Soar Magazine - Issue 4

The Power to Change

We are honoured to take five with Rachael Sporn, Olympic medallist and Operations Manager of Port Adelaide Football Club AFLW program, as well as superstars of the inaugural side, Indy Tahau and Gemma Houghton.

04 Herstory in the Making

Delve into the wisdom that three times Olympic medallist, Rachael Sporn, has gained from a long career in elite sport, and the impact she’s looking to have in her new role with Port Adelaide AFLW.

12 Ancient Stories Retold

Proud Kaurna woman, Jakirah Telfer from Yellaka, takes us into her world of dance, story and song, and the meaning behind the inaugural Guernsey for Port Adelaide AFLW’s Indigenous Round.

16 Women to the Front

Be inspired by four dynamic female managers about their top jobs with Commbank, their journey to get to there, and the words of wisdom they have for anyone aspiring to reach the same level.

26 Meet the Makers

Gin lovers – rejoice! We take you behind the still to meet four exceptional female gin distillers who lovingly handcraft their unique recipes here in SA.

Did you say Roadtrip?

What You Need Most

Breaking into

FOUNDER + PUBLISHER + VISIONARY + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Carly Thompson-Barry carly@sawoman.com.au

Carly founded SA Woman, an organisation dedicated to the connection, showcasing and empowerment of women right across South Australia.

EDITOR + WRITER + INTERVIEWER

Jess McEachen jess@sawoman.com.au

DESIGNER

Erin Priestley, Red Pencil Designs erin@redpencildesigns.com.au

PRINTER

Kate Fleming, Inside Out Print and Signage kate@ipmservices.com.au

ADVERTISING + ACCOUNTS

hello@sawoman.com.au

For submission guidelines or contributions to future issues, please visit sawoman.com.au

ISSUE #4 COVER

Photography by Matt Sampson, featuring Indy Tahau, Rachael Sporn and Gemma Houghton from Port Adelaide Football Club.

ISSUE #4 CONTRIBUTORS

A huge thank you to our article contributors in this issue: Rachael Sporn, Indy Tahau, Gemma Houghton, Jakirah Telfer, Sally Gubbin, Natasha Greenwood, Kylie Allen, Cassandra Crawford, Casey Annetts, Christie Crouch, Felicity Brown, Jess James, Kelly Dawson-Fitzpatrick, Anna Roussos, Valeska Waldron, Sarah Henson, Shaona Imaru, Lauren Spear, Adèle Basheer, and Benigne Kalikela.

GET IN TOUCH

MEMBERSHIP sawoman.com.au/join

GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@sawoman.com.au

All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Opinions represented in Soar Magazine are not necessarily that of the publisher.

Soar Magazine is an independent magazine published by:

SA Woman Australia PO Box 1140, North Haven SA 5018

ABN: 43 635 351 825

SA Woman Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we're blessed to live, work, connect and read this magazine upon. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Welcome from Carly

When I first set about creating this magazine, it was about showcasing our South Australian women. It was about elevating them. It was about giving them a platform to shine. It was about inspiring others to believe in themselves, through seeing other women following their dreams.

It was an extension of all the work we do at SA Woman, inside one eye-catching cover. And I believe we have definitely done that with each issue so far.

As I reflected on and pondered our previous issues (excluding our Awards Special Edition, because that inspired the flavour of this one!), I realised I had fallen into the trap of doing things how they ‘should’ be done. What we should include. How it should look.

Recent months for me have been all about shedding the shoulds and coming back to who I am, what I stand for and what my mission is - just like many of the women inside this issue have done.

So, this issue and the future issues to come may be slightly different from what you would expect.

Instead of articles to purely educate, our pages are filled with the journeys, thoughts and stories of the women whose faces accompany them. They are a collection of the stories behind South Australia’s women.

Through sharing, we learn from each other. Through sharing, we can be inspired. Through sharing, we can look at these women and think - if she can, why can’t I?

From AFLW, to banking, to accommodation, to gin makers, to our young girls and everything inbetween. This edition is jam-packed, to give you inspiration any time you need it!

Keep it on the coffee table, in the bookshelf, or on your bedside table - so that any time you need a reminder of what is possible, you can turn its pages and believe that you truly are capable of anything.

There is one other thing I think is important. Togetherness. This collection of women’s stories inside the covers is symbolic of us coming together. Together, as women. Together, as we share and uplift each other. Together, as we see the rise of women in industries once dominated by or reserved for men. Together we made that change. And onwards, together we stand, cheering each other on and empowering one another to new heights.

The future is bright South Australia, let’s soar together!

Soaring Together

x Carly Thompson-Barry Founder of SA Woman Australia

Ask Carly and she'll tell you that the mission for SA Woman is clear. To come together as a collective, so that South Australian women in business and careers can soar higher than ever!

Pictured here are rising stars of Port Adelaide AFLW, Indy Tahau and Gemma Houghton, with Operations Manager, Rachael Sporn.

Herstory in the making

interview with RACHAEL SPORN

It’s an honour to take 5 with the one and only Rachael Sporn. A household name, Rachael is a highly decorated Australian basketball player, three times Olympic medallist, and she’s had a successful business career in sport with roles at Sport Integrity Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee. In a huge coup for women’s sport in our state, Rachael has now stepped into the role of Operations Manager of Port Adelaide’s AFLW program. We’re excited to delve into the wisdom she’s gained from a long career in elite sport, and the impact she’s looking to have in her new role.

Looking back on your sporting and business journey, can you pinpoint the moment where you knew that sport was going to be your career?

I was very fortunate to hold the role of CEO for the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation from 2012–2018, which was an incredibly rewarding job and gave me a great sense of purpose. However, in the late stages of 2017, I was looking for a change as my passion for sport kept resurfacing and I was keen to secure a role in the elite sporting environment.

I was blessed to be recruited by ASADA in 2018, in a new initiative where they were employing former athletes to be Clean Sport Educators. For 3 years I travelled Australia presenting to all different elite sporting codes on anti-doping and was in my element.

And of course, in March this year

I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Port Adelaide AFLW program as the Operations Manager. I am still in an elite sporting environment and travelling all over the country with this amazing team. Before my eyes, 30 strong, stoic young

women are collectively coming together and creating history with every week that passes - it doesn’t get any better!

You’ve spoken about how the strong community and family values drew you to being part of Port Adelaide. How do you look to foster that sense of family and strengthen the connections right across the playing group and the club?

The PAFC has done an incredible job of undertaking and committing to creating an environment where our female athletes flourish and are treated equally.

Port Adelaide has partnered with Metisphere (Organisational Psychology Consultants), to support the cultural integration of AFLW into the club which focuses on diversity, inclusion and belonging.

It has been wonderful to be part of these educational workshops which includes every single member of the club, from maintenance staff and volunteers to our President, David Koch. It is helping us to be a stronger and unified club by integrating our elite female athletes into our respectful culture.

Photo: Matt Sampson

It’s excellent to see women in the core leadership positions for Port’s AFLW side. How important do you think it is for this team of women to be led by women?

So important! We have a group of seven amazing women in our leadership positions. We want our AFLW players to see us as female advocates and role models and see how meaningful our work is in what has been a male-dominated environment.

Obviously, sport is filled with highs and lows. How have you stayed the course throughout the triumphs and the disappointments?

Sport is the same as life in that you will experience triumphs and disappointments. I was blessed to be part of an era in basketball where we experienced many highs and exquisite, euphoric moments. But mixed in along the way were extreme disappointments and angst, some so gut wrenching it made me question why I put myself in this situation.

But, it is my absolute love of sport that has driven me throughout my life to be both a participant and now an administrator. And I know it has been said so many times before, but you can only realise how sweet and delightful victory and success is by experiencing the hurt of losses and defeat.

And, it is my family, friends and fans that have helped me stay on course over my career. Sport unites so many people from all different walks of life and I feel so privileged that I have been part of elite sporting programs that have given so much joy to so many people.

I witnessed it only a couple of weeks ago at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney where I sat as a spectator and total fan rather than a player and could see firsthand the excitement and satisfaction the Opals’ performance brought to all those present. Sport is a beautiful thing.

We absolutely love that you have an ‘intense passion to develop and inspire the next generation of female athletes.’ For any young girls reading this, or parents of young girls, what would you love to say to them about making sport a career?

My first comment always is to try many different sports when you are young and see what you love the most. Like anything in life, it is so important that you love what you do. You will then have the passion and desire to pursue your goals in your chosen sport.

A cheeky question, but if AFLW was around when your basketball career was taking off, what would you have chosen – basketball, football, or both?!

It is a cheeky question, but a great question!! I wouldn’t change my basketball career for anything as it gave me so many incredible opportunities and life experiences. However, I would have loved to have been able to explore the football option later in my career.

There is no better example than Erin Phillips in this regard – having an exemplary basketball career and then showing us that despite not having the choice to continue playing football as a junior (that thankfully young girls are afforded now), she has been able to excel in her first true passion and will be immortalised as one of the greats of the game.

It is so encouraging that across all sporting codes, pathways are being created to ensure young, passionate athletes can follow their dreams. I was blessed to make sport my career and 18 years post retirement it is still giving back to me. If you are prepared to be dedicated, disciplined, and have the determination and desire to play sport at the elite level, then it is an opportunity you must explore!

Lastly, from your time in elite sport and business – what advice would you give to women wanting to succeed, no matter what arena they’re in?

Find and become a role model, create access to networks and opportunities, don’t be afraid to be self-promoting and take credit for your success.

“

THE PAFC HAS DONE AN INCREDIBLE JOB AT UNDERTAKING AND COMMITTING TO CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE OUR FEMALE ATHLETES FLOURISH AND ARE TREATED EQUALLY… IT IS HELPING US TO BE A STRONGER AND UNIFIED CLUB BY INTEGRATING OUR ELITE FEMALE ATHLETES INTO OUR RESPECTFUL CULTURE.”

“IT IS MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS THAT HAVE HELPED ME STAY ON COURSE OVER MY CAREER. SPORT UNITES SO MANY PEOPLE FROM ALL DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE AND I FEEL SO PRIVILEGED THAT I HAVE BEEN PART OF ELITE SPORTING PROGRAMS THAT HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH JOY TO SO MANY PEOPLE.”

Photo: Matt Sampson

A staron the rise

interview with INDY TAHAU

Indy Tahau has been given the chance to return to South Australia where it all began for her. Another momentous occasion for someone who’s already achieved so much at such a young age. From being named ‘Best On Ground’ in the 2019 SANFLW Grand Final when she was just 16, to then being drafted to Brisbane and winning the Premiership in 2021, where she lined up alongside Lauren Arnell who is now her Head Coach! Indy is already well known for being a talented member of the Port Adelaide backline. Here we dive deeper into Indy’s backstory, how she’s balanced professional sport and life, and the woman she admires most in footy.

Ahuge congratulations to you Indy on being part of the very first Port Adelaide AFLW squad! How did it feel to find out you’d be pulling on the #10 guernsey in this historic season?

Yes! To be the very first women and pull on the inaugural number 10 jersey has been an absolute honour. I am privileged to be a part of a very special season so far and having experienced every part of this incredible journey.

You broke into SANFLW while you were still in high school – what advice do you have for girls in school who are reading this, who have dreams of playing footy for Port Adelaide too?

My first season in SANFLW was filled with challenges, decisions for school and outside hobbies as a teenager in her final year. At a young age I was able to separate the choices and balance my fun and school with footy. For me, keeping footy to a fun, goofy, happy place where I could get away and indulge in all the emotions of sport kept my career streaming upwards. I put the effort into making training, games and the entire environment so enjoyable where I just loved getting away to it. Keep your hobbies as hobbies and the hard work will naturally want to follow. To this day, that is how Port makes me feel.

Can you take us back to before your AFLW career started. You grew up playing rugby and then switched codes – what drew you to playing football and wanting to reach the elite level?

Before my AFLW career or even SANFLW, I was only involved in footy for one amateur league season. Rugby has been my main sport since I was a kid and all

throughout primary school. At 14 years old I reached a point where there was no longer an age group for girls in rugby and I had to wait two seasons before continuing.

In the meantime, I switched straight over to netball as this was the nearest and most accessible sport at the time. During my two netball seasons I was convinced to come along and try footy, as they actually did have a young women's league.

Since the moment I was able to play the physical but skillful sport again, I was determined to bring across my existing abilities from rugby and other sports to my footy. For me, I have been chasing the greatest version of an AFL athlete I can make out of myself, and since then I've come pretty far.

Lastly, who are the women that you look up to in the game and why do they inspire you?

Gemma Houghton. From my time spent with her so far, I have been truly inspired. On the field as a defender, I trained and played against her throughout the preseason, and this grew my physicality, mindset, fitness and ability to a whole other level. Off-field she has connected and led our group in a very positive and hardworking way in such a short amount of time. Through her own personal challenges, she has been extremely dedicated and committed to all areas of a successful working team. She’s inclusive, happy, driven, determined and enjoyable to be around.

Photo: Matt Sampson

HAVE A BIG PASSION FOR YOUNG INDIGENOUS YOUTH, IN PARTICULAR WITH FOOTY NOW AND LOVE WORKING WITH YOUNG ATHLETES TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND GIVE THEM HOPE THAT THEY TOO CAN ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS AND DREAMS, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE. I SEE IT AS A PRIVILEGE TO BE A POSITIVE ROLE MODEL IN THE COMMUNITY.”

“I

Photo: Matt Sampson

Kicking goals on & off the field

Herstory in the making

interview with GEMMA HOUGHTON

Fans celebrated the news that Gemma Houghton would join the inaugural Port Adelaide AFLW side after six seasons with Fremantle and as a two time all-Australian. Widely regarded as one of the most prolific attacking players in the league, we’re excited to watch her highlights reel grow here in SA! We talk with Gemma about her history-making goal, the big decision to leave her home state, and the incredibly strong cultural and community ties Gemma has.

Congratulations Gemma on not only being a star of Port’s inaugural AFLW side – but kicking their first ever goal! How did it feel to create that piece of history as you slotted it through against the Eagles?

It’s a big moment in history for this club and I’m proud to have played my part. I don’t think it really sank in straight away but it’s a huge honour and I couldn’t have done it without the girls.

You made the occasion extra special by celebrating with Auslan signs – can you tell us how this came about and let us know more about your community work through Port Adelaide?

It was a very special moment for me. A few weeks prior I was fortunate enough to help deliver the first Auslan session with the students and it was such an amazing session. I made a promise to the kids that I would do it and I am happy they got to see that promise kept.

Since then, you’ve unfortunately been sidelined with an ankle injury you sustained in the second round. How do you deal with the disappointments and obstacles that have come up through your career?

It’s been challenging but I have really focused these last few weeks on the things I can control and how I can apply to put myself in the best position for the team on and off the field. The rehab has progressed really well and I should be back on the track for the last few games with the girls.

A proud Yindjibarndi woman, it’s been a big move for you to come from your home state to play here in Adelaide. But, I also loved finding out that you’ve been a Port supporter since you were a kid and finally get to wear the teal yourself!

What have you learnt from this transition and what would love to pass onto other women needing to make a leap of faith?

It was a big decision to make after spending six seasons with Fremantle. However, it has been one of the best ones I have made and I feel really connected to this club and group of girls.

One thing I have learnt is sometimes you have to take a step into the unknown and close certain doors for others to be open, and I believe this is all a part of my journey in life to be here at Port Adelaide.

Funnily enough I did grow up supporting Port. I had some neighbourhood friends who were and still are die-hard Port Fans and at a young age I followed them and continued to support the teal as I got older.

