The Women's Table

Why was sex work the small business of choice for many women in nineteenth century Melbourne. And how different were the factors at play from those that apply today? We're delighted to be discussing these questions with award winning author Barbara Minchinton at our first event of the year. And how different were the factors at play from those that apply today? Engaged by the archaeology of Melbourne's brothels, Barbara has brought the lives and businesses of these women vividly to life in her book The Women of Little Lon. Barbara will share her reflections not only on how those women ran their businesses. She'll reflect on the structural gains women have made since, and leftover injustices based on the persistence of attitudes prevalent in nineteenth century Melbourne. And if you are lucky a signed copy of Little Lon may be yours. Past event.

She is known for her mosaics around the world and in Victoria for much loved Larry La Trobe, her bronze dog sculpture, who sits waiting for a pat in Melbourne's City Square. Pamela Irving is also responsible for the fabulous mosaics adorning Luna Park in St Kilda and regularly holds exhibitions highlighting both her own diverse art and that of other artists from her studio in Bentleigh. Pamela will join us at The Women's Table to talk about her work and how she combines art and business in her life. Numbers strictly limited. Book now for your seat at the table. Past event.

Network over lunch at The Women's Table and learn how you can combine creating real change in the world with a successful business.

Kerry Wilson, co-founder of the Put her Name On It campaign, will be sharing her insights from her own career as a gender equity & physical activity Changemaker. Amongst her favourite achievements is co-founding Put Her Name On It, the campaign to acknowledge women in statues and place names. She also persuaded the State Government to include gender equity in Place Naming, developed the Finding Her Commemorative Women's Tour, co-founded Women in Gippsland and more.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to be enlightened and inspired! Book your seat at the table here.

Fellow of the Institute of Public Relations of Australia, Angela Scaffidi worked at companies such as McKinsey & Company prior to establishing her own consultancy, now part of leading consultancy group, SenateSHJ. Angela also serves on boards such as McAuley Community Services for Women, and as chair of the Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN). So how did Angela develop her career and what are some of the tips she's learned along the way that you can apply to developing your own business? Learn more about Angela, and her approach to problem solving at the Women's Table - Tix here.

Cambodia offers a fascinating study of social change and resistance to colonial attempts to 'civilise' - not least through the legal system. Australian lawyer and consultant Dr Sally Low was able to observe the continuing legacy of French colonialism in Indo China during her years in international development. This included an extended period of time in the land of legendary marvels such as Angkor Wat and lead to Sally joining the global board of governance of a Cambodian women's organisation. Her new book Cambodia under the French - Colonial law making is informed by her experience as well as her academic interests. Reviewers say it's readily accessible for non-lawyers, and a vital addition to the conversation on the legacies of colonialism. Sally's experiences will also add to your understanding of international development opportunities.

Book your seat for a fascinating lunch with Sally here.

Past event Are you trying to grow your business? Are you finding networking with prospective clients a challenge? It’s important to find your own style in approaching clients and marketing your service offering. Over her career, Cecilia Hermana has had the opportunity to work with and lead smart teams, help organisations do better, and has been fortunate enough to be a part of some cool and ground-breaking stuff.

Join our conversation with Cecilia to explore different styles and reflect on your own approach over lunch at the Women’s Table. Book your seat by clicking here now.  

Past event. What has the referendum on The Voice to Parliament got to do with women in small business?

That's the question Sheena Watt MP for Northern Region, Parliamentary Secretary for Housing and Parliamentary Secretary for Volunteers will be speaking about at the Women's Table. Sheena will talk about why she sees small business and our networks down into communities as vital to the Yes Campaign as well as why she sees the referendum as crucial to ensuring First Nations people get a real say in their own future. Sheena will also take us on the ups and downs of the journey she's experienced herself as she dared to step up as an Indigenous woman, into the State Parliament and take action to make a difference in the world. To join Sheena over lunch at the Womens' Table: click here now.

Past event. Luz Restreppo arrived in Australia seeking asylum with minimal English, no Australian connections and little money. Despite this she reinvented herself as a social entrepreneur. In 2013 she established SisterWorks, a social enterprise which has supported more than 900 migrant women from 70 different countries and as CEO Luz achieved a turnover of $1.4 M by May 2020. Drawing on this wealth of experience with Corinne Kemp, Luz then founded Migrant Women in Business. Want to learn more about their work supporting leadership and economic success of migrant and refugee women? Join Luz over lunch at the Womens' Table: click here now.

Learn more about , and her approach to problem solving at the Women's Table - Tix here.

Past event. Want to write content that really adds sparkle to your business communications? Get ready to boost your business writing skills with Holly Cardamone, communications expert and author. Holly's latest book 'Writing with Moxie' builds on 'Tell your story -Build your brand and grow your business'. This time the focus is on how to make your story really speak to your audience. Writing with Moxie would make a great chrissie present and Holly is willing to sign copies for you - but will you be willing to let go of your copy? Reserve your seat at this special Women's Table lunch here.

Join us for our end of year celebration - exclusive to members of the Women's Table community.