But it was no surprise to those who have seen her build the famous festival and establish it on a strong financial footing.
The 56 year-old started with Deni Play on the Plains Festival Ltd in 2014 as the finance manager and has been the general manager since 2017.
Mrs Lowry said she was not expecting to win the award but thinks of it as a sign she is doing the right thing.
In her speech at the awards, Mrs Lowry summed up her feelings: ‘‘Leadership should be measured by the amount of leaders you create.’’
She said yesterday she was proud when she discovered she had been nominated and was honoured to receive the award.
‘‘I was not expecting to win, but I don’t think your ever expect to win. There were so many great business leaders who were nominated.
‘‘The Business Chamber had a lot of entries in all of the categories, which was great to see. I never thought I would be in the running for an award.
‘‘I think the staff nominated me. I hope it was because they appreciate and respect me as much as I appreciate and respect all they do.’’
Mrs Lowry said she works with an incredible team which makes her job easier.
‘‘The support I have from the staff, board and community is incredible.
‘‘When I found out that I had been nominated, I felt I was getting it right and doing it right.
‘‘I am a big believer in sharing knowledge both inside and outside of the organisation so I am always keen to develop the organisation and the community.
‘‘I have been able to reflect on the goals, strategies and vision that led to the success of our business and to use those insights to drive even greater success in the future as we work towards the next Ute Muster.’’
Other nominees included: Jason Savage — Blighty Hotel; Mick Cannon — REP Rehabilitation Exercise Physiology Sport & Recreation; Simone Learmonth — Barber and Threadz; Steve Butcher — Riverside Pest Management.
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