We loved reading your profile to discover that you’re ‘affectionately known as ‘Aunty’ – coming from both your warm, maternal nature and Indigenous roots’. You’ve spoken about how you have worked a lot with Indigenous youth in WA. How would you love to help young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids here in SA?

I have a big passion for young Indigenous Youth, in particular with footy now and love working with young athletes to reach their full potential and give them hope that they too can achieve their goals and dreams, no matter what they are. I see it as a privilege to be a positive role model in the community.

MEET AN SA WOMAN

Telling story through song, dance & language

interview with JAKIRAH TELFER

The unveiling of the Port Adelaide Indigenous Round Guernsey. Port Adelaide AFLW players Gemma Houghton, Litonya and Laquioya Cockatoo-Motlap with guernsey designers Jakirah and Tikana Telfer.

Photo: Matt Sampson

Jakirah Telfer is from the Mullawirra Meyunna – the dry forest people/family clan, which is known today as the Kaurna nation from the Adelaide region. Also from her father’s side, she has strong bloodline ties to the Narrunga nation (Yorke Peninsula). From her mother’s side, her ancestral lines were broken, stolen generation from Ooldea. Jakirah is a lead dancer and cultural sharer in Yellaka dance group. Yellaka – a language word meaning “old wisdom, new ways” – is the fusion of ancient traditional and contemporary Aboriginal dance, song, and story telling. Yellaka supports young Aboriginal people to connect to their culture and identity, as they will be the custodians and bearers of their stories and culture for future generations.

We felt so blessed and honoured to have Jakirah and her sister Tikana perform the Greeting to Spirit of Place to open our 2022 SA Woman Awards. The stillness that came over the room and the power and connection of their performance was both moving and memorable. In this interview, you can feel the connection Jakirah has with her culture, and the strength she draws upon from her ancestral lines. Jakirah takes us behind the performance and we also discover the meaning behind her and Tikana’s design of the inaugural Guernsey for Port Adelaide AFLW’s Indigenous Round.

Can you tell us about the process of choosing the right performance for each event you are involved in? How are you called to create and share each one?

We choose dances for the people who we are sharing them with. At the SA Woman Awards night, my sister Tikana and I chose to share the Parrabarra dance. Parrabarra sings about the Kutti, the quandong. In our culture, from the dry forest clan, the women are the sun, so this song is singing to the sun to ripen up the kutti for our women to go out and pick. The dance is us as two sisters holding our kurus (wooden dishes), travelling to collect the quandongs, returning together to the circle, where we come from. The Parrabarra song was sleeping, not being sung for over 100 years, but now we sing and dance Parrabarra. We feel that this dance connected with that event.

We had over 500 people there that night, but that’s nowhere near the biggest events you’ve performed at! What are some of the most memorable performances you’ve had and the favourite people you’ve met in your travels?

I would say I’ve met a number of people some may consider famous, but the people I have really connected with are the people who are grounded in

culture and community. The people who make a difference in people’s lives every day for the greater good of humanity.

I love to learn from, connect and share with people of culture from all over the world – people in sports, politics, the arts, music, climate change, environment, community people and leaders.

A memorable experience for me would be going to Vanuatu. It was a highlight of growing up in Yellaka, and we were incredibly humbled to be one of the two international guests to be invited to the Wan Smol Bag Theatre’s 35th anniversary. We were able to fundraise money to stay on for extra days after the celebration.

Jakirah Telfer performing the Parrabarra dance at the 2022 SA Woman Awards.

Photo: Heidi Wolff

We were immersed in culture, learning language, and song and dance, and making lifelong friendships that I will never forget.

In 2018, we also met and shared a dance with Ed Sheeran, and he was incredibly humble.

Yellaka was founded by your mum and dad, Sonia Waters and Karl Telfer in 2015. How has dance and storytelling played a part in your life before and after this?

I’ve grown up dancing with my dad since I was two years old, right up until now. Telling story through song, dance and language will always be a part of my life, it’s who I am. We are still here, our culture is still breathing as the oldest unbroken thread of culture on the planet, for thousands of generations. I am one of those generations now. I feel the connectedness and the realisation of that when I dance.

Dancing and singing, I carry the culture and stories of my grandmothers, my ancestral lines from both my father’s and my mother’s sides. That comes with great responsibility, as us younger ones are going to be the custodians and bearers of our stories and culture for our future generations.

That is why Yellaka was created, to encourage and inspire our young people to become strong in their culture and identity, to learn from and listen to the old people.

When you dance with Yellaka, who do you dance for? What do you draw upon to create the energy, connection and depth in your performances?

When I dance, I honour my teachers and their teachings. I dance for the story that each dance represents. Our women’s honouring dance pays homage and respect to the women who have paved the way for us to be where we are today. When we do our honouring dance, I do it for women like my mum and my nan, representing their lived experiences. I dance to show strength in myself, my people and my culture.

You and your sister Tikana were also the artists who designed the inaugural Guernsey for Port Adelaide AFLW’s Indigenous Round this year, which I imagine must have been an incredible moment for you when it was unveiled! As a proud Kaurna woman, a footy player yourself and a Port Adelaide fan, what did this mean to you?

I am honoured and humbled, as is my sister. To be a part of the history making that is Port Adelaide, the inaugural Guernsey, team, and the first and only win of the season being Indigenous Round is so special for us. It was surreal seeing the team run out in our Guernsey, but spending the time to tell the story and explain the meaning behind it to the women with ceremony and cultural sharing was the highlight for us.

Photo: Matt Sampson

Can you explain to us about the meaning behind the elements we see in the Guernsey?

‘Kari Karra’ is the name of our Guernsey design. It shares story of the emu and its egg, it talks about their connection to the women, the rock, the water, the stars, the lightning, and the game of football.

Port Adelaide Football Club is situated on the plains where the karis – the emus – used to roam. Emus only walk forwards, never backwards, so the emu tracks guide the players forwards, signifying a new beginning for the first Port Adelaide AFLW team. Karis are one of the few animals that are independent from the moment they are born, the PAFCW team are the exemplars of that. Purle womma is the star plain, the stars surrounding the emu on the design, where celestial song travels through creation time. The women are represented by certain stars that hold strong munaintya (dreaming). The AFLW team, they’ll be playing under the stars, under the milky way, our ancestors watching over them. The stars come together connected as sisters, the players come together connected as sisters.

The Muka-Kari (the emu egg) in the stars marks the centre of the milky way, the footy in the centre circle, the circle where our culture began and where this game begins. The emu egg lays across the back of the Guernsey, as it does in the sky, sitting underneath the emu. In the same way the male emu nurtures the egg, the men have nurtured the game.

But now it’s time for the women, time for the lightning to break through, the power to break through.

And lastly, the Kari woppa – emu feathers – are ancient in this sharing. The two feathers, one on the front of the Guernsey and one on the back, are symbolic of the coming together, joined as one, two feathers sharing that one quill.

You’ve gone from participating in Port Adelaide’s Aboriginal programs throughout your schooling to now delivering these types of programs for the club. What are you looking to achieve through this, and what do you most want to pass on to the school kids you meet?

As a former participant in the programs that Port Adelaide offer, to now working with the club to deliver these programs, presents a great opportunity. I graduated from these programs as a young person two years ago, so I feel that I feel quite relatable to the young people. Working with the club combines and ignites my passions in culture, sport and community.

Lastly, right now – what is the message you would most love to pass on to the SA Woman community?

I would encourage women to continue to use their sphere of influence to bring about more change for women.

MEET AN SA WOMAN

From left to right, meet Sally Gubbin, Natasha Greenwood, Kylie Allen and Cassandra Crawford.

Women to the

It’s inspiring and empowering to discover that CommBank has so many women in top leadership roles, and that the face of banking has well and truly changed from what was traditionally a male-dominated space. Here we speak to four dynamic female managers about their top jobs, their journey to the role they’re now in, and the words of wisdom they have for anyone aspiring to reach the same level.

What obstacles have you had to overcome and what are the main lessons you’ve learned as you’ve risen up through the ranks?

Cassandra: The key lesson I have learnt is about opening up and sharing my successes and failures.

It’s helpful to be open and transparent as you progress your career, have a mentor and network of colleagues you can lean on for support.

Ensure those networks will not simply agree with you – don’t surround yourself with ‘yes’ people, make sure they will challenge you.

Shadow other leaders and/or senior colleagues – it’s amazing what you can learn attending a joint meeting with these people. This includes everything from positioning a tough situation to delivering great news.

You will come up against difficult people at times. As long as you remain open, be yourself, and have a positive intention, you will be able to navigate these challenging situations.

Sally: I’ve learnt you don’t need to be like everyone around you. When I first started my career in banking, differences and diversity were not necessarily appreciated or recognised.

We now acknowledge the value of diversity – diversity of gender, diversity of experience in life and work, and diversity of thought.

I’ve learnt to have confidence to ask that extra question or suggest a different approach. Remember, what’s the worst that can happen?

What are the changes you’ve witnessed for women in banking since you began your career?

Natasha: The banking industry has been a leader in innovation, adapting to changing community expectations and creating workplaces where everyone can be their best. For me, some of the most impactful changes over my 30 years in the industry have been the introduction of flexible working arrangements, the focus on diversity and inclusivity, and the opening up of new and exciting career paths.

Early in my career, as a solo parent of three boys, the rigid nature of work was a real challenge. Today, I see the industry embracing flexible work including part-time, casual, job share and hybrid arrangements. This means that as your life circumstances change, your work arrangements can too. I’ve taken advantage of flexible work arrangements for much of the last 10 years and this has allowed me to be the best version of myself – both at home and at work.

The focus on diversity and inclusivity has had a huge impact on women, and this has seen the creation of dedicated mentoring and sponsorship programmes, the articulation of clear diversity commitments, and the emergence of some fantastic development opportunities. This is giving more women the opportunity to expand their networks, progress into more complex roles and to ensure that teams reflect the community they serve.

When I started in banking, the standard ‘ladder’ career path meant you usually started through the branch network and progressed based on time in role.

Today, careers are much more lattice-like with many wonderful and varied options depending on your interests. Career options today include serving customers directly or indirectly in a variety of roles and complexity, leading small and large teams, developing new solutions for customers, keeping customers safe including cyber and risk management roles, or working on strategies for the future. There really is a career path in banking for almost everyone.

Kylie: I started my career in retail banking working in branches, where women traditionally worked across many roles, with limited leadership opportunities. I moved into business banking where I’ve since spent the majority of my 30+ year career.

Initially I found it to be a quite a male-dominated part of banking. However, the banking industry has changed a great deal over the years and I’ve been fortunate to work for CommBank for the past 15 years, where I’ve been given many opportunities to grow my career.

The differences that I have seen during my career are the opportunities for women, particularly in leadership and the investment in our growth and capabilities. Certainly there is an understanding and flexibility offered to both women and men that careers and children can both co-exist and even flourish under the right circumstances. There is appreciation that we have value to add and there are many seats at the table for us.

What new dimensions do you feel women bring to leadership and executive roles?

Sally: A very balanced approach! Often the challenges of balancing work and life commitments encourages women to develop efficient operating rhythms with a focus on what matters most. Women leaders are often empathetic and creative in their problem solving.

What excites you most about the future with women holding a greater percentage of the top jobs in banking?

Kylie: I want banking to be seen as a strong career choice for women at whatever point in their life, where they can have a full, rewarding career that values them and their contribution. I am so excited that when we look to the future there will be even more examples of successful women achieving great things in the industry!

Sally: A change in team dynamics in leadership teams that better represents the make-up of our wider teams and our customers. With more diverse leadership, we can better consider the needs and opportunities for our staff and customers, leading to more equitable and flexible working arrangements and better financial services for women.

What have been the biggest highlights of your career in banking?

Cassandra: In my career, I am extremely proud of the path I have taken that has led me to this point. In my early years as a branch teller, I developed a keen interest in Business Banking. This motivated me to apply for junior support roles in Business Banking, which then led to senior business development roles, and finally to leadership.

Having two beautiful children through this journey was not easy at times (especially when flexible work was not common), but this passion continued to drive me through the challenges.

The biggest highlight for me is the ability to showcase and advocate for South Australia in a state leadership position. I sit at the table with a national cohort which allows me to share the incredible success stories of this wonderful state. We have incredible talent and amazing businesses here in South Australia, and I am extremely proud to support my team and our clients in their success.

Natasha: I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to have 17 different roles at CommBank without ever having to leave the one organisation.

As a proud South Australian, my current role sees me leading a team of committed bankers and leaders in regional communities across SA, WA and NT, a role which I have a real passion for.

There have been many career highlights but overwhelmingly it is the relationships with my teams and customers which have been so special. It has been incredibly rewarding to see people I’ve worked with realise their potential and achieve success, and to have been able to support many long-standing customers both through the best of times, but also when things have been more difficult. This has been especially so during major emergencies like the recent bushfires, drought and the Covid pandemic.

What advice would you give to any women aspiring to work in leadership roles in the banking industry?

Cassandra: Be comfortable with the unknown. As leaders, we often say we are in the people business. I have learned that in leadership it is beyond the technical; leadership is all about the elevation of your team.

Through my banking career, I have worked for different organisations. Even though the fundamentals of banking are the same, the ways in which each organisation delivers this is very different.

I have become very comfortable with not having to know it all, being humble and curious, ensuring I’m a keen listener and then leaning on the networks I have created to help source the solution.

Being a successful leader is about empowerment, helping people to be motivated and energised to deliver superior outcomes for themselves and their clients.

Natasha: There are so many wonderful female leaders currently working in banking who are keen to share their experiences and who want to support those looking to embark on a career in financial services. Reach out directly, via social media and at events, and build your network. We love to connect and share our love of this industry and we welcome those with diverse backgrounds.

You can also have a look at FINSIA, our industry association for more information. Each of the banks also have excellent material on their websites about career opportunities.

Leadership skills developed in other industries are readily transferrable to banking.

Kylie: Jump in and give me a call, as I would love to help. The training and breadth of leadership roles in banking are significant and they give you great grounding around leadership, people management, financial management, risk governance – and the list goes on. Variety is what I get every day – which I love. After four years in my current role, I am still learning and growing which is what keeps me motivated to do more and be more for my team and our customers. CBA, in particular, is filled with exceptional people, so please reach out as there are many of us who would love to assist with finding the right path in what is a very rewarding industry.

I’m sure you’ve helped your clients pivot and evolve throughout the pandemic! What do you feel will bring success to businesses in these coming years as we move on from these tumultuous times?

Cassandra Crawford, Executive Manager, Commonwealth Private: The Covid pandemic taught us to pivot quickly, be agile in our decision-making, and to lean on our communities. The pandemic has demonstrated how people can work together to overcome problems. This is done by having a diverse network around you who can provide diversity of thought and even share best practice. This is an invaluable part of any successful business. Businesses that challenge the status quo and maintain effective working cultures will continue to deliver success in the years to come.

We absolutely love the sound of CommBank’s Women in Focus! Can you tell us more about how and why you love to champion women in business, and your role as an ambassador in this program?

Kylie Allen, General Manager Commercial Banking and Major Client Group SA: CBA Women in Focus supports women at all stages of their business journey. We believe in celebrating the real stories of women in business and sharing both the successes and challenges that we all face. We help women reach their business goals by providing practical tools and learning programs and fostering trusted connections with like-minded women.

I have been so fortunate to be involved in this program since its inception and have seen wonderful first-hand connections made that have made a real difference to women and their business ventures. I love Women in Focus as it shines a light on the amazing things that women do and encourages other women to step forward too. I’m very proud to work for CommBank, an organisation that understands the value and importance of women in business.

