Featured Speakers in 2019

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Addressing a wide range of topics including gender equality, leadership, career advancement and life fulfillment, the Symposiums offer an important opportunity for Australian women to stay abreast of current local and international trends. Designed to encourage interaction and collaboration, the events create a setting for women leaders at all levels to reflect on their experiences, envisage a future to which they are entitled and draw inspiration for the journey ahead.

... And be inspired!

Showcasing the country’s most respected and celebrated female talent the Symposiums annually attract over one hundred inspirational guest speakers and presenters. Richly diverse in their achievements and fields of endeavour, Symposium speakers are universally recognised for their vision, resilience and capacity to influence change. By sharing their unique skills and knowledge, Symposium speakers encourage participants to unlock their innate strengths and talents and pursue their own unique vision of success.

Drawing participants from every corner of the nation, the Symposiums offer an unrivaled opportunity for participants to extend their networks and develop lasting friendships and alliances. Through the sharing of personal experiences, participants unlock a spirit of camaraderie which typically extends far beyond the events themselves. Each year women from highly diverse backgrounds are drawn together through the Symposiums leading to powerful opportunities for collaboration on important national issues.

Planning for success through sharing success

An opportunity to step back, reflect and focus

Attended by a veritable who’s who of Australian organisations, the symposiums represent an accessible platform for businesses to remain connected to the gender equality debate and compare the latest thinking and strategy.

Showcasing celebrated and respected women from every field of endeavour, the events are synonymous with excellence and achievement across all facets of business and community leadership.

Michelle Dalzell

Michell Wool Pty Ltd

The inspiring speakers have ignited the urge to make changes in my work and personal life upon my return home.

Julie-Ann Gray

City of Albany

Today was very inspiring and motivating. I am currently undergoing the WLA Executive Ready Program, and this day has added value to the learning.

Lorna McCarthy

Victoria Police

I really enjoyed everything about this symposium. The keynote speakers were absolutely fantastic and relevant.

Vinu Thomas

Teachers Mutual Bank

Best two days of my life!

Very inspiring and thought provoking!

Bec Condon

Logan City Council

There have been so many ideas that I can take back to my management team to drive an improved and increased diversity awareness. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Captain
louise pole

President, Australian Federation of Air Pilots

catherine
mcgregor

Writer, Broadcaster, Cricket Commentator, Australia’s most prominent Transgendered woman and Former Defence Force Officer

florence
drummond

Founder, Indigenous Women in Mining

kate
doughty

Paralympian and Performance Psychologist

clare
bowditch

Musician, Actor, Radio Presenter and Author

yumi
STYNES

Broadcaster, Writer, Author and Social Commentator

ita
buttrose

Media Trailblazer, Businesswoman, Best-Selling Author

Cr vonda malone

Mayor, Torres Shire Council

DR KIRSTIN
FERGUSON

Company Director and Chair, Creator of #celebratingwomen, and Author, Women Kind

catherine
fox

Journalist, Author and Walkley Award Winner

Robyn
Davidson

Writer, Explorer, Filmmaker

amna
karra-hassan

Organisational Development Coordinator, Lebanese Muslim Association; Board Member, Go Active Women; Former Communications Officer, Australian Federal Police

Pam Ronan

Catholic Education SA

It is so rare to be immersed in a professional program that encapsulates the value of women and how it really matters in the world.

Marina
go

Non-Executive Director, Author and Chair

madison
de rozario

Australian Paralympian

sue
kench

Global Chief Executive, King & Wood Mallesons

sanushka
seomangal

Special Counsel, Thomas Greer

suzy
nicoletti

Managing Director, Twitter Australia

khajida
gbla

Award winning human rights activist, facilitator

Christine
lai

Chair, Women in Surgery, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

leigh
sales

Author, Journalist and Presenter ABC’s 7.30 Report

michelle
cowan

AFL Coach, 2013 Football Woman of the Year

eleni
mitakos

Acting Under Treasurer, Queensland Treasury

Tina
Arena AM

Australian singer-songwriter, record producer, actress and performing artist

fadak
alfayadh

Lawyer, Refugee and Commentator

dianne
mcgrath

Astronaut Candidate, Mars One

dame jenny
shipley DNZM

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

moana
hope

AFLW player

Jennifer
batrouney qc

President, Australian Bar Association

maha
sukkar

Multicultural Liaison Officer, Victoria Police

hima
tk

Founder, Inquibox and Data scientist for NASA Datanaut

jacqui
lambiE

Former Senator and Leader of the Jacqui Lambie Network

jessica
rowe

Author, TV Host and beyondblue ambassador

kIRsty
webeck

Comedian

The Australian Women's Leadership Symposiums are a national series of events focused on the experiences of women leaders in the contemporary workforce.

Held annually, in every state and territory, the Symposiums have been running for over ten years and have become the most highly attended women's leadership events in the country.