General News
3 September, 2025
National awards for mums
OVER the last four years, I have repeatedly written about and acknowledged the outstanding individuals who live and work in our beautiful part of the world.
Once again, this is the case, with the ‘Goss’ celebrating two incredibly talented people.
Local mums Crystal Leonardi and Nicola Baker have returned home from the 2025 National AusMumpreneur Awards in Geelong, with five individual awards.
Ms Leonardi of Bowerbird Publishing was named ‘Author of the Year’ and ‘Overcoming the Odds’ categories, while Ms Baker of Moyamoya Australia was named the winner in ‘Rural and Remote Business Excellence’, ‘Emerging Non-Profit Business Excellence’ and ‘Women Changing the World’ categories.
Created by sisters Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, the AusMumpreneur Awards celebrate the achievements of Australian mums in business across a wide range of categories, including business excellence, product innovation, customer service, sustainability and technology.
“There are so many incredible women right across Australia balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and these awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success,” Ms Garner said.
Ms Leonardi is the founder and chief of Bowerbird Publishing at Julatten. She is the author of seven titles, notably her 2025 release, ‘Clarity’ that documents her experience with her son’s brain cancer diagnosis, self-doubt and rediscovery. ‘Clarity’ has already earnt recognition in the American Literary Titan Awards, ABLE Book Awards and now AusMumpreneur.
Ms Leonardi said she was excited to be a winner and was proud of her achievements in the last 12 months, particularly her publishing company.
“It was built to give a voice to those who feel lost, alone and unheard” she said. Her dedication to expanding the literary community in Far North Queensland has been displayed through her organisation of several events such as the Douglas Shire Book Festival and the International Women’s Day Lunch earlier this year.
There were many benefits to balancing business and motherhood, Ms Leonardi said.
“Awards like AusMumpreneur represent mothers in business who are juggling more than they let on. The quiet hustlers, the dreamers, the believers. The toughest journeys are often the most powerful,” she said.
“My advice to mums is to back yourself. Self-belief is the most valuable asset in life and in business.”
Nicola Baker formed Moyamoya Australia in 2019, after her son had a stroke at just 11-months-old.
“We now try to help other people going through the same experience” Ms Baker said.
“Apart from this support, most importantly we, as an organisation, are trying to find out the reason for these medical issues as we currently don’t know why” she said.
“At Moyamoya, we are working hard to find that genetic link.”
AusMumpreneur co-founder Peace Mitchell said the event “offered women an opportunity to find connection, support and inspiration while also celebrating their success with others who understand the journey of business and parenting”.
Crystal Leonardi and Nicola Baker have become good friends as a result of their personal experiences and these business awards. They also both intend to be part of AusMumpreneur next year.
I’m off to find even more local superstars, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