From your experience, what unique skills and abilities do you believe women bring to future planning and strategic thinking in business?

Natasha Greenwood, General Manager Regional and Agribusiness Banking SA, WA and NT: The benefit of having such a diverse and inclusive workplace is that so many skills, attributes and perspectives are brought to the table in the pursuit of a common goal. This diversity might be based on education, lived personal and professional experiences, cultural background or something else.

Having more women with a voice at the table ensures that decisions are based on the widest perspectives available which capture the experiences, thoughts and expectations of teams, customers and the community. This is something I enjoy seeing come to life every day at CommBank.

What mindset and skills do you believe women in banking need to thrive through difficult market conditions and other major changes?

Sally Gubbin, Regional General Manager Customer Service Network, SA/NT Regional Manager: Confidence. Women need to feel confident in their ability to contribute, to speak up and to challenge the norm. If this is challenging, seek help through a mentor, sponsor or coach – there are many who are happy to help. Remember the value that exists in diversity and celebrate diverse contributions.

The celebrations

of leadership & challenges

Here we meet Casey Annetts, Regional Manager Small Business Metro at NAB, who took the leap of faith to move interstate with no connections, and has now become one of SA’s biggest advocates for keeping talent here and supporting our incredible array of small businesses!

Congratulations Casey on being the People’s Choice Recipient for The Leadership Award at the 2022 SA Woman Awards! You’re known for being a progressive leader with a love of collaboration – what do you find most fulfilling about being in leadership?

Easily the relationships you get to build with different people from different backgrounds. You become part of their journey both personally and professionally, so you get to experience challenges, growth, milestones, and success. Leadership often means you are putting others ahead of yourself and one of the biggest parts of being successful is learning not to be intimidated by other people’s success around you, but instead celebrating this or being the enabler that helps push this to the next level.

Every day in my role is different, so the diversity of the role itself is another element I enjoy, alongside the fast pace of the banking environment. The business is always evolving to meet the needs of customers, so it requires a strong ability to pivot quickly to be able to deliver. I love being challenged by others and gaining different perspectives. I’m lucky to work alongside some of the best bankers in the Adelaide marketplace right now that motivate me to lift my performance to the next level. Success is so much sweeter when you get to celebrate it with a great bunch of people that are all running in the same direction.

You took a leap of faith and moved 11 hours to a new state, with no connections in the beautiful country town of Clare. What advice do you have to give other women who are offered an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone?

Firstly, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. To be offered an opportunity in the first place means someone else believes in your ability, so make it your duty to deliver for that person.

Think beyond the opportunity and the role itself, to see what else this can provide for you personally.

Perhaps it's new networks, growth opportunities, exploring a new place or a fresh start, or chance to reset.

Reflection is a good tool to give you some perspective as well, so thinking back to a time or place where you were pushed outside of your comfort zone and the results of this to get you where you are today.

Some other simple tips would be stop taking yourself so seriously! Learn to be able to have a laugh when you make a mistake or adjust your perception of failure. Most people see failure as a setback, try seeing it as a learning experience to set you up for your next challenge.

I love that you’re now such an advocate for SA and keeping our talent here! How easy have you found it to recruit locals and what do you want to tell people who think that the Eastern states are the only place to go for career advancement?

Attracting and retaining the right talent is a challenge for any business right now. Covid has led to reshuffling, reinventing and reassessing for many people around what they want their 9–5 to look like. So, without me saying anything, I think people are less drawn to the Eastern states as people prioritise lifestyle and wellbeing more than ever before.

My approach to recruitment is not traditional at all and this is perhaps a reflection of what I have experienced throughout my career when applying for roles. The number of times I was told that I was too young, not experienced enough, hadn’t done enough study, or wouldn’t fit the mould was character building to say the least. I am a firm believer in pursuing candidates that display transferrable skillsets, strong drive, motivation and hunger, and display diversification of opinion and life experience. I think it is a fine art of putting people in the right place at the right time and taking responsibility for the investment you have made as a leader, whether that be through training, mentoring or coaching. When people feel capable, they feel empowered to deliver resulting in some spectacular outcomes for your customers and business.

Being part of this group ourselves we’re a little bit biased, but I feel like you’re working with the best bunch being involved with small business owners! What are some of your most memorable or proud moments you’ve had from working with small business?

Being able to bring bankers back locally to both Metro and Regional areas of South Australia to support thousands of business owners, particularly during the height of the pandemic. I am proud of selecting the right people to be able to execute this vision for our customers and knowing that we have been an integral part of their journey over the last 2 years is very rewarding.

Each week I am out visiting different customers and I am often privileged enough that they share insight into their background, family, business journey, next challenge or industry. This part of my role has given me so much

perspective and experience over the last few years. The level of resilience of Small Business owners continues to astound me daily and it has me fully invested in supporting this segment in South Australia to the level of trying to influence others to do the same. I often find myself driving out of my way to visit a new business, selecting only produce grown in South Australia or sharing business marketing via my own platforms to help attract new customers.

What advice would you love to share with other women looking to advance their careers in leadership, particularly in the banking and finance sector?

Get yourself a personal board of directors – a sounding board when it comes to your professional development and career. These are people you trust that are interested in seeing you succeed, can give you unfiltered feedback and help you make informed decisions.

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard –if your path is leadership, it will take hard work, sacrifice and patience. Treat each role as a building block to getting to where you need to be and ensure you are really driving what you need from that role to set you up for your next challenge. Be selective and deliberate in choosing the right role for you to ensure you are moving in the right direction based on the timeline you have set for yourself. Most importantly, be flexible with your approach as no doubt you will experience some speed bumps along the way!

Focus on your wellbeing and start building healthy habits now – to be able to be an effective leader for others, you need to be able to show up as the best version of yourself each day so my advice is to prioritise your wellbeing including nutrition, exercise, sleep and mindfulness. Often you become time poor as a leader so discipline through planning in advance will be crucial, including simple things like meal prepping on weekends, putting your gym clothes out the night before, spending 1–2 hours on a weekend reviewing the week that was or time blocking your calendar to eat lunch away from your desk.

CONNECT WITH CASEY ANNETTS NAB.COM.AU

Blazing a trail

for better banking

interview with CHRISTIE CROUCH

Congratulations for being a trailblazer at Police Credit Union as their first female executive, and when you were under 30 – power move! What did you learn by stepping into this high-level role as a young woman in business?

Being new to the industry it was a steep learning curve. I learnt to not put too much pressure on myself to always have the answers or take on every task, and instead utilise the experience and expertise within my team. I have always asked a lot of questions and I believe you can never ask a silly question. It’s worse to assume you know all the answers and then make an ill-informed decision.

I also learnt never to be complacent. In such a fast-paced industry you need to continually adapt, innovate, and find ways to be competitive.

You’ve now been an Exec for over 10 years and since gone on to have three beautiful cherubs. I love that you’ve been able to maintain and shape your role to fit in with raising your family. What advice do you have to pass on to other women who perhaps have thought the top jobs are out of reach because they have young children or are looking to start a family?

It will always be a challenge managing your career and a young family, and mum guilt can poke its head up at any time. I schedule my days and manage my workload in a way that still allows me time to be present at events that I know my kids will appreciate I’m there for, whether it’s Sports Day, Book Week or volunteering at their school/childcare.

If you have a family or want to start one, work for an organisation that genuinely values its people and encourages a good work life balance, that enables you to go and support your kids when you want to. My biggest advice is to find the flexibility where you can still be a Mum and have your career as you don’t want to miss your kids’ important milestones – as you can’t get those back. Just because the role isn’t set up in the way you want it to be now, doesn’t mean that you can’t ask for a structure and flexibility that will work for you and the organisation. Whether it is working later, starting earlier, or working from home. Be clear on what you want. If you get your job done, meet your KPIs, then you should be able to get the right flexibility and support.

Reflecting on your career in leadership, what have been the highlights or moments you’ve been most proud of?

I’ve been very fortunate to have held Executive Management positions at Police Credit Union in People and Culture, Products and Brand, Marketing and Communications, which has enabled me to develop skills across different areas within the business.

I’m proud that Police Credit Union is the most recognised credit union brand in South Australia as this demonstrates that we are delivering compelling customer value propositions and targeted media strategies.

To strengthen our brand, a major highlight has been our recent launch of a new refreshed Police Credit Union logo to appeal to a broader audience, incorporate our local presence in SA and NT, and pay homage to our proud police heritage. In addition, the new logo (and all of our creative) is developed in house instead of using an external agency. I’ve loved insourcing our creative and developing my team to achieve high performance outcomes.

Another career highlight is the development of the Community, Environment, Employee Engagement and Diversity Committee, of which I am Chair.

The committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of ongoing initiatives reflecting Police Credit Union’s commitment to community, social responsibility and reducing our environmental impact. The Committee remains focused on enhancing employee engagement and diversity and building on an inclusive and proactive culture in the achievement of sustainable and superior customer experience outcomes.

We have donated over $6 million to community initiatives, implemented our carbon reduction strategy to maintain our carbon neutral status, and continue to have leading industry employee satisfaction results.

You would have also had your share of challenges to work through this past decade, including leading through a pandemic! How have the obstacles and difficult times helped you to grow within your role?

Obstacles do make you stronger in the long term. With each challenge faced, I’ve been able to learn more and review what we could do better. I’ve continued to focus on learning and development to improve my knowledge in marketing, but also other areas of the business to strengthen my impact and contribution, including cyber, finance, customer experience and employee engagement.

The pandemic has helped fine tune business continuity plans, determine alternative and effective work structures including allowing greater flexibility, and enabled us to develop strategies to effectively bounce back from setbacks. Being focused, bold, agile, and resilient has been fundamental over the past few years. Obstacles have helped us focus on how to improve our teams’ engagement and satisfaction at work. We have regular meetings (including walking WIPs), team building sessions, mindfulness practices, and a focus on personal and professional development opportunities.

Looking to the future – what part do you feel women in leadership will play in the success of the banking and finance industry?

The great thing about finance is that it offers a broad range of job opportunities through a variety of departments including retail, IT, accounting, risk, compliance, marketing, or lending to name a few. There are a lot of professional, highly skilled and talented females out there, and as they see that you can have a successful career in finance, while having a family through flexible arrangements, I look forward to seeing more female leaders within the industry.

Christie Crouch is Executive Manager Brand, Marketing & Communications at Police Credit Union.

You can’t take great photos on your phone, right?

Did you know there is an Indoor Plant & Giftware store in the back streets of Victor Harbor? Cnr

What if I told you that you could?

contact@charlieandjack.com.au facebook.com/charlieandjack instagram.com/charlieandjack.com.au charlieandjack.com.au

CHARLIE & JACK has a wide selection of Indoor plants (already repotted for you and given a human name!), plant care products, ceramics, planters and baskets. Along with a great range of giftware including candles, jewellery, cards, puzzles and more! Gift vouchers and eGift cards are available too!

I’ve been a photographer for almost a decade and I passionately believe in the value that professional brand photographs

Come and receive one on one service to choose the right plant for your space, or contact us about our plant "Repotting & Spa Service", Delivery, Consultations or Plant Hire!

But you can’t have a photographer with you all the time. I have loads of tips and tricks that will help you take beautiful shots with the best camera there is…. the one you have with you all the time, your phone!

Here are my tips for great phone pics.

No really! Turning on your grid will enable you to see gridlines when taking a photo,

My top tip: Reduce the exposure before you snap!

Tap the screen to focus Slide the sun icon to set exposure where you prefer

Like these tips? Let me teach you to take great photos on your phone with my new guide The Memory Gift - jam packed with tips and tricks to make your business stand out!

Scan and use code SAWOMAN for a 10% discount.

To beat this, tap and hold the screen until the AE/AF LOCK symbol appears (for iPhone) or the padlock symbol closes (for Android). Then adjust exposure and focus as desired - those settings will lock into place and even if something (or someone!) moves while you take the shot, the exposure and focus will stay the same.

Read the full version of this article for more tips at

www.sawoman.com.au/blog/

You can’t take great photos on your phone, right?

What if I told you that you could?

I’ve been a photographer for almost a decade and I passionately believe in the value that professional brand photographs can add to your offering.

But you can’t have a photographer with you all the time. I have loads of tips and tricks that will help you take beautiful shots with the best camera there is…. the one you have with you all the time, your phone!

Here are my tips for great phone pics. Don't go off grid! No really! Turning on your grid will enable you to see gridlines when taking a photo,

My top tip: Reduce the exposure before you snap!

Tap the screen to focus Slide the sun icon to set exposure where you prefer

Like these tips? Let me teach you to take great photos on your phone with my new guide The Memory Gift - jam packed with tips and tricks to make your business stand out!

Scan and use code SAWOMAN for a 10% discount.

helping you get key lines straight before you snap. The result is a much more appealing image with straight lines.

Using gridlines will improve composition to guide your viewer’s eye to the most important element of your shot.

For iPhone go to Settings > Camera > Composition and set Grid to ON.

For Android go to Settings > Apps > Camera >Camera settings and set Grid lines to ON.

Lock it in!

Typically, each time something moves within the shot you’re lining up, any adjustments you’ve made to exposure or focus will reset and you’ll have to start over.

To beat this, tap and hold the screen until the AE/AF LOCK symbol appears (for iPhone) or the padlock symbol closes (for Android). Then adjust exposure and focus as desired - those settings will lock into place and even if something (or someone!) moves while you take the shot, the exposure and focus will stay the same.

Read the full version of this article for more tips at

www.sawoman.com.au/blog/

Nadinne Grace Photography

SUPPORT LOCAL

Meet the Makers

Gin lovers – rejoice! An ever-growing number of talented and award-winning female gin distillers are ready to delight your tastebuds with their unique flavours, lovingly handcrafted right here in SA. We take you behind the still, to discover their story, what inspires them most and their advice for women wanting to walk the same path.

Heaps Good

Spirits

with Marcelle McEwan

What key moments led you to crafting your own gin and opening your own distillery?

The idea of making our own gin wasn't even an idea initially, as neither of us have any experience in the spirit/winemaking industry. We are just passionate gin drinkers! It was during lockdown where the idea was born. I threw myself into 4 courses all at once, learned and absorbed as much as humanly possible and as a Chief do-er does, made it happen. There were plenty of roadblocks and challenges, but I thrive on problem solving – where there's a will, there's a way!

What do you love most about being a gin maker?

I love attending events – connecting with the local community, talking about what I am so passionate about, it's incredibly rewarding. The South Australian spirit community is the most vibrant industry I have ever worked in (and I have worked in more than 15 different roles!)

Where do you draw your inspiration from to create your recipes?

Essentially, what we grow in our backyard! I am a big advocate for supporting local and small, so experimenting with flavours that are grown right here in South Australia is extremely gratifying.

What change do you most want to see for women in your industry?

I think it’s important for women to see that opportunities don’t just exist in branding and retail. Women can own, manage and operate distilleries – and they do a damn fine job at it too!

What would you most like to tell other women who would love to follow in your footsteps?

Put one foot in front of the other and make it happen! The to-do list is relentless and grows at a great rate of knots, but if you are consistent at working through it, researching/understanding what comes next, ask a billion questions and then execute – you'll be on your way!

