Interspersed with networking breaks, delegates heard presentations from Jo Swift, CEO of Kids Under Cover, Patrizia Torelli, Chair of OnSide Victoria, Carol Schwartz AM, Director of the Trawalla Foundation, and award-winning biographer Jacquie Kent.

The speakers focused on different aspects of leadership: Jo addressed leadership at times of organisational change, Patrizia spoke about supporting multicultural diversity and the role of women in different cultures, Carol spoke about the power of women in philanthropy and in the not-for-profit sector, and Jacquie reflected upon the insight she garnered on Australia’s new Prime Minister while writing her 2009 biography, The Making of Julia Gillard.

The speakers joined in a panel session with Jane Sloane, of the International Women’s Development Agency, and Felicity Shiel-Jones, of Professional Association Management Services, and the afternoon saw a workshop from Andrew Marty of SACS Consulting.

Delegates were encouraged to ask questions and reflect on their own experiences as women in the workplace. Discussions centred on the importance of confidence, the differences in self perception and feedback, and the difficulty of raising a family while pursuing a career.

Responding to the resounding interest in the speakers’ presentations, Third Sector provides a synopsis of Carol Schwartz’s keynote presentation on page 22.

Future events

Third Sector is planning a program of comprehensive and varied events in 2011, spanning from networking lunches to professional development seminars. Held in major Australian cities, the 2011 program will be open to male and female employees of the sector, and appeal to the variety of organisations that make up the not-for-profit sector.

Mark it in your diary…

Held in both Melbourne and Sydney, the Third Sector Christmas Networking Lunch will be a festive chance to network and reflect over the events of the year while enjoying a delicious Christmas lunch.

In March 2011, Third Sector is travelling the eastern coast to bring a program of not-for-profit development seminars to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Encompassing inspiring speakers, a networking lunch, and afternoon workshops, delegates will be able to attend an event from the program that will be of most value to their personal and organisational professional development.

“The most important thing I took away from the day was not to be so harsh on myself; we all make mistakes, learn from them and move on.”

“It gave me the opportunity to talk to women about workforce problems we all share, or have shared in the past, and to swap ideas.”