About Women in Business at Freehills
Freehills has a Women in Business program to create opportunities for our female professionals, contacts and clients, to meet each other and use their networking skills in a fun and stimulating environment. Through this network, businesswomen can mix with, meet and mutually mentor other businesswomen with diverse expertise and experience.Events
2007
22 November 2007 — On air with Lisa Leong
The Melbourne office celebrated the end of the year with a cocktail party and a spectacularly entertaining and inspiring presentation by Freehills alumni Lisa Leong. On the night we were joined by Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia to raise awareness of their mentoring programs.
Over 130 guests were treated to a live and interactive Freehills style radio show as our guest presenter took a break from her daily breakfast show on the ABC Eyre Peninsula and West Coast. Over the course of the evening guests tuned in to short segments in which Lisa detailed her journey from life as an Intellectual Property Lawyer in Melbourne and London, to her break into the world of radio in London (reached through incredible amounts of persistence, dedication and pre-dawn cups of coffee!) then her return to Australia and her continued successes in the world of radio presenting.
If the levels of laughter were a measure of success, we owe a big thank-you to Lisa for her preparation and enthusiastic performance which wrapped up our final event for 2007.
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| Lisa Leong ‘on air’ | Kate Jenkins, Lisa Leong and Elizabeth Levinson |
October/November 2007 — A passion for pink
Sydney launched the 2007 Pink Ribbon series with a breakfast on Tuesday 23 October. Around 85 guests heard from Ros Kelly, Chair of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Ros spoke openly of her experience with breast cancer and emphasised the importance of having strong support networks in place to assist those diagnosed with the disease.Freehills alumni and chief executive officer of the Committee for Melbourne, Sally Capp addressed over 90 guests at the Melbourne Pink Ribbon breakfast on Wednesday 24 October. Sally gave a personal anecdote of the life of John Ilhan, an inspirational business man and friend, who tragically passed away on October 23. Sally also discussed her involvement with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in her role as Trustee.
The Brisbane office hosted a Pink Ribbon lunch on Wednesday 24 October, where approximately 60 guests enjoyed a lively and inspirational speech delivered by 2006 Queenslander and Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer. Dr Frazer discussed his efforts in developing the recently released cervical cancer vaccine and his significant contributions to biomedical research reinforcing the commitment we may all make towards translating research knowledge into real benefits for women.
On Wednesday 7 November Jane Mouritz, 2001 Outstanding Rural Leader of the Year, presented at the Perth Pink Ribbon breakfast to a group of 50 guests. Jane shared the journey that has seen her become an ambassador for rural western Australia and receive an Australian Centenary medal for services to rural communications. Jane discussed her continued work in identifying and communicating the changing needs of her home town Hyden, and the wider West Australian rural community, to the government.
The annual Pink Ribbon series is organised as part of the Freehills’ National Women in Business program. Funds are raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with all donations gift-matched by the Freehills Community Program.
23 July 2007 — A conversation with Catherine Walter
Freehills’ Melbourne office hosted Catherine Walter at a lunch event held on 23 July 2007. Over 120 guests heard Cathy share some of her thoughts on the role of women in business and, in particular, the role of women lawyers.
Cathy referred to a number of useful resources including studies, websites and books, a list of which can be found by clicking here, together with some other resources mentioned by others during the lunch.
A lively conversation with Cathy followed her formal remarks, where attendees asked Cathy interesting and challenging questions on a diverse range of topics. Some questions dealt with taking advantage of career opportunities when they present themselves, how to know if a person was ready for a position on a board, how to get the most out of a mentoring relationship, including being a 'good mentee' and the different workforce being fashioned by 'extreme careers' (that is, deadline-driven jobs where employees work for more than 60 hours a week) and the impact of generation Y on the workforce.
23 May 2007 — Chilled out with the taste of Russia
On Wednesday 23 May, invited guests to Freehills’ Perth office enjoyed an evening of all things Russian. Guests immersed themselves in a wonderland of Russian-inspired flavours and entertainment to celebrate the arrival of winter. The event, hosted by our Senior Associate group, provided an opportunity for women at all stages in their career to meet one another and exchange views and experiences in an informal environment.
