Call for women of influence in regional areas to be recognised in awards

Nominations are open for the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards.

Past winner Jan Savage of Orange said it was a rewarding experience and encouraged women from Orange to consider entering or nominating others for this year's awards,

"I was the 2014/15 winner in the philanthropic division which was highly contested with 500 nominations nationally that year," she said.

"The awards are presented to women who have made a difference within Australia and have changed the agenda for women nationally," she said.

"There are so many women out there who have so much potential."

Mrs Savage received her award for her community project fund-raising work.

"I think it's an amazing experience just to be nominated. It was actually very humbling and quite overwhelming," she said.

"It charged me with energy and enthusiasm."

She said after winning the award she participated in discussions and interviews with the other category winners.

Mrs Savage said she also met other women of influence including Irina Bokova, the director general of UNESCO.

She said there had been ongoing benefits as part of the awards alumni.

"Ongoing business opportunities annually have been presented and an original foundation grant for a course at the University of NSW Business School as well as ongoing annual business seminars," she said.

There are 10 categories in this year's awards. Nominations, which can be made online, close on Friday June 28.