Murray Now

“The strength of a woman can carry the weight of the world” – Sarah Pezdek-Smith, Artist and Poet

This article is not just about the fantastic Women in Chamber Gala Dinner, or the charitable donations from businesses and individuals who attended the night’s festivities, but about one woman’s story of how she ‘Took the Lead’ in the cut throat business world and came out on top. The Women in Chamber held their Annual Dinner on Friday May 27 at the Albury Entertainment Centre. This fabulous evening was attended by almost 400 people from within the business community; although some were avid fans who came to listen to the awe inspiring address provided by the keynote speaker, Ita Buttrose.

Ita had the audience speechless as she recalled stories of her long illustrious career and she covered topics such as:

• Tips vital to the success of a business; with customer service being a strong link to this success;

• Sharing some of the obstacles she had ran into in the business world and the attitude she took to overcome them;

• What motivates a woman with those ambitions and goals in her life;

• How the workplace can become more flexible and family friendly, and how necessary it is if companies truly want women in the corporate world;

• The recent two part mini-series Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo capturing her rise as founding editor of Cleo magazine ; and

• Talking about her latest book A Guide to Australian Etiquette

On the forefront of everyone’s mind was the recently aired mini-series ‘Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo’ the story of a 30-year-old journalist and editor, and her quest to create a magazine which helped define women, Australia and the relationship between the two. Ita was quoted as saying that the mini-series ‘was a fantastic reflection of my life and Asher (the actress who portrayed Ita) did me justice’. She also talked about her future and writing another book after the success of her most recent publication A Guide to Australian Etiquette’. “I wanted to write another book. I have been gathering material for it for a couple of years, but now I want to speak to the publisher and sell them the concept. This book will have some interviews in it and I want to start this process soon,” Ita commented.

Anne McNaught, Chair of Women in Chamber commented “I thoroughly enjoyed the memorable hour long presentation from Miss Buttrose. Her views on leadership, communication, knowledge, motivation and life’s experiences were certainly highlighted. Following her presentation she made herself available for many to meet and to speak one-on-one which endeared the guests even more.”

The night also paid tribute to another not so well known star, Joshua McLennan. Joshua is a 5 year old local Albury Wodonga boy, who due to a debilitating brain disease needs to undergo Stem Cell Surgery. A total of over $19,000.00 was raised by the various Chambers and dinner guests on the night. This was testament that with the assistance of a business group such as Women in Chamber we can make a difference in someone’s life.

Anne McNaught concluded “Such a significant guest speaker for women in business to access would not have been possible without our partnership with our major sponsor, Murray Now or our host organisations Wodonga and Albury Northside Chambers of Commerce, and we sincerely thank them for their support.”

Murray Now will continue to be a major sponsor of Women in Chamber events throughout the year, so stay tuned for more information or visit the website www.alburynorthside.com.au/Women_in_Chamber.aspx

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