HEAPS GOOD SPIRITS IS ONE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST SPIRITS BRANDS, FOUNDED BY ADELAIDE GINTHUSIASTS MARCELLE MCEWAN AND GREG NUNAN. MARCELLE WEARS ALL THE HATS, FROM OPERATIONS TO EVENT MANAGEMENT, DISTILLING TO ADMIN, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER TO CHIEF BOTTLE LABELLER AND BOX FOLDER. THIS IS ALL ALONGSIDE HER ROLE AS A PARA LEGAL IN DEBT RECOVERY AND A COOK IN THE ARMY RESERVES. HEAPS GOOD GIN AND NATIVE PINK GIN WERE OUR FIRST TWO PRODUCTS. THEY'RE LOVE LETTERS TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WITH ELEMENTS OF THE FESTIVAL STATE CONTRIBUTING TO OUR PHILOSOPHY OF SUPPORTING LOCAL, SOURCING EVERY ELEMENT POSSIBLE FROM PRODUCE, GRAPHIC DESIGN, PACKAGES AND MANUFACTURERS FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIA. OUR MISSION IS TO PUT 'SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN A BOTTLE', CREATING CONTEMPORARY SPIRITS BURSTING WITH SOUTH AUSSIE FLAVOUR!

TO DISCOVER MORE, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

Distillery with Bec Cooper Ginny Pig

What key moments led you to crafting your own gin and opening your own distillery?

It all started with my two obsessions, hot cross buns and gin. Determined to recreate the iconic bun flavour in gin form, I taught myself all the skills needed to create high quality, artisan gin. In no time our hot cross bun gin had become a favourite among family and friends.

What do you love most about being a gin maker?

Being creative and being part of the spirit producer's industry. Oh, and drinking gin and calling it R&D!

Where do you draw your inspiration from to create your recipes?

Our gins are inspired by the seasons and happy memories of family and friends. Our Hot X Bun Gin is my fave, closely followed by our Christmas Gin. Our Christmas Gin was derived from my Grandmother Hazel’s Christmas Pudding recipe that was the best part of Christmas for me as a kid.

What obstacles and opportunities have you found being a female gin maker?

An industry once only for the boys – the rise of craft spirits has levelled the playing field and some very talented women are creating some incredible gins now. I've found the guys to be very open to the idea of women in the industry to be honest.

What would you most like to tell other women who would love to follow in your footsteps?

Distilling is NOT a glamourous job, if you want to work hard and you want to work long hours do it! Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, ask questions and look for advice.

In 5 years from now, what would you love to be celebrating?

I'd love to be watching our tasting room thrive and have cemented our presence in the market. Perhaps a few major awards under our belt.

TO DISCOVER MORE, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

GINNY PIG GINS ARE HANDCRAFTED AT OUR HOME IN TOOPERANG ON THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA, WHERE WE USE TRADITIONAL DISTILLING TECHNIQUES, SMALL BATCH PRODUCTION AND THE HIGHEST QUALITY BOTANICALS (INCLUDING NATIVE AND HOME-GROWN INGREDIENTS). FREQUENTLY CREATING NEW VARIETIES AND TINKERING WITH OUR FAVOURITES. EVERYTHING WE DO IS PRODUCED BY HAND AND MADE WITH LOVE.

Distillers with Nicole Durdin Seppeltsfield Road

Where do you draw your inspiration from to create your recipes?

When I first started developing and creating recipes, the key thing was to make the best possible gins with the best quality botanicals and raw ingredients I could source. Many other distilleries at the time were focusing on Australian Native botanicals, and I didn’t want to appear to be ‘jumping on the bandwagon’ so to speak. I wanted to create a range of gins that could demonstrate that gin really is a world of endless possibilities, as well as products that could help educate people that just because you tried gin once and didn’t like it, doesn’t mean that all gins are created equal.

The only boundary with gin is that it must contain Juniper, other than that you're only limited by your imagination.

I’m a bit of a foodie, and I grew up in a winemaking family, so having an educated palate, understanding flavour balance and being creative have certainly bade me well in this respect.The Barossa is also a constant source of inspiration for me - pink peppercorns remind me of my childhood on hot summer days.

What would you most like to tell other women who would love to follow in your footsteps?

What key moments led you to crafting your own gin and opening your own distillery?

Opening a distillery or making gin wasn't a life long ambition of ours, the whole idea came about by a throw away comment from my husband, Jon. We were living in the UK for his work, and I was having a bit of a career crisis having left my music career for the move. We were discussing different directions I could go in, and being a very supportive husband, Jon made it clear that he didn’t like any of my ideas… don’t tell him this, but he was right in what he was saying! In a moment of sheer frustration I said “Well, what do you think I should do?”, to which he said “I think you should make gin”. The comment shut the conversation down, but clearly something resonated with both of us, and here we are today!

The biggest thing I can advocate for in the industry is education. The distilling industry, while fantastic, is actually quite a dangerous industry when you consider that we deal with high strength alcohol both in liquid and vapour forms, both of which are highly combustible. Understanding this, as well as the regulations and legal requirements is absolutely critical.

If you want to start you own distillery, engage with your local council planning department to understand zoning and waste issues. Engage consultants who understand the industry, the Australian Distillers Association are a great resource for safety requirements and relevant consultants. And don’t skimp on equipment, it will only make things more expensive (and possibly more dangerous) in the long run. The Distillers Institute based in Tasmania is also a great place to start as far as formal qualifications and courses go.

SEPPELTSFIELD ROAD DISTILLERS, BAROSSA’S FIRST COMMERCIAL GIN DISTILLERY AND TASTING ROOM IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK (11AM–5PM) OFFERING GIN TASTING FLIGHTS, SEASONAL COCKTAILS AND G&TS. OWNED AND OPERATED BY HUSBAND-AND-WIFE DUO, JON AND NICOLE DURDIN, SEPPELTSFIELD ROAD DISTILLERS HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST AWARDED DISTILLERIES, SINCE OPENING THEIR DOORS IN 2018 AND HAVE A REPUTATION FOR CONSISTENTLY PRODUCING BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED GINS. HOME OF THE WORLD'S BEST SHIRAZ GIN, AFTER THE 2021 BAROSSA SHIRAZ GIN WAS AWARDED AN UNPRECEDENTED 99 POINTS AT THE 2022 INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS COMPETITION, SEPPELTSFIELD ROAD DISTILLERS HAVE OVER 75 AWARDS AND ACCOLADES TO THEIR NAME, INCLUDING GOLD MEDALS AT THE INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS COMPETITION, LONDON SPIRITS COMPETITION AND THE GLOBAL GIN MASTERS.

DRAWING ON HER TRADITIONAL AND CLASSIC TRAINING FROM SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL DISTILLERS, HEAD DISTILLER NICOLE CONTINUES TO HONE AND EVOLVE HER CRAFT, REFERENCING THE BAROSSA AS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION.

TO DISCOVER MORE, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

Never Never

Distilling Co.

with Monica Guilhaus

What key moments led you to crafting your own gin?

Over the last 15 years I have been in the food and beverage industry (mainly as a bartender), I developed a passion for flavour, deconstructing and understanding the elements that went into everything I ate and drank, using that knowledge to make my own recipes and was always working towards opening my own bar. Then entered Covid. The whole hospitality industry ceased to exist and I was unsure what my next step would be.

Never Never initially took me on to manage the fulfilment section of their business which had boomed with online orders during the pandemic. Then one day I got a call from Tim, our head distiller, which went something like this; T: “Hey Mon, you’ve got a science degree right? Wanna do some distilling?” M: “Uhh I have a couple of biology degrees but yeah sure that sounds great”. Since then I have made many thousands of litres of our signature gin, Triple Juniper, but a highlight was creating the Beeswax and Olive gin, which we just released, and is the first product where I had control over the recipe.

What change do you most want to see for women in your industry?

It would be great to see big brands in our industry show more efforts and initiatives towards cultivating more inclusive spaces for women. This isn’t as simple as having

gender hiring quotas but more about upper management teams actively engaging in the gender inequality discussion by learning from non-male community activists and spokespeople then committing to deconstruct the ways they have used their male viewpoint to build their businesses.

Following this they can then reconstruct the relevant parts to be more inclusive and understanding. Build a business like this and the women will not only come work for you but stay working for you. (But a super easy one is to just put free period products in your toilets, right now! Haha!)

It would also be great to see the industry give more recognition to the way intersectionality plays a role. Many of us are running the same race as most of our male peers but we are wearing lead boots and starting a kilometre behind as we have not been able to access the same resources or been included in the same discussions, not to mention we continue to live in a society and time where we experience things outside of work that our male colleagues don’t. Shout out here to pages such as @notsohospitable which have really helped shine a light on the parts of the food and beverage industry that are not spoken about.

With all of this accomplished I’d hope we would see not only more women in the industry but also more women of colour representation!

What would you most like to tell other women who would love to follow in your footsteps?

First and foremost, keep developing your palate. It is your best tool, which means, yes keep trying new products (yum), experiment with flavours, look at the work of other weapons of our whole industry - bartenders, chefs, winemakers, brewers, the lot!

Then I’d also say to set boundaries, ask for what you want, ask lots of questions, don’t settle for less, and know that there is strength and maturity in asking for help, not weakness or shame.

HEYA! I’M MON AND I AM THE PRODUCTION DISTILLER AT NEVER NEVER DISTILLING IN MCLAREN VALE. THE BRAND STARTED IN 2016 IN THE BACK OF A SHED SHARED WITH BIG SHED BREWING CO IN ROYAL PARK AND I CAME ON BOARD TWO YEARS AGO WHEN WE WERE SHARING SPACE WITH IMPERIAL MEASURES DISTILLING IN THEBARTON. NOW MY DOG RŌNIN AND I GET THE PRIVILEGE OF LOOKING OUT ACROSS BEAUTIFUL VINEYARDS AT OUR DISTILLERY DOOR IN MCLAREN VALE.

TO DISCOVER MORE, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

Stay in SA

Did someone say roadtrip? From the mighty Murray and all the Riverland has to offer, to the suburban beaches of Adelaide, to the rolling patchwork hills of the beautiful Barossa Valley and Clare Valley - South Australia has so much to offer! To inspire you to book that staycation you've been dreaming of, we're shining a bright light on the fabulous female-owned accommodation that you need to visit in SA!

Tell us why we need to visit! What will we love most about your gorgeous accommodation?

We have it all in one beautiful location. Perfectly situated in the heart of Barossa Valley, Tanunda is a short stroll to wineries, shops and cafes. We also can offer on-site massages and facials, arrange art therapy workshops, spiritual connections with psychic readings. It’s the perfect setting to help you reset, recharge and have fun.

What do you love most about your slice of South Australia?

We love our local community in which we have been operating our tourism business now for nearly 30 years. Our community welcomes you with open arms to enjoy the world’s best local wine, local food, local art and the best hospitality to make you feel at home.

It has something for everyone. The local produce at the market on Saturdays is a must see.

We have local artists to view, cellar doors to visit and so many cafes and stores to suit everyone.

What are the hidden gems of your region we need to know about? There are so many hidden gems in the Barossa Valley that we love sharing with our guests.

Barossa Farmers Market on Saturday morning, Barossa Valley Chocolate, family wineries owned by 2 dynamic women Z-Wines, best diversity of wines on offer at Delluva Wines, and Ubertas.

SemaphoreBeach Stayz

Tell us why we need to visit! What will we love most about your gorgeous accommodation?

Our units are all renovated, with new furniture and furnishings. Our views of the beach are amazing to enjoy the gorgeous Semaphore sunsets and sunrises on your balcony. 3 units are total beachfront with no road, so it is only one minute until you have the sand between your toes. We have a blow-up paddle board, blow-up 2 person kayak, cricket set, tennis rackets, games and a shared BBQ (for our clients only) to use at each our Sandy Feet units. We are a short walk to Point Malcolm where there are playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball court for all to enjoy. Our guest books showcase the local restaurants and cafes to enjoy. We are in a cul de sac, hence it is quiet and away from any road noise.

Vitamin'e Sea is on the Esplanade at Semaphore, upstairs with ocean views and a short walk to Semaphore Road. It is a bit more hustle and bustle when you’re on the balcony and we have lots of guests who love to sit and watch the cars cruise by on the weekend. Our guests are always commenting on how clean, inviting and fresh the units are and we now receive lots of repeat clients and referrals.

What do you love most about your slice of South Australia?

The tranquillity when you walk in the door and first see the ocean views. It creates a happiness and you feel a sense of calm and relaxation hit you. What are the hidden gems of your region we need to know about?

Semaphore Road is a true gem to wander the street, enjoying the restaurants, cafes and shops. Point Malcolm has something for everyone. The Semaphore Surf Club offers great meals oceanfront on Thursday and Friday nights. There is so much to explore in Port Adelaide, from all its history, to historic pubs, festivals, and unique stores you won’t find elsewhere with eclectic treasures to buy. The Semaphore Park beach, wow! It’s not crowded and noisy like other popular beaches. The sand is clean, the ocean is a delight with hardly any waves. You will often see dolphins and seals frolicking past and the seals have a home at the break water just down the road. Scooter hire is available along the foreshore walking path and you can walk or ride all the way to North Haven along the coast.

WE HAVE 4 BEACHFRONT, SELF-CONTAINED UNITS THAT ARE ALL FULLY REFURBISHED. SANDY FEET 1, 2, 3 ARE IN THE SAME COMPLEX, SO CAN ACCOMMODATE NUMEROUS FAMILIES WANTING TO HOLIDAY. SELF CHECK-IN, MINIMUM 3 NIGHT STAY.

VITAMIN'E SEA IS ON THE ESPLANADE AT SEMAPHORE. IT’S A 2 BEDROOM UNIT, THAT’S ONLY A 4-MINUTE STROLL TO SEMAPHORE ROAD.

TO DISCOVER MORE OR BOOK YOUR STAY, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

RiverfunHouseboats

Tell us why we need to visit! What will we love most about your gorgeous accommodation?

You get to pick from eight different houseboats when you choose Riverfun, varying in features, size and style but all come with expert advice, and friendly staff to help you set off for the most memorable trip of your life. Are you wanting to bring just the partner? Or the whole extended family (including the dog!)? Are you loving the idea of luxe living or happy with a budget-friendly and comfortable stay? Either way you get to choose your views, your crew, menu and itinerary. Do you want to jam-pack your summer days or just let it all drift away by the winter fire? You decide...

What do you love most about your slice of South Australia?

Our piece of the River Murray is the best stretch, hands down. It's wide and easy to navigate, with twists and turns meandering through national park and crown land, rich in history and untouched nature. It all makes you feel like you're a world away while still in your own backyard. Opposite the rich orange sandstone cliffs is our beloved mooring spot. When the sunset hits the cliff faces, it takes your breath away. Imagine sitting in your jacuzzi, bubbles in hand, not another soul in sight and a view like this all to yourself.

What are the hidden gems of your region we need to know about?

When visiting our region of friendly faces, passionate people, and incredible places you must check out Cammies Antique's in Paringa for the most memorable, unique souvenirs, Canoe The Riverland for twilight backwater canoe tours, and Calperum Station for an enjoyable cultural and environmental guided tour. The Woolshed Brewery is a must with accessibility from the comfort of your houseboat (when do you ever get to take your accommodation to the pub?!), and those incredible Headings Cliffs. This is bucket list kind of stuff – you'll want to come back for more!

STEP ON BOARD AND OUT OF REALITY. WHERE YOU FORGET TO CHECK YOUR PHONE AND THE DAYS SLOW TO RIVERTIME. WHERE YOU GET TO RECONNECT WITH THOSE YOU CHOOSE TO CRUISE WITH AND ABSORB THE REMOTE SERENITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BUSHLAND. THIS IS HOUSEBOATING WITH THE AWARD-WINNING RIVERFUN HOUSEBOATS.

