09:00 - 09:20   Welcome and Opening COmments

Agenda

Toowoomba

09:20 - 09:30

Opening Address

Cr Carol Taylor

Deputy Mayor, Toowoomba Regional Council

Cr Carol Taylor was re-elected to Toowoomba Regional Council for her third term and serves as Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Infrastructure Committee and also Chair of the Eastern Downs Regional Roads Group. With a Diploma in Local Government, Cr Taylor has served as a Councillor since 2000 including as Mayor of Cambooya Shire Council prior to amalgamation into the Toowoomba Regional Council. Cr Taylor also previously served as Vice-President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Queensland Branch.

10:00 - 10:50

Development Session

A MINDFUL AND RESILIENT LEADER

Personal and professional resilience is not only about strength through adversity but the ability to grow and adapt as a result of disruption. In this way we learn to move forward stronger than before. Participants are asked to consider resilience at both a personal and strategic level and through their leadership build resilience in their teams and manage challenging situations more effectively.

10:50 - 11:10   Morning Tea

11:10 - 12:30

Panel Discussion

Where to from here?

We are progressing in terms of female representation in workplace and community leadership roles, yet high-potential women advance more slowly than their male peers in so many sectors, in terms of both career progression and pay. Individuals and organisations know, from research and intuitively, that female representation in top management can boost their performance, that everyone has a vested interest in seeing more women become top leaders, yet the progress is slow – pay parity wise
we are talking 217 years slow according to the World Economic Forum. Is there a new conversation that needs to start? What else can be/is being done to accelerate these types of statistics to reach parity, equity and equality?

Ali Davenport

CEO, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise 

Ali Davenport has recently been appointed to the role of CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, an economic development organisation designed to grow opportunities for businesses on the Darling Downs and Surat Basin regions. Her background is in media where she has managed newspapers in Cairns, radio and television stations on the Darling Downs, and radio stations in Mackay and Cairns. She loves supporting and mentoring other women to be successful in their careers as she herself was supported in her early years. 

Cr Tracy Dobie

Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council 

Mayor Dobie was elected as the Mayor of the Southern Downs Regional Council in March 2016. Mayor Dobie was born and grew up in Warwick. She left in 1977 to join the Australian Army, in which she served for 21 years. After leaving the Army, Mayor Dobie worked as a management consultant before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In 2009 Mayor Dobie and her husband established a beef cattle property in South Australia before returning home to a rural property west of Warwick in 2014.

Jo Sheppard

CEO, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce 

Jo grew up on her family sheep and cattle property in remote South West Queensland and was introduced to the operations of small business at a very young age. Jo now has over 25 years’ experience in running, advising and supporting businesses across Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. Jo has successfully run her own business delivering innovative training programs to the agricultural sector and she has also provided specialised services to SMEs to support their sustainable business growth.

Belinda Sanders

Senior Producer/ Radio Presenter and Journalist 

Belinda Sanders is a Journalist/ Presenter and Senior Producer at ABC Southern Queensland. Belinda started her career in media as a journalist in 1991. At first she worked in newspaper, radio and television in Mackay. Then Belinda chose to focus on television journalism and worked in Cairns, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Maryborough, Brisbane in Queensland and Burnie, Launceston and Hobart in Tasmania. Her interest in radio began at the ABC in Tasmania where she was required to file reports for radio as well as television. In 2000 Belinda moved to Toowoomba to take up the position of news editor for ABC Southern Queensland, where she made the jump to presenting the morning programme at the start of 2005. Belinda has worked for television news services both as an on-air journalist and behind the scenes as chief of staff and news director. She has covered many stories of national significance for both commercial television and the national broadcaster.

12:30 - 13:20

Development Session

BUILDING CAREER CHANGING CONNECTIONS AND NETWORKING STRATEGICALLY

A major factor that contributes to individual resilience is having a strong and diverse network. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of a strong network; a sense of belonging, increased self-worth and wellbeing, career progression and security. Particularly for women in male dominated workplaces, the data shows that having a network of other women has a significant impact on retention and career progression. This practical session explores the mindsets that hold us back from networking and methods for overcoming them. Participants will take away tips and strategies to build and maintain relationships - the bedrock of a strong network.

13:20 - 14:00   Lunch

14:00 - 14:50

Development Session

BE BRAVE, ADAPTIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL

Although Australia has made significant progress in the gender equity space, we all know there is a long way to go until we reach parity. The time for action is now. It is time for each and every one of us to take accountability in creating gender equity. Our aim is to empower individuals and organisations, across all industries and sectors, to make all kinds of small and large-scale change.

14:50 - 15:10   Afternoon tea

15:55 - 16:00   Review Session & Closing Comments

15:10 - 15:55

Keynote Address

Tracey Spicer AM

Reporter, Presenter and Author

Tracey Spicer is an author, journalist and television presenter who has anchored programs for ABC TV, Network Ten, Channel 9 and Sky News over the past 30 years. Renowned for the courage of her convictions, passion for social justice, and commitment to equality, she also has a wicked sense of humour. Currently, she works as a weekly columnist for Fairfax, presentation trainer for Outspoken Women and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, and media trainer at Spicer Communications. She appears regularly as a commentator on ABC TV and Channel 9. Her first book, The Good Girl Stripped Bare, was published by Harper Collins in April 2017.

