whale Watching’s Kerry Lopez, who was crowned the Moreton Bay Businesswoman of the Year at the 2022 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards on Friday night.

There were 68 finalists and the winners were decided by a panel of 44 judges from a mix of public and private sector organisations from across South East Queensland.

The 2022 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards were presented by Moreton Bay Regional Council and delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT).

The Businesswoman of the Year award recognises an individual woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the Moreton Bay business landscape.

It seeks to reward dedication to Moreton Bay and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence in business.

Kerry, who celebrated 25 years in business last year, single-handedly pioneered whale watching as a female captain, continuously overcoming obstacles and stereotypes.

Surge in whale population

“I obtained my captain’s licence at 25 years of age and thought, ‘this is it. I’m getting my own tour, my own boat and came to this beautiful place called Redcliffe’.

“I saw what was happening out there in that perfect marine park.

“When I first started whale watching there were 300 whales that passed through our waters, only 300.

“I can proudly say now, we have 35,000 humpback whales passing through.

“That is success for all of us Australians.”

Kerry thanked her team, particularly her personal assistant Dessray Colledge, who has been by her side for 20 years, and also Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT).

“MBRIT, I have been with you from the very beginning. Wow, showcasing our region and everything we’ve got … which is a lot.

“Congratulations to each and every finalist – we are all winners.”

See photos from the night and read about the other winners here.

Entries for the 2023 Moreton Bay Business and Innovation Awards are now open. Click here to find out more.