TO DISCOVER MORE OR BOOK YOUR STAY, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

Cottage Crossfield

Tell us why we need to visit! What will we love most about your gorgeous accommodation?

As you open the door to our cottage, your home away from home welcomes you in. Keeping with its charm we have kept its cozy wood fire, high ceilings, polished floorboards, and a claw foot slipper bath making it a unique experience for all our guests in this lovely old home with the benefit of modern facilities.

We have an outdoor entertaining area for those warm, balmy evenings to relax and unwind when you want or enjoy our bath under the stars. Cottage garden and lawned area for lazy day picnics, playing with the children or a place to get your exercise mat out.

Crossfield Cottage guests have easy access to visit our local attractions and wineries as it is centrally located in the Riverland. We love to tailor your stay with extra indulgences. At Crossfield Cottage, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences for our guests.

What do you love most about your slice of South Australia?

The Riverland is a place to explore with the best things to do, including wildlife encounters, cellar doors, restaurants, local produce and family friendly activities. The Riverland, Lake Bonney and the Murray River are a huge bonus to our region.

The Riverland is known for growing clean and premium fruit and vegetables. Lovingly nicknamed South Australia's food bowl, a range of food is grown here including figs, stone-fruit, cherries, almonds, citrus, pistachios and a range of native bush food. Our region is also for those photographers to capture beautiful sunrises or sunsets along the River Murray or Lake Bonney.

What are the hidden gems of your region we need to know about?

Some of our local hidden gems are scattered throughout the region, including food, wine, playgrounds, tours, walking trails, Banrock Station boardwalk, Loxton Historical village, PS Industry, and Monash Playground. Wine tours or dinner transfers allows you not to worry about driving and let Riverland Classic Limousines chauffeur you to our wineries, distilleries, brewery and dining out at our favourite eateries. Other experiences would be river cruises, canoe tours, delicious coffee, gourmet food, silo art, galleries, 4x4 driving, market days and not to forget our country shops to pick up something to take home with you. The natural beauty of our region, to stop, see and experience the beauty of the Riverland. As we love to say – “Come and see what the Riverland does best”.

CROSSFIELD COTTAGE IS A SELF CONTAINED B&B THAT WAS BUILT IN THE LATE 1920'S IN BARMERA. IT IS SITUATED 1.6 KM FROM LAKE BONNEY AND A SHORT DRIVE TO THE RIVER MURRAY.

THE COTTAGE HAS CHARACTER, CHARM, HISTORY WITH A DASH OF COUNTRY LUXURY AND COTTAGE GARDENS.

TO DISCOVER MORE OR BOOK YOUR STAY, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

SUPPORT LOCAL

HouseboatsWow

Tell us why we need to visit! What will we love most about your gorgeous accommodation?

WOW Factor is a boutique houseboat offering a unique experience. Some WOW Factor features include a fully equipped rear-facing kitchen and dining area (so you will always be part of the action), an enclosed lounge with 360-degree views of the river, an eight-seater gas-heated spa, a home office, and colour-changing WOW Factor L.E.D. lights. We are also dog friendly, so your four-legged friend can come along for the adventure.

What do you love most about your slice of South Australia?

The wildlife is in abundance here. The pelicans and swans will greet you at the houseboat most mornings. The stars at night are truly magical offering million-star accommodation.

What are the hidden gems of your region we need to know about?

The local wineries, tours, kayaking in the lagoons, micro flights, golf, speedway, skate parks, wetlands, water sports and riverbank experiences.

WOW FACTOR IS A 12-BERTH HIRE/DRIVE HOUSEBOAT WITH TWO LEVELS OF LUXURY. LOCATED ON THE LOWER MIGHTY MURRAY RIVER, ONLY 30 MINUTES FROM THE ADELAIDE HILLS AND AN HOUR FROM ADELAIDE, WOW FACTOR HAS MODERN STYLISH FEATURES THAT WILL ENSURE A MEMORABLE HOUSEBOAT HOLIDAY DURING ANY SEASON.

TO DISCOVER MORE OR BOOK YOUR STAY, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

& Fancy Coops Bukirk Glamping

Tell us why we need to visit! What will we love most about your gorgeous accommodation?

Bukirk is an Adults Only Glamping destination that offers a unique and memorable experience. Offering 5 luxurious Glamping Tents, each styled differently, they come with all the comforts of a hotel – offering queen or king beds, couch, fridge, your very own private ensuite and all your linen and towels are provided. In addition to our Tents are the stunning Fancy Coops (Rustic Tiny Houses) showcasing the beauty of natural and raw materials with exposed timber beams and cladded in gorgeous western cedar weatherboards. Stylish and comfortable furnishings compliment the Coops to complete the interior, along with your own private ensuite, kitchen, TV dining area and of course porch to sit outside and enjoy the view.

There’s not going to be one thing that you love about Bukirk, there are going to multiple. From the swimming pool in the warmer months, to the open firepit toasting marshmallows in the colder months, to interacting with the friendly farm animals, to sitting on your own private deck or verandah taking in the spectacular views with only the sounds of nature.

If I were to have to give you “one thing that you’ll love the most”, apart from Kevin Bacon the resident pet pig, it is the relaxing vibe that you instantly get upon arrival.

Be sure to ask Chook aka Alison how the name Bukirk came about, here you will then get why the names of the Tents and Fancy Coops are what they are.

What do you love most about your slice of South Australia?

The Serenity – Bukirk is situated on 42 acres of farmland (which allows me to have many pets, whom you will be able to have cuddles with). We are surrounded by sweeping hills and gorgeous farm and vineyard views with a stunning native garden surrounding the Tents and Coops, yet only five minutes from the gorgeous town of Clare Valley. Bukirk has been designed so that you are front row for the most amazing sunsets, sunrises and unobstructed moon and stargazing and all with your own privacy. But, if you do want to chat and make new friends you can do so in our stunning communal Glamp Kitchen, by the firepit or at the swimming pool.

What are the hidden gems of your region we need to know about?

Amazing Cafes, Restaurants and of course delicious Wineries, Breweries and Gin Distilleries. Should you not be a drinker there is so much to see and do in and around the Clare Valley. There are plenty of walks that can be done, hire bikes and cycle the Riesling Trail, visit the many historic sites we have such as Martindale Hall, Bungaree Station and the historic town of Burra, to entertaining yourself at the maze, or trying to break out of an escape room, but most importantly be sure to make time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere at Bukirk.

BUKIRK GLAMPING & FANCY COOPS IS AN AWARD WINNING SITE THAT PROVIDES BESPOKE LUXURY ACCOMMODATION, NESTLED IN THE HILLS OF THE CLARE VALLEY.

OFFERING FIVE BELLE TENTS EACH WITH THEIR OWN PRIVATE ENSUITE, DECK AND UNIQUE STYLING DELIVER THE ULTIMATE GLAMPING EXPERIENCE.

IN ADDITION THERE ARE TWO UNIQUE FANCY COOPS, OFFERING GORGEOUS LUXURY FOR THOSE NOT KEEN ON “CAMPING”.

TO DISCOVER MORE OR BOOK YOUR STAY, FOLLOW THIS QR CODE

SUPPORT LOCAL

Soar with Us!

In a world where you can spend your dollar anywhere, spend it locally! You don't have to look any further than your own backyard for gifts, health and the services you need.

CHAMPAGNE RECRUITMENT

We strive to provide our clients with the best office support talent to enhance their businesses and help our candidates build a career worth celebrating. champagnerecruitment.com.au

PEAK PHYSIQUE

HOT YOGA NOARLUNGA AND BRIGHTON STUDIOS

Need some wellness and self-care? We offer Warm, Hot Yoga and Pilates. Come to Peak Physique Noarlunga and Brighton for some you time!

Facebook

@peakphysiquehotyogabrightonsa

REFAB CIRCULAR FASHION

Do you have clothes you no longer wear but are too good to donate? Are you looking for quality pre-owned sustainable fashion at a fraction of retail? refabfashion.com.au

YLP LEGAL – YOUR LEGAL PARTNER

We offer legal advice in commercial law, wills and estates and family law. We are an all female firm and the only accredited autism friendly firm in SA. yourlegalpartner.com.au

MIRRORED HEARTS

Handmade gifts by 16 year old Yasmin, fundraising for her Autism Assistance Dog Everest. Silicone bead keychains, lanyards and more. Along with quality handmade Scrunchies!

Facebook @MirroredHearts1

PATTY HEALTH & CARE

Registered NDIS Service provider. We provide high-quality 24/7 support for NDIS participants, enabling them to achieve their day to day goals, and help maintain their independence.

Facebook

@pattyhealthandcare

SA WOMAN

Join a truly incredible and inclusive membership of women creating impact in their industry, career, business and community. Jam packed with support, connection, opportunities and exclusive offers. sawoman.com.au/join

AKITU

Do you want to reduce stress, increase energy, combat burnout, and gain mental clarity, resulting in a happier, more exciting and fulfilled life? We can help you! It's time to invest in yourself! akitu.net.au

CHALKI DIGITAL

We exist to help small to medium-sized businesses grow online. We specialise in creating comprehensive website, branding, and social media solutions, and building complete digital identities. chalkidigital.com.au

Girls who Soar!

Ryleigh Graham Polymer Clay Create

Tell

us about your business and when you started...

I started Polymer Clay Create about 2 years ago. My older sister Ashley and I were playing around with some clay in the school holidays and made about 50 pairs of earrings. Someone said to me you should sell them at markets.

Ashley went to boarding school but I kept on making and now I don't just do earrings, I also make small dishes, clip on earrings, Christmas decorations and key rings.

What do you love most about having your business?

I love making and finding new things to make and experiment with.

What is one thing you have learnt?

You can never tell what will be most popular, every market is different.

To keep up with Ryleigh and what handmade goodness she’s releasing next, follow her on Insta @polymerclaycreate_ryleigh

Eva Fiebig Poppy & Glow

Tell us about your business and when you started…

I purchased a candle business in July 2021 and re-named and re-branded to put my own spin on it calling it Poppy & Glow. My candles are stocked in 3 local businesses, and I also go to markets and am looking to expand to reed diffusers.

What do you love most about having your business?

I love how I can use my creativity when trying new ideas and having the freedom to decide what my business is and looks like.

What is one thing you have learnt?

I have learnt so much from owning my own business but one of my main takeaways is probably how to communicate clearly and confidently. I also established how to approach businesses and event organisers to stock my products.

To discover more about Eva’s gorgeous range of 100% Natural Soy candles, follow her on Insta @poppyandglow

“LITTLE GIRLS WITH DREAMS, BECOME WOMEN WITH VISION.”

INSPIRATION

Turning dreams

The high-flying tale of Chinta Air dollars

written by FELICITY BROWN

into

Felicity Brown is the Owner and Chief Pilot of Chinta Air, something that didn’t just happen overnight! Here, you get to go back in time and discover the fascinating tale of how Felicity first became a pilot and then came to have her own business as outback charter and scenic flight specialists. Believe us when we say, it’s not the story you’d expect!

The spark for the business began when Felicity Brown learned to fly – for a bet – to compete in the 1998 Mobil Outback Air Race. At the time, Felicity was working as a Community Resource Centre Co-ordinator in regional Western Australia and a single mum. She had never particularly wanted to learn to fly, didn’t know anyone who flew, didn’t even know anyone who owned an aircraft. Clearly, she was the perfect choice to take on a bet to learn to fly!

Are you familiar with the Variety Club Bash, where teams dress up in costume and drive around in convoy raising money for charity? The Outback Air Race is similar, in that it is a navigational trial for light aircraft, held every two years to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The 1998 Air Race started in Alice Springs, travelled North to Katherine, out to Arnhemland, then followed the coast back to Broome over the course of 12 days.

The nearest flying school was two hours’ drive from her home. When able to afford lessons, Felicity would put her daughter in day care at 7.30am, drive to the Aero Club, have one flying lesson before lunch, one flying lesson after lunch, then would have to be driving out the Aero Club gates at 3.30pm to pick up her daughter at 5.30pm. The theory component was studied from books at home.

Felicity got her private pilot’s licence just two weeks before the start of the air race, then spent a frantic couple of weeks finalising aircraft hire and planning.

Her team mates, Cynthia Anderson (a project manager from Canberra), and Dr Anna Lockyer (a vet from Somerset, England who later migrated to Australia), were support crew for the previous 10 months – including raising the $4,000 donation to the RFDS which formed the entrance fee.

For the start of the Air Race, the ‘Delilahs of the Desert’ flew to Alice Springs and walked into the function welcoming all contestants. The crowd was dominated by middle aged (or older), conservative, males.

Most of the teams wore jeans and polo shirts, with their team name embroidered on the breast pocket. The younger, racier teams had their team names embroidered on the back of their polo shirts as well.

The Delilahs of the Desert were wearing belly-dancing costumes – and now truly know what a stunned silence is!

They remained in costume for the entire 12 days of the air race.

One piece of fashionista advice –polyester sateen does not travel well in the dry season of the Top End. And, although Felicity can fly a plane, she can’t sew – her costume was superglued and stapled together!

In March 2000, Felicity and another two girlfriends formed the Wild Women of the Desert to compete in the 2000 Outback Air Race. This time, the costumes were leopard print Flintstone frocks, with styrofoam ‘pearl’ necklaces. Wild Woman Fiz Baker – now an event organiser in Essex, England – claims to this day that people do not believe any of the stories of her adventures in a small 4-seater aircraft across the Australian Outback.

In 2000, Felicity and partner Noel Schwarz – a successful, innovative farmer at Ceduna on the West Coast of South Australia – purchased their first aircraft. In March 2001, the couple roped in a mate to make up The Marshalls – sheriff’s stars, and ‘six guns’ at the ready. By now, over half of the Air Race teams were in costume.

In 2002, after successfully luring Felicity across the Nullarbor and realising that flying is a very expensive hobby, the pair of passionate pilots decided to turn their dreams into dollars. From their home base at Ceduna, the couple applied for an Air Operators Certificate, and a travel agency licence. This was the first time an air charter business had been established at Ceduna.

The doors to the charter business opened shortly after Felicity discovered she was pregnant… with twins.

As a third generation resident of Ceduna – and absolutely certain that anyone visiting the area would love it as much as he did – Noel was excited to invite tourists to learn more about the area.

He was convinced that visitors would love the wide-open space, pristine beaches, vivid sunsets, and star scattered skies. Noel’s driving ambition was to encourage visitors to a remote area – the Far West Coast of South Australia and the Nullarbor – so they could experience the welcoming West Coastie lifestyle.

Originally, the business was aimed at providing scenic flights over the region. A secondary goal was to use light aircraft to minimise travel times. In effect, an air taxi service using light aircraft to provide ad hoc charter services for people wishing to travel between the different regions of South Australia which are not serviced by scheduled air flights, such as QLink or Regional Express.

Since starting with one aircraft and one part-time pilot, the business has evolved and now has six aircraft at three bases across regional South Australia.

Noel Schwarz serves as Chief Executive Officer, and is responsible for Accounts and is Head of Aircraft Maintenance. Felicity Brown is responsible for Marketing and Reservations, and since 2010 has held the key role of Chief Pilot.

Every aviation organisation has a Chief Pilot – it is the most senior and experienced pilot in the organisation, who is responsible for the training and standards of all pilots in the company. Felicity is currently one of only eight female Chief Pilots in Australia, when there are currently 870 aviation businesses in Australia.