16 May 2007 — An evening with The Australian Ballet …
A Women in Business cocktail event for senior associates was held in Sydney on 16 May. One of the aims of Women in Business is to create a fun and stimulating environment in which our female professionals can meet their clients and associates. To help achieve this environment, we themed the event ‘an evening with The Australian Ballet’ and set the room up with pink tulips, a gorgeous, bejewelled pink tutu and five other opulent costumes from The Australian Ballet’s recent production of Don Quixote. In addition to displaying the costumes, David McAllister, Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, and Barbara Langely, Wardrobe Store Manager, spoke briefly about the costumes and gave us some background to the company. And all the while, Rudolf Nureyev’s production of Don Quixote was playing on the large screen.
David and Barbara were extremely interesting speakers. David spoke about the history of the company and Barbara spoke about the challenges of managing a wardrobe that houses 45 years of costumes from ballets. She also entertained us with stories of wardrobe malfunctions on stage—from a female dancer becoming hooked to her male dancing partner when the medals he was wearing caught her costume and of the child dancer who raced on stage to meet his ‘mother’ but was slowed down by the black rubber thongs he had forgotten to take off in the wings!
As part of a very successful evening, two clients received tickets to the opening night and cocktail party for Bodytorque, the Australian Ballet’s newest production in Sydney.
2006
25 October 2006 — Experiences in cultural diversity
Freehills hosted the fourth annual Pink Ribbon breakfast in its Melbourne office on 25 October 2006. Guest speaker Diane Morgan, Human Resources Director for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in Australasia, shared some of her experiences with the audience ranging from her upbringing in country Australia to her more recent role as Human Resources Director in the vibrant Chinese commercial centre of Shanghai.
Diane’s passion for the Chinese culture was evident as guests listened to the challenges she faced as a senior female executive in Shanghai, working in a country where business is still steeped in tradition and must be conducted within an intricate structure of government and regulation.
A lively discussion followed Diane’s presentation where attendees engaged Diane in relation to matters such as the issues confronted by foreign companies doing business in China, to her experience as a female in a male-dominated culture.
Oganised as part of Freehills’ Women In Business program, the Pink Ribbon breakfast creates opportunities for female professionals to get together and network in stimulating environments. The breakfast also raised funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with all donations gift-matched by Freehills Community Program.
19 October 2006 — Getting involved at the Pink Ribbon breakfast
Freehills held its annual Pink Ribbon breakfast in Sydney on Thursday 19 October. Over 120 Freehills staff and clients attended the breakfast.Guest speaker, Beverley Wilson, a National Breast Cancer Foundation ambassador, shared her very personal story of her son’s battle with breast cancer which ended in 2001 when her son passed away. All who attended were mesmerised by Beverley’s talk, and by her and her family’s courage and positive outlook. She encouraged everyone to take their health seriously and to seek advice early.
The Pink Ribbon Breakfast is organised as part of Freehills’ Women in Business program. The breakfast raises funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with all donations gift-matched by Freehills Community Program.
19 October 2006 — Generosity abounds at Pink Ribbon breakfast
Freehills’ Women in Business group and their guests were pleased to show support for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) at the Pink Ribbon breakfast held in Perth on 19 October 2006. To complement the ‘giving’ theme of the day, we were very fortunate to have the munificent Patria Jafferies as our guest speaker, whose long list of accomplishments includes the 2000 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.
Patria is well known for the strategic and marketing direction she provided in the development of Matilda Bay Breweries, the internationally successful Dome Coffees, which she co-founded, and more recently as a director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Cullen Wines. Patria also has enormous energy and passion for contributing to society through a wide range of organisations, including the Advisory Committee for the National Breast Cancer Centre, the SolarisCare Foundation and Hope for Children; an organisation developing programs for children orphaned by AIDS in Ethiopia.
Born in San Francisco to first generation Italian, Greek Irish Americans as the youngest of four girls, Patria grew up with parents she describes as excellent role models, active in their community and instilling in their daughters a belief that they could accomplish anything they set their mind to. Managing her numerous commitments while raising a daughter and running a private business, Patria describes her philosophy as simply 'doing what needs to be done'.
