Far North women cap off a big year
WITH end of year celebrations in full swing Cairns Business Women’s Club board members are all looking towards a well-earned holiday break with family and friends.
Being at the helm of such an institution as CBWC has been a highlight of my last few years, apart from seeing my son off to university and daughter through her Year 12, and running a couple of businesses … and all its ups and downs, of course.
The next lunch in February signals the changing of the guard with the club AGM and subsequent announcement of the new board. It will be my last lunch as club president, although by no means my last role with the CBWC.
Each leader of such an organisation brings with them a different expertise and, along with a diverse and dynamic team on board, our main focus has been on improving outcomes and value add for our members and corporate partners to continue to deliver on our promise to “Inspire and connect women in business”.
Initially our energy was channelled into dramatic improvement in the structure behind the scenes to reduce volunteer board fatigue and improve efficiencies.
This year, due to stronger foundations, we have brought an edge to our events. We partnered with AHRI to bring the Fair Work Ombudsman to Cairns, we partnered with Zonta to bring a sellout event of 380 to hear the inspirational Rosie Batty and our Christmas function with comedienne Claire Hooper was also a sellout and cemented our annualcelebrations.
We’ve successfully grown the profile of the CBWC Awards so that they fully recognise the women in this community and their efforts in business. Nominations are currently open.
What of the next few years? Of course, I will remain a member and active albeit in not so prominent role, but the board has been aiming to set in place a stronger future for the club and a new board including Ten Corporate Partners – details being released early 2018, along with events planned thus far until August 2018.
Being part of the CBWC has given me so much professionally and personally, I strongly recommend that if you’ve ever thought of getting involved in such a networking organisation, you think of putting your hand up to be involved.
You must be a current CBWC member and have time available to actively participate in meetings and events, and have a genuine passion for the club. I won’t mention the camaraderie – what a ball I’ve had and what friends I’ve made – say no more.
From everyone at the CBWC, we wish you and your families a safe and merry holiday season. See you all in 2018. Sally Mlikota is president of the Cairns Business Women’s Club