What a story! We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask Felicity more about her life in the skies and what wisdom she’d love to pass on.

Felicity, for any other women reading this thinking I’ve always dreamed of being a pilot – what is your

The advice I have applies more to goal setting. Define your goal – in this case, it was learning to fly. Set the date – in this case, it was the start date of the Air Race.

Then break it down – what are the obstacles? In my case, it was finding child care, and minimising the impact on my work. Although I wasn’t always successful with the second one – my employer at the time did have stern words on a

Once you decide on the goal – go all in. Make sure you pick only one goal, so you can concentrate on that. A shotgun effect may not necessarily hit the target.

When something comes up, be it shopping mindlessly or spending extensive time on socials, for example, then ask yourself – how will this help me get to my goal?

Tell your story. You never know where it will lead.

Is there any organisation that relates to your goal? Join it. Someone may be one step further along than you are.

If you get discouraged, dig down into your 'Why'. Why is this goal so important? Why do you want to do this? Then refocus and put one foot after another.

Then, the only advice I have specifically for anyone seeking to become a pilot is: Aviation is not a career for the mediocre, or for those who accept mediocrity as “good enough”.

At the end of every flying day, I take a few minutes to review the day and think about how things can go better. In more than 20 years of flying, I reckon there are fewer than a handful of days in which I reckon I could not have done anything better. It might be something as simple as the description of a historical event that forms part of the commentary where I need to check a date.

Or, getting asked a question that I don’t know the answer to. Although, questions such as “How many pelicans are there on Lake Eyre?”, are…interesting!

Did you grow up in the remote parts of SA? Or if you didn’t, what drew you to flying over the outback?

I grew up in regional Western Australia on a farm. Noel is a farmer from regional South Australia, on the Far West Coast.

We met over the Internet in January 1998, (when the Internet was practically pedal powered), and I crossed the Nullarbor in May 2002. The twins were born in January 2004.

I am not a natural born pilot. I have to work at it to stay on top of the game.

What keeps me flying is the challenge – every day is different. I am not very good with routine.

What keeps me enjoying it is the people I meet – everyone has a story.

We absolutely love how you describe yourself by saying, “think of Chinta Air as being the Uber of the skies – you tell us when and where you would like to travel, and we make it happen.” What has been the most unusual or memorable request you’ve ever had?

About 10 years ago, we got a request from a couple in England. He was a nuclear physicist, and he wanted to go to Maralinga and to Emu Junction. He and his loving wife had built their entire holiday to Australia around the chance to fly over a remote bit of South Australia, for events that happened over 60 years ago.

The minute I heard that, I thought – oh my goodness! And crossed fingers, eyes, toes, everything! I was hoping that everything would work out. Fortunately, the weather gods smiled on us, and the day went to plan.

Out of all of the experiences and air charters you offer, which is your favourite? What is the feeling you get each time you fly over this incredible landscape?

I don’t have a favourite flight, I don’t have a favourite type of aircraft. I genuinely do not care. So long as my backside is occupying the pilot’s seat, I am a happy camper. (Spoiler alert: I am the worst passenger in the world!)

I do feel incredibly fortunate to be able to see Australia from a perspective that not everyone can.

Looking ahead, is there anywhere you haven’t flown yourself that you’d love to? Or do you have any other goals you’re aiming for? The sky isn’t the limit in your case!!

My next goal is to learn to fly a helicopter.

At some point, I would love to fly over Africa, and over Canada, but I am also happy if that is part of my retirement. To make that happen, I might need to learn to be a better passenger, and accept when someone else is at the controls. But, hey, we are all a work in progress!

A Willy Wonka Childhood

to the business I never knew I wanted!

Photo: Pina Colada Photography

From growing up on a chocolate farm, to making the decision to never have her own business, to now feeling like she has won the business lottery – Jess James, from Cook n Create, shares her incredible journey.

Before we dive into what I do and love now, it’s really important to go back in time with me to Wales, UK, to where I grew up so you can see how I arrived where I am today and how relevant it all is!

So, I grew up on a Chocolate Farm. For real! And no, that isn’t just a Welsh thing. My dad was a high-flying journalist and TV director, and my mum was a theatre set designer in London and an events coordinator for a TV company. And yes, I agree this next plot line is not an obvious one!

My dad was an entrepreneur through and through, was a little bit eccentric (probably a lot!), and had visions beyond what most of us would consider the norm. So, one day they decided to uproot, leave their careers and start a whole new and exciting venture. (Stay with me – you’re about to see history repeat itself!)

The business was a tourism venture so hundreds of people would come for demonstrations, and to have a day of chocolate-filled fun! As a family, we did TV shows, trade shows and we were a huge part of the foodie scene in Wales. I have always been submerged in the world of food and I LOVE IT!!

Food Technology was always my favourite subject by far in school and so I chose to pursue this at university and gained a First Class Honours Degree in Food, Nutrition and Consumer Sciences. I have worked with celebrity chefs, won many accolades of my own for product development and I have also completed many years of Chocolatier training, working with some amazing experts and Food Scientists along the way. Oh, and I then trained to be a high school teacher and taught for many years as a specialist teacher. Honestly, that is a summary too!

But, I never wanted a business.

Throughout my entire life I vowed I will NEVER EVER own my own business…never, ever, ever, EVER!

I wanted the job with set hours, set wage, a pension and the stability that comes with it.

I loved being a Food Tech teacher. I didn’t want a business anywhere near my life or my family.

But oh hi – here I am! With my very own Cooking School for kids ,and oh my goodness me, the joy and satisfaction it brings me, my family, and my clients is unreal! By founding Cook n Create I feel I have found everything I was ever meant to do and am flourishing as the person I was meant to be! (If you have met me you will know this includes sparkly hair bands, purple hair and giant earrings!)

Cooking with kids is far more than ‘just’ cooking. I don’t host cooking classes – we go on a ‘Cooking Adventure!’ (Thank you to the one and only Carly Thompson-Barry for your help with that wording!)

Cooking with kids is about nurturing confidence, fostering creativity, building independence, skill building, and developing social skills. It’s about nurturing, empowering and fostering creativity. It’s about bringing joy, elation and happiness into children’s lives. This melting pot (excuse the cheesy pun!) of awesomeness is the fuel behind Cook n Create – where we embrace the mess, the freedom and the excitement behind creating amazing things.

I love to encourage the children to experience cooking with all their senses. This is why you will always find the kiddos munching, smelling and exploring all the foods. I develop my own recipes and work hard to make them about mess and creativity. What I mean by this is getting the kids with their hands in the bowls, squeezing, kneading, combining, rolling and much, much more – each session is a whole sensory experience.

Because of this approach and my expertise in the classroom, I get to work a lot with children with additional needs, children with sensory aversions and food anxieties. And although I am no food therapist, I host one-to-one food confidence sessions too. These sessions especially lend themselves to children on the spectrum.

“THROUGHOUT MY ENTIRE LIFE I VOWED I WILL NEVER EVER OWN MY OWN BUSINESS… NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER! I WANTED THE JOB WITH SET HOURS, SET WAGE, A PENSION AND THE STABILITY THAT COMES WITH IT. I LOVED BEING A FOOD TECH TEACHER. I DIDN’T WANT A BUSINESS ANYWHERE NEAR MY LIFE OR MY FAMILY. BUT OH HI – HERE I AM!”

Cooking sets children up with the life skills to be resilient and competent adults. And fun is always at the core of learning at Cook n Create. By making positive connections with every part of the experience from mixing, beating, cracking, rolling, to munching – these kids are laying down foundations that will last them a lifetime – that’s just so extraordinary and such an honour to be a part of.

Not only are you feeding their tummies – you are feeding their minds. They are learning, experimenting, building confidence, and learning to make decisions and to trust themselves.

Ever the school teacher, I needed to push ahead and provide the opportunity for as many children and families as possible to experience this magic. The current primary curriculum in Australia has near to no mention of the importance of cooking and nutrition, and only 1% of children in Australia meet the daily recommended intake for veggies. But, just by getting them involved in peeling and chopping and nibbling along the way – you are changing their entire life!

In response to this, I have built my very own ‘Cook n Create curriculum’ that sits seamlessly inside the current Australian curriculum and it has been built so that there is a lesson for every year group and every subject to support classroom teachers to make a change, and then consolidate classroom learning to form strong home school connections.

This curriculum is everything I have been working towards and after a principal of a local primary school said to me, “Wow Jess, you have something extraordinary here!" – I intend to bring joy to children across Adelaide through cooking and creating with them!

In 5 years’ time, I want to be the ‘go to’ place for amazing learning opportunities for children in Australia, I want Cook n Create to be a household name… I want my own show on ABC Kids! Nothing like dreaming big hey! I once heard the saying ‘Aim for the moon and if you miss you may land among the stars’. It resonates!

Photos: Sally McKinnon Photographer

"COOKING SETS CHILDREN UP WITH THE LIFE SKILLS TO BE RESILIENT AND COMPETENT ADULTS. NOT ONLY ARE YOU FEEDING THEIR TUMMIES – YOU ARE FEEDING THEIR MINDS. THEY ARE LEARNING, EXPERIMENTING, BUILDING CONFIDENCE, AND LEARNING TO MAKE DECISIONS AND TO TRUST THEMSELVES." @COOKNCREATE_ADELAIDE COOKNCREATE.COM.AU << Photo: Pina Colada Photography

to a fulfilling career! Trade up

Kelly Dawson-Fitzpatrick is the Business Operations Manager for Hydro-Jet Solutions Australia, and works alongside her father Geoff and brothers Sam and Guy in this South Australian family owned and operated business. You might also recognise her name and face from being the worthy winner of The Backbone Award at our 2020 SA Woman Awards! As you'll discover, Kelly is passionate about seeing her industry not just survive but thrive, and she’s got plenty to say on why trades are a fantastic opportunity for young people, and on all of the ways women are welcomed and valued in the plumbing and construction industry.

Plumbing is such an essential industry – but is it a trade that automatically attracts school leavers? Or, if not, what do you do to foster the next generation of plumbers?

Plumbing is an essential industry, which means that there will always be jobs in the industry.

Sadly, it has been very difficult to encourage young people into the industry, into any trade in fact. Trades have been underappreciated and discouraged for many years, and the public are now experiencing the results of this, as securing a tradesperson quickly can be difficult.

The industry associations and RTO’s have been working very hard to turn this trend around, however, it is a tough battle, as the schools promote University as the best option for career paths, and many parents feel that learning a trade is not what they want to see their child doing.

It saddens me, as the trades are a fantastic opportunity for young people.

There are very few tradespeople looking for work, they are paid very well and there are other career paths into the future. This could be Project Management, their own business, consultancy, design or the educators of the future. You don’t need to always be ‘on the tools’.

It frustrates me that many people’s opinions are that tradespeople are not the smartest people around, but most tradespeople I know are highly intelligent, highly skilled and must be extremely knowledgeable about their industry.

The standards and regulations in which they much understand, adhere to, and are consistently updated are not for the faint hearted.

Undertaking a trade is a great way for young people to set their lives up, and know there will always be work for them. They are also paid to learn and don’t start their careers with a huge education debt, which can allow them to purchase a home, start a family or business earlier in their lives.

The trade industries are very rewarding, and I encourage anyone thinking about doing a trade to give it a go. There are many companies like ours whose doors are open to anyone who would like to undertake some work experience, or would like to have a chat to learn more about the plumbing industry.

What is the change that you want to see? And, in terms of a female touch – how do you encourage women to become part of the plumbing and construction industries? What are the opportunities that exist for women?

As I said about encouraging the next generation into the industry, I want to see the industry change the way It looks at itself.

Many of the stakeholders don’t value themselves and the contributions they make to our state, our country, and our world.

We all talk about the state of our health system, however, can you imagine what our lives would be like without the proper sanitisation, wastewater treatment and clean drinking water we all just expect?

We don’t give a second thought to turning on the tap and seeing clean drinking water or flushing our toilet and not ever worrying about seeing what was flushed away ever again! We as an industry need to respect ourselves and command this of others.

As an industry we are making huge leaps forward to encourage more women into the industry.

I want women to know that they are welcome and valued in the construction industry – women provide a different perspective, understanding and contribution to projects.

Women are able to undertake any role they wish in the construction industry, from undertaking a trade, contract administration, WHS, crane operator, to Managing Director, the list is endless, there is nothing stopping women from doing whatever job they feel passionate about.

The majority of companies now appreciate that the client experience and the delivery of an outstanding project is enhanced, when the service delivery is through both male and female perspectives, and actively participate in programs such as HiViz with Master Builders and Crucial Women in Construction through Master Plumbers and other associations.

“I WANT WOMEN TO KNOW THAT THEY ARE WELCOME AND VALUED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – WOMEN PROVIDE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE, UNDERSTANDING AND CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS. WOMEN ARE ABLE TO UNDERTAKE ANY ROLE THEY WISH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, FROM UNDERTAKING A TRADE, CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION, WHS, CRANE OPERATOR, TO MANAGING DIRECTOR, THE LIST IS ENDLESS, THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING WOMEN FROM DOING WHATEVER JOB THEY FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT.”

What is the advice you’d give to any women wanting to step into leadership and management roles? Particularly within industries such as your own that have traditionally been seen as male-dominated?

The biggest key is to have a thick skin and be prepared to learn, be prepared to get your hands dirty and understand the industry you are in.

Many think that the male-dominated industries are not welcoming to women coming into their domain, but I have never found it to be this way. In fact, most men welcome women onsite. I have always been encouraged to give it a go, understand it and always found that the trades are more than happy to share their knowledge.

From a management perspective, I am always the first one to help onsite when I can, this is the only way that I am able to learn about the plumbing and let’s be honest the most important part of our business.

It is imperative for me to do my best to understand the critical side of the business, the side of the industry and trade. No one appreciates it when a manager or leader sits in their ‘ivory tower’ and offers suggestions on workflow, performance, or areas that we see as important and how things can be done differently, to increase the bottom line - without in all honesty being qualified to have this opinion. You also don’t get the best out of your staff if this is the position you take.

As a manager or leader, you need to understand what the people on the ground are facing, their challenges with and how it can be made easier or streamlined for them.

Whilst I am undertaking my MBA, this piece of paper provides me absolutely no understanding of the daily processes, requirements, legal compliance, skills, technical requirements, or the materials our plumbers work with every day. The only way I can understand this is to spend time with them onsite, participating, assisting, and seeing their job and our business through their eyes.

We can then have open discussion on how as a manager or leader, we can improve the company efficiency or implement better practices. Leadership and management need to build trust and understanding with those who they are leading, and standing at the top and telling them how they can do it better without understanding does not create this.

CONNECT WITH KELLY DAWSON-FITZPATRICK HYDROJETSOLUTIONS.COM.AU

everything has happened for a reason For Anna

When Anna Roussos was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia six years ago, it was the most unimaginable of all challenges in life. Yet it was this journey that ignited the flame in her to start her own business, create longstanding relationships with staff and clients, and lay the foundation for being an inspiring workplace.

After 15 years of building her knowledge and expertise within the construction recruitment industry, Anna established ROUSSOS Recruitment in 2017.

“I was brought up to work hard, respect others and not give up so with ROUSSOS, I wanted to create an agency that made a difference in people’s lives. Not only by making placements and growing businesses, but by ensuring that our passion for sourcing talent, building relationships and the love of helping people was also shown through philanthropy,” explains Anna.

ROUSSOS Recruitment has now become a leading South Australian recruitment agency within the construction, engineering, architecture and property sectors – and celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this year.

