2024 International Women’s Day Luncheon at Plantation House

WORDS: Plantation House PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - www.usherusher.com

Panel Speakers

We are thrilled to reveal our full line-up of speakers who will take to stage to share their stories and insights on what it means to ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

Ms Judy Brinsmead AM – Principal of Tropical Fruit World

Judy holds a law degree with honours from the University of Queensland and is admitted as both a Barrister and Solicitor. Early in her career, she worked as an Associate to a Federal Court Judge. Moving into private practice at Morris Fletcher and Cross (now Minter Ellison), she was one of the youngest and for many years one of only a few female partners before resigning her partnership to pursue other business interests. These now span law, construction, development, farming, and tourism.

Judy is known for chairmanship of ADCO Constructions, a leading commercial construction company operating throughout Australia and with a turnover of approximately $1.5 billion. With five offices nationally, ADCO is a family business of Judy’s and is in the top 100 private companies in Australia.

Professor Erica Wilson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Innovation) and Professor of Tourism at Southern Cross University

Professor Erica Wilson is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Innovation) and Professor of Tourism at Southern Cross University. Erica has published over 90 scholarly outputs, including two co-edited books: ‘Women and Travel: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives’ and ‘Slow Tourism: Experiences and Mobilities’. Her research and scholarly interests lie in gender and tourism, sustainable tourism, and pedagogical transformation in higher education. Erica has co-led the design and implementation of the Southern Cross Model, a revolutionary approach grounded in student success, based on 6 week teaching periods.

Erica is passionate about supporting quality higher degree and early career research, and has supervised a number of PhDs, Masters by Research and Honours theses to successful completion.

Donna Masing, Director, Global Performance Therapy Kingscliff NSW

Donna realised her dream of opening her own multidisciplinary clinic in December 2018 and has continued along her journey of self-belief and healing ever since. In 2019 Donna was named the Northern Rivers NSW Business Chamber Outstanding Business Leader and went on to be a State Finalist. Donna has consulted for international Doctors, Physical Therapists and Concussion Specialists on how to communicate with their TBI patients, she has presented at medical conferences, been on speaking panels at events and was featured on the front pages of both the Tweed Daily Newspaper and The Tweed Valley Weekly.

Tyarna Larkin, Human Nature Adventure Therapy 

Tyarna Larkin is a proud Minyunbal, Ngiyampaa, and Ni-Vanuatu woman, as well as a dedicated social worker. With a profound commitment to her culture, she integrates its essence into every aspect of her work, especially when engaging with young people and the broader community. Through her deep understanding of vicarious resilience, Tyarna brings empathy and unwavering support to the youth of the Northern Rivers region.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase to support Human Nature whose mission is to empower young people across the far north coast to navigate life’s challenges – transforming trauma and disadvantage into healing and growth offering therapeutic programs that take place outdoors in nature. Offering tailored services that engage and support young people to change the trajectory of their lives towards a more positive future.

Ticket Package Includes

A delicious 2 course lunch by Botanica Plantation House where culinary excellence meets farm-fresh goodness, and every dish reflects the vibrant colors and rich tastes of the region.

• Welcome cocktail by Ink, Husk Distillers
• 2 Hour beverage package (wine, beer, sparkling)
• Tropicology skincare gift
• Photo opportunities
• Entertainment by Danielle Guest Music
  
• Hear from Today Show’s Effie Zahos and an inspiring line-up of local speakers
• Networking on the lawn of Plantation House from 3pm – 5pm. (Cash Bar Available)

Please get in touch via [email protected]