Previous Events

Celebrating International Women’s Day With special guest Rosie Batty AO

POSTPONED - In light of the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, we have postponed our Women in Business event for the 20 March to a later date.

International Women’s Day with special guest speaker, Rosie Batty AO

On Friday, 13 March 2020, Coleman Greig’s Women in Business forum were graced with the presence of Australian domestic violence campaigner and the 2015 Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, who shared her personal story.

Rosie Batty knows pain no woman should have to suffer. Her son was killed by his father in a violent incident in February 2014, a horrendous event that shocked not only the nation, but the world. Since then Rosie has become an outspoken and dynamic crusader against domestic violence and was named Australian of the Year in 2015. Rosie has made the most of her position of influence, campaigning and advocating for necessary systemic and attitudinal change, to address the family violence epidemic.

CEO of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW, Danica Leys shared about the work the CWA are doing in the community to support those affected by the drought and the recent bushfires. The CWA of NSW also provides emergency funding to those facing a variety of traumatic circumstances including domestic violence.

We also celebrated the achievements of Western Sydney women and announced the winners of the Western Sydney University's Women of the West Awards at this special lunch.  

Through our collective efforts the Women in Business guests raised over $9,270 on the day for Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW.

Let’s Hear it for the Boys!

On Friday, 29 November 2019, Coleman Greig’s Women in Business forum were graced with the presence of three-time national triathlon champion, former World No.2, mother of five and CEO of 10x10 Philanthropy, Nici Andronicus, who shared her story of courage and the art of never giving up. As an athlete she had to jump many hurdles and endured personal battles, including supporting her husband through a rare form of brain cancer, which thankfully he survived. Her resilience truly inspired the entire Women in Business community.

Coleman Greig Principal Lawyer Rosemary Carreras, had the audience in stitches and tears when she shared a story close to her heart about her late father, Giuseppe who passed away in a tragic car accident.

Passionate Movember Ambassador and Doctor Isobelle Smith shared the heartbreaking story of how she lost her dad, Peter, to lymphoma. She reminded us of the importance of seeking help early, whether it be physical symptoms or a mental health condition.

Nici facilitated a panel discussion with singer/songwriter, actor and brain cancer survivor and advocate Johnny Ruffo. He spoke to attendees about how he survived brain cancer, using his music as a creative outlet. He reminded us that we can all play a small part in the bigger picture and that every little bit of help counts.

Coleman Greig Principal/Director Caroline Hutchinson, closed the lunch and announced that the Women in Business community has raised over $280,000 for various charities over the last 12 years. The Forum’s International Women’s Day speaker for 2020 will be Australian domestic violence campaigner and 2015 Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty. This special event will be held in conjunction with Western Sydney University’s Women of the West Awards at The Waterview Sydney Olympic Park on Friday, 13 March 2020.

Our amazing Women in Business guests raised over $6,000 on the day for Movember.

Women in Business Lunch with Natasha Stott Despoja AO

Every two minutes, police are called to a family violence matter. Every week, a woman is killed by a current or former partner. 

Women in Business guests joined us on Friday, 16 August 2019 for a lunch with keynote speaker; former Senator and leader of the Australia Democrats, Natasha Stott Despoja AO. A long-time advocate for gender equality, Natasha has turned her focus towards addressing one of the most insidious issues facing Australia today - violence against women.

Natasha's presentation provided an insight into her career highlights, including the work she has undertaken to help prevent violence against women; her first book "On Violence" which focusses on the important role of primary prevention; and her role as founding Chair of Our Watch, an organisation established to drive nationwide change in the structures, norms and practices that lead to violence against women and their children. 

We also heard from Lauren Huxley, the amazing young lady who survived a brutal attack in Western Sydney in 2005 and who has inspired everyone since with her determination and tenacity in the face of adversity.

Our amazing Women in Business guests raised $6,450 on the day for Our Watch.

As the first Australian law firm to gain White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation, Coleman Greig was proud to present this thought-provoking and inspiring event.

Read more about Women in Business with Natasha Stott Despoja.

The Story of Us: How working women have ‘accidentally’ revolutionised the world!

Wednesday 19 June saw attendees of Coleman Greig's 'The Story of Us' Women in Business signature event joined by keynote speaker, author, social commentator, columnist and Women in Leadership Walkley Award recipient Jane Caro as she shared her insights into the story of women in 2019 and how, whether we realise it or not, we have revolutionised the world that we live in.

Joining Jane on the evening was Cath Keenan, co-founder of the Story Factory and 2016 Australian of the Year Local Hero, who spoke to attendees about the incredible work being undertaken by the Story Factory in support of marginalised young people across Greater Sydney.  As part of her presentation, Cath spoke about one particular student, Vivian Pham, who had joined the Story Factory as part of a program which encouraged participants to write a short novel, but who went above and beyond in authoring a 90,000-word story, which has since been picked up by Penguin Publishing!

Following Cath's inspirational message focused on the support that the Story Factory gives young people across the Greater Sydney area, the room heard from Jane Caro, who spoke with passion and depth about her latest book 'Accidental Feminists', which explores how the world that women have been living in has transformed us into confident modern-day leaders - and how, almost in spite of ourselves, we've revolutionised the world.

Through dialogue best described as a discussion, Jane spoke of her personal journey towards feminism - a path first trodden by her mother, who ended up joining Jane as a fellow student when the pair attended university together thanks to the Whitlam Labor Government's abolishment of university fees in 1974.  Covering a wide range of topics, from the intergenerational liberation of women being bolstered by widespread access to the pill, the tampon and the pay check, through to the countless hurdles yet to be cleared by women in 2019, Jane's devotion to gender equality was one of the clear takeaway from the evening.

Jane's new book, 'Accidental Feminists', out now via Melbourne University Publishing, is both a celebration of grit, adaptability, energy and persistence, and a plea for future generations to keep agitating for a better, fairer world.