What started as a dream, has now come to fruition, and has flourished organically as Anna now leads a team of nine.

With a passion for investing in and being a mentor to her staff, Anna has created an environment in which the ROUSSOS team love coming to work each day.

With this, her key strategy to running a successful business is to elevate people’s strengths within the business and place a focus on these to ensure people are thriving in doing what they love.

As Anna reveals, “By setting an example of positive leadership in the workplace, this is fostering a working environment that supports employees to perform to their highest potential.”

“Happiness and fulfilment come from doing what you love, so I want to ensure my team are supported and surrounded by people who lift each another up – energy is everything.”

Anna does this for her team by offering a Wellness Program including an annual wellness incentive, weekly Wednesday Sweat sessions, a dedicated ‘Life Admin Day’ to support mental health (four times per year), quarterly ROUSSOS Retreats, weekly tailored training and development sessions, a focus on social purpose, and supporting not-for-profit organisations.

These business values are derived from Anna’s personal values – with wellbeing, energy, gratitude, a growth mindset and building long-term relationships at the forefront.

And, her client partners within the construction, architecture, engineering and property industries can expect the same. Through nurturing long-standing relationships with key leaders across South Australia, Anna is seen as a highly regarded and trusted advisor within the space.

Not only has Anna worked hard for her business, but her personal journey has also inspired her to contribute more than $250,000 to local charities over the past three years including the Jodi Lee Foundation and Backpacks 4 SA Kids.

As Anna exclaims, “Life is amazing, and I’ve learnt to be grateful…always. I value kindness, gentleness and generosity and I am truly passionate about helping others.”

“Being a mum, a great wife, a good daughter, a career woman, a business owner, entrepreneur and a leader isn’t easy. I have always believed that versatility and spirit are essential for living a fulfilled life, particularly as

women, and that has only amplified since my diagnosis in 2016. Some days the juggle is intense, but when you love what you do, you just make it work."

"Becoming an entrepreneur has been quite a rollercoaster filled with countless rewarding highs, but also lows of doubt and uncertainty. But, this business is something I am immensely proud of, and the journey we have been on is one I wouldn’t change for the world.”

WITH ANNA ROUSSOS ROUSSOSRECRUITMENT.COM.AU

CONNECT

BIG HEARTED BUSINESS

You don’t need to be big to give back Philanthropy

written by VALESKA WALDRON + SARAH HENSON

Valeska Waldron, of Delivering Joy, and Sarah Henson, of Love for Lobes®, first connected through SA Woman, where they began collaborating for giveaways and formed a genuine friendship.

But, in addition to their friendship and collaborations, what connects them is how their catalyst to start each of their respective businesses stemmed from great loss. Valeska in losing her friend to bowel cancer and Sarah losing her mum to skin cancer.

They explain how those tragedies became the inspiration and drive to start their small businesses, and fuelled the passion they share to give back and help others.

Photos: Lydia Kalleske, forABELphotography

Sarah Henson

Love for Lobes

Love for Lobes was born in February 2020 from a need to create fabric accessories from my very fabulous late mother’s overalls.

I couldn’t find a product or service that matched what I wanted, so I launched a business – making stud earrings out of unique fabrics.

I said to myself, Why not do what you love and are passionate about?

Love for Lobes began with studs. I quickly diversified to include cufflinks, pins, and hairclips. Most recently, pendants have been added to the range.

I work with over 350 fabric options, handcrafted in over ten accessory products. I also offer custom fabric and accessory orders – perfect for a corporate wow factor. The keepsake collection – my why – is launching with a bang in 2023.

I’m a mum of two and Love for Lobes is my third baby. What a ride it has been!

From its inception, I knew I didn’t want just a retail business. I wanted to give back wherever possible, and make philanthropy be a major part of my business plan and framework. Initially, I started with creating monthly fundraiser collections and donated part-proceeds to the relative organisation.

But I knew it could be broadened. In 2022, I changed it up and now donate $2 from every single product, splitting the proceeds between two charities, Catherine House and Love Your Sister.

Since 2020, Love for Lobes has donated over $12,000 to various causes through product purchases and fundraisers.

My mother died of skin cancer at the age of 54. I was 22. Love Your Sister was founded by Australian actor, Samuel Johnson OAM and the charity does incredible work in fundraising for cancer research, with every single cent going to the cause.

Catherine House is a vital and underfunded service in SA for women experiencing homelessness. As an ex police officer who specialised in family violence, this one was a heart and head decision, without question. Women 55 and over are now the fastest growing demographic experiencing homelessness in Australia, and 44% of the homeless population are women. Hidden homelessness is a term we should all become familiar with.

To create greater awareness, connection, and advocacy, I applied for and won a voluntary position as a 2022 Community Ambassador for Catherine House.

I am a one-woman show. My small business is still what I would call in its infancy, with the potential to continue to make one hell of a difference to those who need it.

Love for Lobes’ customers, affectionately known as ‘Lobe Lovers’, and retail stockists, get all the warm fuzzies knowing they are helping through a donation, every single time they purchase. Love for Lobes and the Lobe Lovers®️, who are now a trademark unto their own, are more than just a business. We are a community, rocking epic accessories and helping our fellow humans.

@LOVEFORLOBES

LOOK OUT FOR SARAH AT MARKETS AND FUNDRAISERS ACROSS SA.

Valeska Waldron

Delivering Joy

Delivering Joy was conceived with love and from the deep desire and desperation to help my friend, who was undergoing treatment for stage four bowel cancer. After scouring the internet for ways or things to help people with cancer, I came away feeling despondent that I couldn’t find anything meaningful and long-lasting that would let her know I was there for her, and that she wasn’t alone.

I came up with an idea to send her something every day, to make her smile and laugh, and feel loved and supported. I called it ‘30 Days of Laughter’, sent via text message, and landing on her phone every morning with something to hopefully, make the start to her day that bit brighter. I figured, if I could shift her focus off her reality, even just for a brief moment, it was worth it. She said she looked forward to those messages each day.

When she passed away, something inside was telling me I needed to make this service available to other people looking to meaningfully support their special people too. It took a few years of it tapping me on the shoulder to listen, but when Covid hit, I knew the world needed more joy and ways to support people, particularly with distance, lockdowns and isolation making it physically impossible to be there.

In August 2020, Delivering Joy was born.

Providing care packages of joy and support delivered via MMS, to support friends and loved ones through the ups and downs of life. Messages consist of beautiful imagery with affirmations, quotes and phrases of care, inspiration, self-care, strength and love or humorous memes.

Giving back and supporting causes that are genuinely making a difference in the world has always been part of my plan.

When Delivering Joy started, I knew that the Jodi Lee Foundation, and its mission to prevent bowel cancer, was one of those causes I wanted to support. My friend supported the Jodi Lee Foundation and was passionate about using her experience with bowel cancer to raise awareness of bowel cancer symptoms and to urge younger Australians to not let their bowel cancer symptoms be dismissed by doctors because of their age.

Initially I planned to wait until the business was ‘doing well’ to give back, but as time went on, the pull to support became stronger and stronger and I realised that I could still make a difference, no matter the size of my business or contribution.

to bring awareness of bowel cancer symptoms, risks and the importance of early detection to more people.

There are plans to expand the causes Delivering Joy supports as the business grows. There are many beautiful people who have stepped forward to help me with various aspects of the business, and it would mean so much to me to be able to encompass the causes that are important to them.

It feels good to be doing good! My customers are not only supporting their friends and loved ones through their ups and downs, they’re also making a difference to causes affecting the lives of the wider community. Even though my business might be small, it can still make an impact.

Photos: Lydia Kalleske, forABELphotography

Welcome to the BIG HEARTED BUSINESS

country of opportunity

We’re so grateful to have Shaona Imaru in our SA Woman community, because she shines her light so bright! Shaona's story and her heartfelt approach to business inspired us all when she was featured as a 2022 Finalist of The Young SA Woman Award. Not to mention her generosity as the proud Sponsor of The Rise Award. There's no doubt about it, we need many more like Shaona in this world.

Thank you so much for letting us into your story in the Awards Special Edition, telling us that since growing up in a refugee camp, you’ve always wanted to work in an industry that would allow you to help others. You also mentioned how understandably, you were overwhelmed by the possibilities you had when you came to Australia.

How did you overcome this overwhelm and decide to not only follow your dream to become a nurse, but to then also start your own business?

Here in Australia, there are many opportunities for young people, and girls like myself. Despite that, I was certain about one thing, which was to work in an industry that will give me the platform to help people - not just in Australia, but around the world. I feel more connected with the healthcare industry, I feel like I can offer so much in this industry. Honestly, becoming a nurse and running a business is a dream come true and words cannot fully express how I feel.

For those who haven’t come across Simaru True Care, can you share the range of services you provide and who you love to help through your business?

Simaru True Care provides a range of services such as assistance with transport, household tasks, in-home support, community participation, SIL, Respite and Day Option Programs to individuals with disabilities across Adelaide, and we are slowly infiltrating into Mount Barker. We are committed to ensuring that each participant is supported to make informed choices, exercise control, and maximize their independence relating to the support

provided. We understand that all of our participants have different goals creating different needs, therefore Simaru True Care works with each participant to create an individualised support plan.

As a 22 year old – you’re absolutely incredible for juggling your work as a Registered Nurse along with being CEO and Manager of your own business, Simaru True Care. What do you find most fulfilling about your work and your business?

What I find most fulfilling about my work and business is the fact that they both allow me to give back to the community. My community in Australia has supported me in so many ways, therefore serving people and ensuring that they live life to the fullest, brings me a great sense of peace and joy. In addition to that, with my work, I can work anywhere in the world and help people who are currently in situations I was in 11 years ago - individuals who do not have access to essential services.

On the flipside, what challenges have you found and overcome on your career and business journey?

Working as a nurse while running my business has not been easy. One of the biggest challenges that I have had to overcome is time management, dedicating enough time for both work and the business while ensuring that I do not overwork or burn out. This has been difficult, but I have managed to put strategies in place such as hiring an Assistant Manager to support my efforts. The other challenge when we initially launched the business was that we had no connections in the industry, so introducing Simaru True Care in the NDIS space was challenging at the start.

What advice or words of encouragement would you love to give to other women who have recently arrived in Australia looking to start their new life and start a business?

To the women who have recently arrived in Australia, the first thing I would like to say is welcome to the country of opportunities.

As you embark on your new journey, the road will have bumps here and there, but do not let that stop you from achieving the goals you have set for yourself.

Remember to be easy on yourself especially when you make mistakes, remember it is a learning experience. Be open to trying new things and opportunities. Be true to yourself and your goals. Ask for help, remember there is always someone who knows what we don’t know and a problem shared is a problem half solved. Lastly, celebrate milestones, big or small.

Then also, how can the SA Woman community support and empower the international community who now call Australia home?

The SA Woman community is doing such a great job in supporting and empowering the international community. I am a true example of that, my first connections were made from support I received in the community. Simaru True Care would not be what it is today without the love and support I received.

Are there any other words of advice that you’d love to share with the SA Woman community?

“

Stand Out from the Crowd

Bespoke Websites On time Delivery

Partnering Approach

The digital world is a crowded market place. We

Communication

Take your Business to the Next Level

If you are ready to take your business to the next level or refresh your branding and digital presence then Jagged Crow Creative is your best choice.

that every business

share their unique personality with a distinctive, on-brand website that translates to increased leads, higher sales and repeat customers.

Bespoke,

When the

butterfly emerges

interview with LAUREN SPEAR

Your story is incredibly powerful and inspiring. For those who haven’t met you, can I ask you take us back to what happened in your life that led you to creating The Orange Butterfly?

In 2018, I was involved in a significant workplace accident whilst working as a special education teacher. My accident resulted in numerous injuries, one being a traumatic brain injury, and I have since spent the last four years in an intensive recovery and rehabilitation program. Throughout my recovery, I was encouraged by one of my specialists to keep a daily journal of my progress and how I was feeling.

In the lead up to the first anniversary of my accident, I began reflecting on how much my life had changed over the last 12 months, and how incredibly isolating, confusing and challenging brain injury recovery is for me personally, but also for the people around me. I decided to type up my journal in the form of a blog to share with my family and friends in the hopes it may support them to better understand brain injury and the physical, cognitive and emotional toll it can have on a person.

I published my blog on a website called The Orange Butterfly, and soon after publishing I began receiving messages from people across the world expressing to me that my words helped them to better explain their journey to others, and how I helped them to be a better support to a loved one going through their recovery. The impact my story was having was something I wasn’t prepared for, and from there The Orange Butterfly was born.

What impact did blogging have on your life and those in the community you created?

Starting my blog not only allowed me to begin building an online community of my own, but it also provided me the opportunity to find an online community that I never even knew existed. Connecting and finding other likeminded people; people that were going through similar recovery journeys and were feeling the same things as I was feeling gave me incredible amounts of hope, support, encouragement and confidence. Suddenly I knew I wasn’t the only one experiencing the life changes I was going through, and I no longer felt so isolated.

From there, I was able to build my own personal community, and seeing firsthand the impact it's had on those in The Orange Butterfly Community is why I continue the work I'm doing every single day. It's about connection, it's about mentorship and guidance, it's about education and awareness, and it's about belonging. When The Orange Butterfly community begins to feel those things, I know I'm on the right path.

The road to recovery is never a straight line and I can only imagine the challenges you’ve had to endure. How did you keep yourself going? What tips do you have to share with anyone going through a rough time, that will help them keep moving forward?

I think it's important to firstly acknowledge this whole ‘toxic positivity’ attitude we see a lot on social media these days. I'm the first to encourage and motivate people in a positive way, but I'm also the first to say “It’s okay to be mad, it's okay to be upset and confused”. Always feeling like you have to be happy and positive is not something anybody can sustain, and in the midst of brain injury recovery it's just not healthy or practical. True strength comes from acknowledging and being okay with every single emotion that comes our way.

If I’m feeling frustrated and angry one day, I let myself. If I'm feeling motivated and energised one day, I let myself feel that as well.

Acknowledging everything I was feeling and going through taught me that it will eventually pass. Every emotion will eventually pass, the pain will soon pass, and every crappy day in rehab will eventually pass too. Sitting with this mindset and applying it every chance I could is one of the main reasons I got through some of the most darkest times of my life.

Getting upset about being upset didn’t do me any favours, but accepting that’s how I was feeling, giving myself permission to feel those feelings and telling myself this too shall pass was one of the hardest but most important skills I have ever taught myself. If anyone is unsure how to begin, guided meditation really helped to teach me this mindset.

What has been an unexpected part of your journey after sustaining your brain injury?

An unexpected part of my journey has honestly been where my accident has taken my life since. Before my fall, I had the most amazing job teaching and supporting students with disabilities, and I thought I had found exactly what I was suppose to do with my life. Now I look back to that girl and think “If only you knew what was coming!!”.

My life has been taken down an unexpected path, but a path where I use my platform to support others, a path where I work in the disability field and feel like I'm making an impact, and a path that makes me so incredibly happy.

My life definitely still has it's challenging and pain-filled days, but my purpose in life has such a fresh perspective and new outlook, and that truly gets me excited for what's to come in the future.

Going from strength to strength. Lauren Spears was the winner of The SA Woman Disability Award at the 2022 SA Woman Awards.

“I PUBLISHED MY BLOG ...AND SOON AFTER PUBLISHING I BEGAN RECEIVING MESSAGES FROM PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD EXPRESSING TO ME THAT MY WORDS HELPED THEM TO BETTER EXPLAIN THEIR JOURNEY TO OTHERS, AND HOW I HELPED THEM TO BE A BETTER SUPPORT TO A LOVED ONE GOING THROUGH THEIR RECOVERY.”

