On International Women’s Day LNP Noosa hosted an event entitled “Trailblazers”, attracting a diverse guest list including small business owners, leaders, advocates, and newcomers to the Noosa community. Event organiser and LNP Noosa branch president Leigh McCready moderated a panel discussion at the event, featuring accomplished women who shared their unique stories of perseverance and success.
“We had an incredible panel who were inspiring to listen to,” Ms McCready said.
“Former Brisbane Lord Mayor and UQ Senator, Sallyanne Atkinson, entertained the audience with her humorous stories about leadership and recognition of generational changes, as well as her experience as a grandmother to 13 children.
“Sharlene Kelly, a successful high-performance coach and recently appointed Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) Canoe Sprint Coach, shared her inspiring journey of being hired for her first full-time role at 41 after years of dedication to a male-dominated sport. Sharlene spoke passionately about her dreams of ensuring the Olympic podium is full of athletes from the Sunshine Coast under her leadership and her own achievements in breaking the glass ceiling in the surf lifesaving culture.
“Roz White, a dear friend, and owner of five White’s IGA supermarkets and Chair of the Sunshine Coast 2032 Olympics Board, spoke of her resilience and decade-long journey starting with packing shelves at their first convenience store. She shared how she built her business empire in a male-dominated industry and succeeded through hard work and determination.
“Fashion designer Sara Leonardi McGrath, a global citizen and Noosa resident, emphasised the importance of friendships and shared the importance of checking in and maintaining her long-term friendships while forging new connections as a fashion designer and Noosa resident. She also highlighted the need to acknowledge the men in our lives who are some of our biggest supporters.’
“The LNP Noosa event showcased the diversity of experiences and backgrounds of women in leadership and their contributions to society. The panellists demonstrated the importance of women supporting each other and the power of collective strength and resilience in inspiring change.”
The LNP Noosa Branch’s celebration of International Women’s Day was a reminder of the incredible accomplishments of women and the critical role they play in shaping our communities, Ms McCready said.
