Words and images by Isabel Vieira
It may have been a gloomy, cold night, but The Terrace Hotel in Perth was buzzing with conversation and laughter during Women in Media WA’s recent networking evening. Women from across the industry packed into the historic venue to hear from Perth attendees who had attended August’s National Conference.
Women in Media founder and co-chair Victoria Laurie was among those who travelled to Sydney for the conference, which attracted more than 400 people this year. She and other Perth women shared their personal highlights, from Ita Buttrose’s interview with Justice Michael Lee to a constructive panel on reporting men's violence against women. From
ABC journalist and presenter Charlotte Hamlyn, we learned that the conference gave her the boost of motivation and inspiration she needed ahead of returning to work from maternity leave. New Women in Media committee member Teri Campbell reflected that the panel discussion on pivoting career paths has been useful in reshaping her perspective on a personal pivot from journalism to communications. And WA convenor Erin Broderick named the podcast workshop as her conference highlight, sharing her learnings about gaps and opportunities in what could otherwise be seen as a saturated market.
Attendees were unanimous in their praise for the keynote address delivered by investigative journalist Kate McClymont AM, at the inaugural Women in Media Oration Honouring Caroline Jones AO. The three workshops were another shared highlight, where Erin said she gained practical podcasting skills, while others explored working with artificial intelligence or learning how to communicate like a leader.
Speakers urged everyone to consider attending next year’s conference, highlighting Women in Media’s scholarship program and pay-it-forward initiative. They emphasised that the conference not only offered professional development opportunities but also inspired, motivated, and connected them with like-minded women from across the country — much like the networking evening itself.
Women in Media WA’s next event is the popular end-of-year sundowner, on Thursday, 7 November, in central Perth. Look out for more details closer to the time.
Comments