08:30 - 09:00   Registration

Cr Carol Taylor was re-elected to Toowoomba Regional Council for her third term and serves as Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Infrastructure Committee and also Chair of the Eastern Downs Regional Roads Group. With a Diploma in Local Government, Cr Taylor has served as a Councillor since 2000 including as Mayor of Cambooya Shire Council prior to amalgamation into the Toowoomba Regional Council. Cr Taylor also previously served as Vice-President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association, Queensland Branch.

09:20 - 09:30

Opening Address

Cr Carol Taylor

Deputy Mayor, Toowoomba Regional Council

10:00 - 10:50

Development Session

A MINDFUL AND RESILIENT LEADER

Personal and professional resilience is not only about strength through adversity but the ability to grow and adapt as a result of disruption. In this way we learn to move forward stronger than before. Participants are asked to consider resilience at both a personal and strategic level and through their leadership build resilience in their teams and manage challenging situations more effectively.

We are progressing in terms of female representation in workplace and community leadership roles, yet high-potential women advance more slowly than their male peers in so many sectors, in terms of both career progression and pay. Individuals and organisations know, from research and intuitively, that female representation in top management can boost their performance, that everyone has a vested interest in seeing more women become top leaders, yet the progress is slow – pay parity wise we are talking 217 years slow according to the World Economic Forum. Is there a new conversation that needs to start? What else can be/is being done to accelerate these types of statistics to reach parity, equity and equality?

11:10 - 12:30

Panel Discussion

Where to from here?

Ali Davenport

CEO, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise 

Ali Davenport has recently been appointed to the role of CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, an economic development organisation designed to grow opportunities for businesses on the Darling Downs and Surat Basin regions. Her background is in media where she has managed newspapers in Cairns, radio and television stations on the Darling Downs, and radio stations in Mackay and Cairns. She loves supporting and mentoring other women to be successful in their careers as she herself was supported in her early years. 

Mayor Dobie was elected as the Mayor of the Southern Downs Regional Council in March 2016. Mayor Dobie was born and grew up in Warwick. She left in 1977 to join the Australian Army, in which she served for 21 years. After leaving the Army, Mayor Dobie worked as a management consultant before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In 2009 Mayor Dobie and her husband established a beef cattle property in South Australia before returning home to a rural property west of Warwick in 2014.

CR TRACY DOBIE

Mayor, Southern Downs Regional Council

JO SHEPPARD

CEO, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce

Jo grew up on her family sheep and cattle property in remote South West Queensland and was introduced to the operations of small business at a very young age. Jo now has over 25 years’ experience in running, advising and supporting businesses across Toowoomba, the Darling Downs and South West Queensland. Jo has successfully run her own business delivering innovative training programs to the agricultural sector and she has also provided specialised services to SMEs to support their sustainable business growth.

BELINDA SANDERS

Senior Producer/ Radio Presenter and Journalist 

Belinda Sanders is a Journalist/ Presenter and Senior Producer at ABC Southern Queensland. Belinda started her career in media as a journalist in 1991.
At first she worked in newspaper, radio and television in Mackay. Then Belinda chose to focus on television journalism and worked in Cairns, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Maryborough, Brisbane in Queensland and Burnie, Launceston and Hobart in Tasmania. Her interest in radio began at the ABC in Tasmania where she was required to file reports for radio as well as television. In 2000 Belinda moved to Toowoomba to take up the position of news editor for ABC Southern Queensland, where she made the jump to presenting the morning programme at the start of 2005. Belinda has worked for television news services both as an on-air journalist and behind the scenes as chief of staff and news director. She has covered many stories of national significance for both commercial television and the national broadcaster.

12:30 - 13:20

Development Session

BUILDING CAREER CHANGING CONNECTIONS AND NETWORKING STRATEGICALLY

A major factor that contributes to individual resilience is having a strong and diverse network. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of a strong network; a sense of belonging, increased self-worth and wellbeing, career progression and security. Particularly for women in male dominated workplaces, the data shows that having a network of other women has a significant impact on retention and career progression. This practical session explores the mindsets that hold us back from networking and methods for overcoming them. Participants will take away tips and strategies to build and maintain relationships - the bedrock of a strong network.

Although Australia has made significant progress in the gender equity space, we all know there is a long way to go until we reach parity. The time for action is now. It is time for each and every one of us to take accountability in creating gender equity. Our aim is to empower individuals and organisations, across all industries and sectors, to make all kinds of small and large-scale change.

