Two of the finalists announced today in the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, Sarah Anderson and Genevieve Nelson, share an unlikely passion for supporting local communities in Papua New Guinea.

Genevieve Nelson from the Kokoda Track Foundation and Sarah Anderson who represents Papua New Guinea Tourism in Australia and New Zealand have worked together for the past three years to assist local communities along the Kokoda Track improve their education, healthcare, and to ensure the preservation of the natural habitat.

Their work supports the growth of an eco-friendly trekking and tourism industry from which the local community can benefit.

The Kokoda Track Foundation also assists women living in villages along the track, to build micro businesses that provide services to trekking tourists, creating a much needed sustainable income for these communities.

Both women, in their early thirties, have been identified as leading, Australian business women through Telstra’s Business Women’s Awards.

They are both finalists in the NSW division of the marie claire Young Business Women’s Award, The winner will be announced on 25 September.