Photo: Miss Portrait

We absolutely love the sound of your Butterfly Hours! Can you take us into one of those and let us know what makes them so special? What do you love the most about the community and events you’ve created?

I created Butterfly Hour a little over 12 months ago now with this idea of bringing two worlds together as one; the brain injury community and the non-disabled community. Sometimes, the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing stops us from connecting with others from diverse backgrounds, experiences and disabilities. Butterfly Hour is the safe space our entire community needs for people to meet each other, converse and learn from one another’s experiences so we can move towards a more accepting, understanding and inclusive wider community for all. The positive impact nature has on the brain and our overall wellbeing, and the fact that social isolation for individuals after a brain injury can be a big challenge to overcome are also reasons why I wanted to create an in person community like Butterfly Hour.

Our Butterfly Hour events are held on the last Saturday of every month in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and are a casual space for people to grab a coffee, meet and get to know some new faces, listen to some incredible guest speakers and use this time however you wish. Some like to sit down and soak in the sun with others, some like to go for a walk and return to the group to say goodbye. That’s what makes this community so special, we are here if you need us and will support you in any way that we can. It's truly a wonderful and fun morning to be a part of, and absolutely anybody and everybody is welcome!!!

As a final note, what do you want everyone reading this to know about the brain injury community?

That we are here and we want to be included in society. Whether it's work and employment opportunities, being invited to socialise with friends, feeling as if we have a purpose and belong to the wider community. The moment we stop learning is the moment we stop growing and evolving as individuals, so I encourage you to probe further, learn something new about brain injury or the disability community as a whole, come to Butterfly Hour, extend your circle and meet a diverse range of people, and find ways you can be more inclusive of the disability community in both your professional and personal lives. At the end of the day, we work so hard to make these happen, but we can only do so much. Your support is needed and will always be appreciated, and I thank you all in advance!!

What do you really need?self-care

written by AD È LE BASHEER

In each edition of the Soar magazine, we love hearing from our Inspiration Partner, Intrinsic. But this time, we’re diving even deeper. What do you do when you’re an inspiration icon and even you feel like you’re languishing? Adèle Basheer takes us into her own life, and speaks candidly about how menopause, recovering from burnout and Covid have all caught up. Read on to discover how Adèle has revealed what path of self-care she needs to take, to bring back direction, purpose and meaning in her life.

If like me, self-care tools such as soothing massages, putting your feet up, and making time for yourself aren't quite working for you, then changing your approach might expand your self-care relationship and repertoire.

While there’s plenty of scientific evidence linked to the psychological and physical benefits of self-care, getting to the heart of what it means for you, may be the difference between self-care being just another duty to add to the to-do list, instead of a daily practice you can weave easily into your life.

This invitation to talk about self-care came at just the right time.

I’d been putting off writing this article, and when I was told my deadline could be extended, I was grateful for the reprieve. As someone who likes to ‘walk her talk’, discussing wellbeing while feeling overloaded and off kilter, didn’t feel altogether authentic.

And it begged for closer inspection. Yes, there was a lot going on in my life, but I’ve been over-stretched and faced far bigger pressures in the past.

So why was I able to flourish then…and why did things feel different now?

When you’re out of balance, stopping to take stock is a good thing to do – and an act of self-care in and of itself!! So, I did what any self-respecting, personal growth advocate would do, and turned to my journal for a ‘self-care audit’.

How am I feeling right now? How do I feel when I’m at my best? What’s changed? What parts of life am I enjoying most? What parts of life can I focus on? What is causing me angst? What do I need right now? Is there something I can do right now?

Just a few simple questions invited me to go a little deeper and brought to light some key aha moments.

Like most people, when I feel aligned and centred, purposeful and making a positive contribution I feel great. Unstoppable almost.

Actually admitting on paper how I was really feeling – foggy and unfocused, directionless and in limbo – was a sigh of relief. And I know this stuff…so why had I not done it sooner?!

Thinking back, there were also three major upheavals or changes over the past three years. Menopause, recovering from burnout and Covid.

I recalled an article I read last year by Adam Grant, where he used the term ‘languishing’. It didn’t speak directly to me at the time because well, life seemed pretty dandy! Not perfect, but purposeful.

Border closures meant we weren’t travelling for work, and I was able to indulge in a long-held goal to learn ceramics at the Jam Factory. Thursday nights were spent sewing up a storm with my girlfriend, and weekends were spent creating magic in the garden. Along with that, my partner Jamie and I spent countless, mindful hours testing our jigsaw puzzles, I was running the odd workshop and the

“JUST A FEW SIMPLE QUESTIONS INVITED ME TO GO A LITTLE DEEPER AND BROUGHT TO LIGHT SOME KEY AHA MOMENTS. ACTUALLY ADMITTING ON PAPER HOW I WAS REALLY FEELING – FOGGY AND UNFOCUSED, DIRECTIONLESS AND IN LIMBO – WAS A SIGH OF RELIEF. AND I KNOW THIS STUFF…SO WHY HAD I NOT DONE IT SOONER?!”

kids were coming home for Christmas.

Fast forward to the last few months, and it seems ‘languishing’ fits the bill for how I’ve been feeling. And it makes sense. Three years of fight or flight have finally caught up. On top of that, returning this year to a ‘new normal’ with a hybrid team means Slack, Zoom and excessive emails are vying for my constant attention, taking me away from meaningful work.

Which brings me back to the self-care I need right now. It’s the kind of self-care that enables me to have the mental strength to show up and be resourceful, responsive, and decisive. The emotional strength to be compassionate and to be there – truly there – for the people I love. The physical strength to sustain and find joy in the activities and projects that light me up and bring joy.

According to Adam Grant, getting back into flow could be the best antidote to this languishing feeling.

Like writing this article. After so many starts and stops, finally putting on my headphones and setting Slack to ‘in flow’ to get the job done, led me down a fresh path. I started journaling, then researching, and entered the flow state. And here we are, almost seven hundred words in… and I could go on for a lot longer, but the deadline calls!

For the moment, my self-care is embracing positive, focused, and challenging activities that will stretch me. Setting boundaries and interruption-free time to do meaningful work and celebrating the small wins. Maybe then I’ll want a massage!

Now let me ask you – what will your self-care audit look like?

DIVE DEEP INTO YOUR OWN

self-care

audit

Find a comfy spot, pull out your journal and ask yourself these questions:

How am I feeling right now?

How do I feel when I’m at my best?

What’s changed?

What parts of life am I enjoying most?

What parts of life can I focus on?

What is causing me angst?

What do I need right now?

Is there something I can do right now?

INTRINSIC SPRANG FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AT THE KITCHEN TABLE OF ADÈLE AND JAMIE BASHEER, WITH $30 WORTH OF RECYCLED CARDBOARD, A HANDFULOF QUOTES AND A SIMPLE VISION TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD. SINCE 1996, INTRINSIC HAVE LOVED BEING ABLE TO TOUCH PEOPLE’S HEARTS, CREATE JOY AND INSPIRE THOSE AROUND THEM.

me Soar!

SWITCHLIFE APP

Switchlife app and Founder Penelope Hall, are paving the way for global midlife singles to reignite their life experience spark and increase their confidence to date online and connect the natural way when face to face. At Switchlife it's about the quality of the experience. We view dating as a positive activity for learning more about ourselves as we venture out to a new network of other singles on Switchlife and individual member communities. We have introduced a Bootcamp and Mastermind for Midlife Singles which is an edgy membership for finding love, companionship and themselves, without the heavy baggage. Midlife singles can now enjoy going online and finding love.

switchlife.au

THE CONNECTED LEADERSHIP CO.

Drawing on years of corporate leadership development experience and the non ‘woo-woo’ aspects of neuroscience and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) we can help you recognise ingrained patterns that are holding you back so you can change them. We can help you regain your perspective, develop new skills, build your confidence, stand out from the crowd, influence change more effectively, or simply win over a tough crowd so you can achieve more with less friction. If you want to connect with the inspirational leader you want to be, talk to us.

MELISA BYRNE NATUROPATH

For many, keeping up with their everyday demands is challenging. If you’re often struggling with fatigue or anxiety, weight issues, poor sleep, hormone imbalances, digestive issues and just getting through the day, it is likely you are not living life to the fullest. As a degree qualified Naturopath and Metabolic Balance Practitioner®️ Melisa can help guide you towards optimal health, first, by doing an assessment of your health which is then followed up with diet and lifestyle recommendations (and sometimes nutritional and herbal medicine prescriptions) that are safe, efficacious and evidenced based.

This showcase of incredible South Australian women are here to help uplift and empower you in your business and life.

YUM HUGS

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of home you get from eating something carefully and lovingly prepared. Can you feel the glow of nostalgia in your tummy? That’s a Yum Hug! Our mission is to recreate that emotion with what we call a ‘hug in a box’. Tasty, homemade afternoon tea-style treats, personally delivered by Michelle or her husband Ian, to someone you care about. Yum Hugs is the delicious way to brighten up someone’s day. We use seasonal produce to make sure every ingredient is authentically flavoured, as well as recycled and recyclable packaging.

COMPLETE ADMIN & BOOKKEEPING

Belinda thrives on the work she does as a registered BAS Agent and Bookkeeper. One of her main focus points at Complete Admin & Bookkeeping, is to provide exceptional bookkeeping support, through processing purchases, sales, receipts and payments; payroll processing; bank reconciliations; and producing timely reports that are relevant to you in management and to your accountant. Belinda can also take care of preparation and lodgement of your BAS requirements. Belinda’s high-level office management skills come to the fore through diary and email management, budgeting, quoting, creating filing systems and much more.

YOUR CHOICE CONVEYANCING

Melissa Hayward is the Proprietor of Your Choice Conveyancing and has been operating as a Conveyancer in Adelaide since 2001. Your Choice Conveyancing is situated close to the CBD and can attend to the conveyancing of any real estate transaction located in South Australia. When working with Melissa and her team, your biggest headache will simply be packing to move, they will look after the rest! They can help with: Buying or Selling Real Estate, Preparing Private Contracts, Change of Name, Change of Ownership, Matrimonial Transfers, Noting a Death of a Proprietor and Subdivisions.

yourchoiceconveyancing.com.au liveonce.com.au completeadmin.com.au

yumhugs.com.au SOAR MAGAZINE EDITION #4

LIVE ONCE FITNESS

YLP – YOUR LEGAL PARTNER

At YLP – Your Legal Partner, we pride ourselves on maintaining a small-firm feel by treating every client with care, respect, and consideration. We’ve hand-picked a high-quality team of Adelaide lawyers qualified to assist you in any legal matter successfully. No issue is too big or too small.

YLP – Your Legal Partner represents a wide variety of clients, from individuals to large corporations.

YLP – Your Legal Partner is a Gold Alliance Firm of the Law Society of South Australia, and as proud supporters of Autism SA, we’re also an Autism-friendly law firm.

ECOLATERAL

Ecolateral has been serving the environmental community since 1994, making it Australia’s longest running retailer specifically devoted to the supply of good quality, eco-friendly, sustainable products, as well as bulk refills. Our overriding reason for being is to educate, inspire and motivate this and future generations to care for the world we live in. We exist to deliver alternative earth friendly products and methods that can be incorporated into the daily lives of our customers without compromising their desire for a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. Shop online or visit our Magill, Blackwood, Brighton and Adelaide City stores. goecolateral.com.au

SACRED CENTRE

Supporting and connecting the women who give so much of themselves, Shawna is a space holder for the space holders. Spirituality is a deeply personal, individual and internal relationship. In a culture that encourages us to look outside for answers, Shawna guides you right back to your inner authority and wisdom by helping you to strengthen your relationship to 'something greater.' Offering spiritual mentoring, healing breath, workshops and online courses so you can embody your own brand of spirituality, bringing it into your work and life in a way that feels good to you.

ENHANCE SKIN COSMETIC CLINIC

Glow from the inside out. Enhance Skin Cosmetic Clinic offer cosmetic injectables administered by a qualified nurse, paired with bespoke skin treatments designed to target your skin concerns. We offer a collective of skin treatments and cosmetic injectables in Adelaide to enhance your natural beauty and improve your skin. Using customised treatment plans and medical experience, our team of skin specialists will help you achieve your skin and anti-ageing goals. At Enhance Skin Cosmetic Clinic, our goal is to achieve your skin results to boost your self confidence and enhance your naturally beautiful features.

THROUGH HER LENS

In every corner of South Australia, there are incredible women in photography, capturing our unique landscapes, our families, our workplaces and our lives. We invited them to share what our state looks like through their lens.

"HELPING WOMEN CREATE AUTHENTIC, PURPOSE-DRIVEN BRANDED PHOTOGRAPHY FOR THEIR BUSINESS."

Heidi Wolff Studio

"SOUTH AUSTRALIA EPITOMISED" forABELphotography

"THEY'RE

ONLY THIS LITTLE ONCE"

The Little Oak Studio

"MAKE A WISH, HAVE A DREAM! STRIVE FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE!" Amelia McLeod Photography

"TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS ON THE FARM" Chantel Harding Photos and Films

"ADELAIDE BABIES ARE JUST THE CUTEST, LOVE A SWEET BABY SMILE!" Adelaide Newborn Photography

"ENCOUNTER BAY AT SUNRISE"

Photography by Kate

Breaking intoFreedom

Written by Benigne Kalikela, Breaking Into Freedom is full of insights, upbeat stories and concrete steps. Benigne describes her book as innovative and reveals that it incorporates a practical approach to the journey of walking in one's calling.

Armed with wisdom, knowledge, and future inspirations, Benigne gifts each reader with lovely thought-provoking strategies and tools that will have you eager to participate in your calling. Breaking free from limitations will break open new dimensions in your life!

Benigne exclaims that if you want to live freely in your calling, read and learn from Breaking Into Freedom. It will inspire you and challenge you to build a solid foundation and win in your current season. This exhilarating book is a wonderful treasure of information and inspiration for anyone – at any level!

You will find invaluable insights, promoting questions on every page - nurturing positive change both energetically and enthusiastically. Break free from limitations today!

I want to finish off this chapter with some strategies that my heart burns to share with you on how I overcame and broke free in my incredible thriving organisation Independent Living Care and in the incredible organisation I’ve just launched and hope to share with you all soon when the time comes.

Are you ready?

Stop thinking the, who am I to?

And shift into, who am I not to?

Let’s go!

1. Ask questions and be coachable – Instead of masking what you don’t know, be vulnerable and allow the right people to teach and coach you.

2. Strategise and start where you are – Strategise and get ready to start running your race. The right time will never come; start where you can now.

3. Be prepared to fail - Expect and prepare for failure as being ready for it will assist you in being equipped to be able to respond to it.

4. Consider who you can reach in this season – Stop focusing on those you can’t reach and focus on the people you can reach now and those you’re equipped to speak to now.

5. Champion others – Find other people you can champion, ask for collaborations with and genuinely lift them up; it’ll help others resonate with you more.

6. Work hard and give it all – In life you will always get what you worked for and not what you wish for. Nothing ever magically happens; so stand up and go chase what it is you feel called to do with all of your heart. Break out of entitlement mindset and get your hands dirty.

7. Unchain yourself and give yourself permission to be successful – Do the work you require to do on yourself and go out there and give yourself permission.

@BENIGNEKALIKELA CONNECT WITH BENIGNE TODAY!

sa woman.

A huge thank you to

WOMEN WOMEN WOMEN

change the conversation change the game change the world