14:00 - 14:50

Development Session

BE BRAVE, ADAPTIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL

Tracey Spicer is an author, journalist and television presenter who has anchored programs for ABC TV, Network Ten, Channel 9 and Sky News over the past 30 years. Renowned for the courage of her convictions, passion for social justice, and commitment to equality, she also has a wicked sense of humour. Currently, she works as a weekly columnist for Fairfax, presentation trainer for Outspoken Women and the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, and media trainer at Spicer Communications. She appears regularly as a commentator on ABC TV and Channel 9. Her first book, The Good Girl Stripped Bare, was published by Harper Collins in April 2017.

15:10 - 15:55

Keynote Address

Tracey Spicer AM

Reporter, Presenter and Author

09:00 - 09:20   Opening COmments

15:55 - 16:00   Review & Closing Comments

16:00 - 16:30   Networking Drinks

09:30 - 10:00

Opening Address

DR Tammie Matson

Zoologist, Author, Film Producer and Entrepreneur

Dr Tammie Matson is a world expert on elephants and has inspired thousands of people, from children to adults, to achieve their dreams through her award-winning books, speeches and African adventures. Inspired by a visit to Zimbabwe at the age of fifteen, Tammie achieved what many said could not be done as a young woman from North Queensland, by first becoming a wildlife researcher in Africa, then achieving a PhD in zoology and becoming a published author – all before she turned 25. Today, she balances her passionate commitment to conservation with being a mother to two sons under age 6.

Dr Tammie Matson is a world expert on elephants and has inspired thousands of people, from children to adults, to achieve their dreams through her award-winning books, speeches and African adventures. Inspired by a visit to Zimbabwe at the age of fifteen, Tammie achieved what many said could not be done as a young woman from North Queensland, by first becoming a wildlife researcher in Africa, then achieving a PhD in zoology and becoming a published author – all before she turned 25. Today, she balances her passionate commitment to conservation with being a mother to two sons under age 6.

09:30 - 10:00

Opening Address

DR Tammie Matson

Zoologist, Author, Film Producer and Entrepreneur

Event Overview

The Australian Women’s Leadership Forum is for women who are looking for increased awareness of their leadership style and competencies, as well as practical strategies to help them overcome challenges within their work and personal life. The program also provides a relaxed and supportive environment to connect and collaborate with other female leaders.

The content and flow of the program is carefully designed to immerse participants in the subject matter and create valuable insights informed by collective experience. During the program, a number of key themes are explored via a combination of expert presentations, collaborative discussion, experiential activities and personal reflection.

Sara Hales

General Manager, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport

Coming from a diverse background including Media, IT and livestock logistics / biosecurity, Sara has been with Wellcamp Airport since 2013.  Initially taking up the role of Community Liaison Consultant during the construction phase of the Airport project Sara has later managed many of the airport’s important milestone projects, such as the Cathay Pacific test flight (the Airport’s first international flight), Access China 2016 (the Airport’s first international passenger flight) and all commercial, operational and regulatory requirements for the establishment of the Airport’s international air cargo business. Sara has over 10 years business management experience, including extensive experience in heavily regulated, logistics based businesses and in the management of complex and varied projects with multiple stakeholders. In her current role, Sara is accountable for the operational and commercial performance of Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport including all on-airport functions, such as ground handling, security operations, cargo operations, catering and cafes, all commercial functions, as well as compliance and safety.

Sarah Hales

General Manager, Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport 

Coming from a diverse background including Media, IT and livestock logistics / biosecurity, Sara has been with Wellcamp Airport since 2013.  Initially taking up the role of Community Liaison Consultant during the construction phase of the Airport project Sara has later managed many of the airport’s important milestone projects, such as the Cathay Pacific test flight (the Airport’s first international flight), Access China 2016 (the Airport’s first international passenger flight) and all commercial, operational and regulatory requirements for the establishment of the Airport’s international air cargo business. Sara has over 10 years business management experience, including extensive experience in heavily regulated, logistics based businesses and in the management of complex and varied projects with multiple stakeholders. In her current role, Sara is accountable for the operational and commercial performance of Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport including all on-airport functions, such as ground handling, security operations, cargo operations, catering and cafes, all commercial functions, as well as compliance and safety. 

Prudence Melom

CEO, E-Raced 

Prudence Melom is the Founder and CEO of E-Raced. E-raced is a non-for profit organisation with a goal to erase racism through storytelling in breaking down refugee stereotypes in QLD schools. Prudence promotes harmony and respect among young people in regional Australia. Through her advocacy work, she has been recognised with the 2018 Toowoomba Australia day Young Citizen of the year award and she is a 2018 Queensland Young Regional Achievers award winner.  E-raced proudly works in partnership with Bendigo & Rural Bank. 

Prudence Melom

CEO, E-Raced 

Prudence Melom is the Founder and CEO of E-Raced. E-raced is a non-for profit organisation with a goal to erase racism through storytelling in breaking down refugee stereotypes in QLD schools. Prudence promotes harmony and respect among young people in regional Australia. Through her advocacy work, she has been recognised with the 2018 Toowoomba Australia day Young Citizen of the year award and she is a 2018 Queensland Young Regional Achievers award winner.  E-raced proudly works in partnership with Bendigo & Rural Bank. 

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