Patria’s zest for life, professional prowess and commitment to the community is truly inspiring. Her words and the generosity of all involved in the Pink Ribbon breakfast ensured the event was a resounding success.
12 September 2006 — Women in Business executive dinner
The Freehills Brisbane office hosted a Women in Business dinner on 12 September 2006, with Elizabeth Nosworthy as guest speaker.
Elizabeth Nosworthy is the current Queensland Water Commissioner and is a former founding partner of Freehills' Brisbane office. She is an experienced company director, having been the former Chairman of Stanwell Corporation and a director of Telstra Corporation, among others. She also has an Order of Australia for services to business.
The dinner was hosted by Brisbane partner, Joanna Glynn, and a number of senior associates. It was attended by more than 40 people, including clients from ABC Childcare, Queensland Rail, Anglo Coal Australia and BHP Billiton and Peabody, and resulted in being so popular that there was a waiting list to attend.
The night went very well, and the client feedback was very positive. Many noted how inspired they were by Elizabeth Nosworthy's presentation.
30 August 2006 — Paris in Springtime
On 30 August 2006 the arrival of Spring was celebrated in style and with 'joie de vivre' at the Women in Business 'Paris in Springtime' evening function.
Against a background of an illuminated Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge windmill, Freehills staff and guests were treated to freshly cooked crepes, French cheeses and French champagne tasting, all to the sounds of Edith Piaf amidst fragrant springtime floral bouquets.
The function, hosted by senior associates and special counsel, provided an opportunity to forge closer relationships with clients and build new networks. A wonderful time was had by all at this Parisienne-style soiree.
23 March 2006 — Igniting the passion
Perth’s first Women in Business event was a lunch held at Freehills' Perth office on Thursday, 23 March 2006, where 50 guests gathered to hear from Lindy Hume, the Artistic Director for the Perth International Arts Festival.
Lindy spoke of her extraordinary career path to her current position, a path filled with hard work, well-earned successes and plenty of adventures throughout Europe and far flung exotic places along the way. Lindy divulged her three important rules:
She shared with us stories of the amazing things that have happened to her when she has followed these rules ... and the disasters that have followed when she didn’t!
Guests were senior representatives from the banking, property and financial services sector, oil, energy and manufacturing industries, the diplomatic service, public service and retail services.
The atmosphere was wonderful with guests energised and ignited by the opportunity to meet with like-minded women and to witness firsthand Lindy’s passion for life, the arts and the iconic 54-year-old Perth International Arts Festival.
23 February 2006 — Women mean business
On Thursday, 23 February 2006 more than 100 clients, key contacts and Freehills staff and partners—and their newborn babies—celebrated the launch of the 2006 Freehills Women in Business Melbourne events program. Invited guests mingled with Freehills representatives over drinks and canapés at a cocktail function held at Freehills' Melbourne office.
Bronwyn Lincoln, Partner in the firm’s Litigation practice, opened the evening and invited guest speaker, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Christine Nixon, to give her address.
Chief Commissioner Nixon has had a highly successful career and is an important member of the Australian business community. As well as an impressive academic background which includes a Harvard Masters degree, Ms Nixon has won numerous awards and is a patron and supporter of many charitable organisations. Ms Nixon was recently reappointed as Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police for a three-year term. Ms Nixon has held this position for five years and was the first woman to lead a police force in Australia.
It was wonderful to hear Ms Nixon share the story of her career in both the New South Wales and Victorian police services, and she has certainly come a long way since being one of New South Wales’ first policewomen to be given operational duties. She shared her tips on career planning and emphasized the importance of not letting your fears hold you back, always being prepared to ask questions, supporting other women in your profession and being yourself.
The event was a great success with many guests commenting on how inspirational they found Ms Nixon.
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| Christine Nixon with Kate Jenkins, Employee Relations Partner and her new baby. |
For more information on upcoming Women in Business events, contact Fiona Walsh, Business Development Adviser, +61 3 9288 1203 or click here to email.