Previous Events

Resilience and Wellbeing - Stories from the COVID Trenches

On Friday, 29 October 2020, Coleman Greig’s Women in Business forum gathered virtually and had the privilege of listening to two inspiring speakers.

One of Australia’s best-known media doctors, Dr Caroline West, who shared how she was ready to move to Bangalore, India at the start of this year but the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. She talked about her work on the frontline with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill, running respiratory clinics and managing patients with COVID at their homes. Caroline provided  her insights into how people are really feeling, and how we can stay well in such uncertain times with a particular focus on mental health.

Dr Caroline West also shared some wellness tips with the community including moderating and reducing your intake of social media and news, as well as the importance of getting out into nature and staying connected virtually.

We were also joined by Professor Sarah Palmer from the Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR) who passionately communicated her story and personal mission to find a cure for HIV and her latest work with developing a vaccine for COVID-19 to protect the elderly. WIMR is the only institute in Australia dedicated to developing a COVID-19 vaccine for this demographic and is well-placed for success due to the team’s expertise in vaccine development.

The hour was very inspiring and bought two very different, yet equally inspiring women together to discuss the pandemic from their unique perspectives and the lessons we can all take from their experiences.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Women in Business Virtual Inspiration Hour.

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.