Five years ago, Violet Bukon was preparing meals in her home kitchen with a vision for something greater. At present, she leads The Eatery Catering and Cakes, a thriving business in Lae that provides boardroom lunches to some of Papua New Guinea’s top companies, and she has been honoured as the 2025 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOWA) Entrepreneur winner.
This is not just a story of business success. It is the journey of a mother who transformed her passion for cooking into a venture making a meaningful impact across Lae.
What started in Violet’s home has grown into a business that now supplies Paradise Foods Limited, Credit Corporation, and the Bank of Papua New Guinea. More importantly, she has trained more than 20 young people, teaching them cooking and customer service skills that are helping them build their own futures.
Reflecting on her journey, Violet said: “I built this business not just to rise, but to raise others with me. When women are equipped with life skills, they find the power to live meaningful lives and contribute with purpose to their families, society, and nation.”
Walk into Violet’s kitchen today and you will see transformation in action. Young people who once had few opportunities are learning valuable skills, gaining confidence, and discovering their potential. Some have gone on to start their own food businesses, while others have found steady employment in hospitality.
Tamzin Wardley, chairwoman of Westpac PNG, praised the award recipient: “Violet’s approach reminds us that business can be a platform for growth, not only for the entrepreneur but also for the people around them."
"Her commitment to mentoring young people and creating opportunities through enterprise is a powerful example of leadership in action. It’s not just about building a successful business; it’s about building futures, and that is the kind of impact Westpac PNG is proud to support across the country," Wardley added.
Emma Low, managing director of Westpac Pacific, stressed that the WOW Awards are more than a moment of recognition, but also a celebration of the outstanding contributions of women, a catalyst for opportunity, and an inspiration for the next generation of female leaders in PNG.
"I was truly impressed by both the high volume and exceptional quality of this year’s nominations. I’m especially proud of finalists like Violet Bukon, whose dedication and impact exemplify the spirit of the awards. Our 21 finalists represent a broad geographic spread from across the country, highlighting the incredible talent found in every corner of PNG," Low said.
Andrew Cairns, chief executive of Westpac PNG, also congratulated Violet for her victory in the Entrepreneur category, reflecting Westpac’s values of supporting businesses that create positive community impact. "She embodies the spirit of enterprise that builds stronger communities," Cairns said.
The WOW Awards are a cornerstone of Westpac PNG’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive growth. Through this platform, Westpac continues to champion the role of women in building a stronger, more resilient Papua New Guinea.
Today, as corporate executives in Lae enjoy her catering and young people continue to learn in her kitchen, Violet is building something bigger than a business. She is building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
