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What happened at the Women in Media national conference

After a pandemic-triggered hiatus, Women in Media’s national conference was back and it sold out in record time.

Hosting by our Foundation Partner Bond University, we welcomed delegates from around the country – as well as a few from overseas – to celebrate change.



THE THEME




Industry leaders share how they have managed change



NATIONAL CONFERENCE EVE

Women in Media is always blown away by the generosity of speakers who volunteer their time to share their insights with our community and the sponsors who support our national conference.

The Star Gold Coast hosted a special reception at the Isolette Pool Club. Photos: Meg Keene.





IT’S ALMOST SHOWTIME

Delegates arrive for the 2022 national conference at Bond University. Photos: Meg Keene



WELCOME TO THE 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Emcee Kay McGrath officially opened the national conference followed by an Acknowledgement of Country from Professor Keitha Dunstan who is a proud descendant of the Mandandanji people of south-west Queensland.

Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tim Brailsford to deliver an address to delegates, revealing the university will support the Caroline Jones Women in Media Young Journalist’s Award.

Photos: Meg Keene.





LIVING THE STORY

Dr Libby Sander examines global research into the COVID impact on the media industry, future hybrid working models, the science behind why Zoom meetings are exhausting and talks about how to ‘clear’ your brain and set up boundaries to help handle this work-from-home evolution.




We are working from home (again) Dr Libby Sander shares seven tips to boost wellbeing and productivity.



CAREER CHANGERS



Diversity in media growing but there’s room for improvement



A SPECIAL MESSAGE ABOUT LEADERSHIP




EXPLORING THE METAVERSE



Metaverse matters and so does women’s role within it



PACIFIC WOMEN




CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE



Moderator Narelda Jacobs. Photo: Emma Brasier.


Koori Mail’s Naomi Moran. Photo: Emma Brasier



How these women fought for what’s right



Award-winning journalist Adele Ferguson. Photos: Meg Keene and Emma Brasier.


Freelance journalist Virginia Tapscott. Photos: Meg Keene and Emma Brasier.


10 questions with Naomi Moran



TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CAROLINE JONES


Courtesy: ABC



IT’S WORKSHOP TIME




ABC INVESTIGATIONS BOSS JO PUCCINI




BURNING QUESTIONS


‘Why would I have imposter syndrome? I’m the real deal’



WONDER WOMEN

Tangiora Hinaki, Lisa Muxworthy, and Annabelle Hickson talk to moderator Emma Macdonald about their career paths, highlights, low points and give tips on navigating a career in media and how to truly connect with an audience.


Tangiora Hinaki, the CEO of the only indigenous media hub in the Pilbara, Ngaarda Media.. Photo: Meg Keene


10 questions with Tangiora Hinaki




Galah Editor in Chief and Publisher Annabelle Hickson. Photos: Meg Keene and Emma Brasier.


Annabelle Hickson on regional Australia, Galah and the national conference



MENTAL WEALTH

After the challenging life circumstances many women have faced during the pandemic, psychologist Dr Peta Stapleton gave practical tips on how to move beyond resilience to reclaim creativity and meaning in their professional and personal lives.




ALL THAT JAZZ

The incomparable Glynis Traill-Nash who is a fashion editor by day and jazz singer by night. We are so grateful that she has shared her talents at every national conference. Photo: Meg Keene.



CONNECTING ACROSS THE COUNTRY




AND WE’RE BACK FOR DAY TWO



RELAUNCHING YOUR CAREER

Women in Media’s Kathy McLeish presented key takeouts from a 2022 WiM report into industry research on challenges facing women in media. Kathy was joined by project leads ‘people connector’ Jude Batrac and high-power problem-solver Michelle Francis, and Relaunch Project participants Alice Gorman and Ashlynne McGhee on the lessons they learned from the career-changing program, which are take-home lessons for every woman in media.


Jude Batrac and Michelle Francis. Photo: Emma Brasier


Alice Gorman and Ashlynne McGhee. Photos: Emma Brasier


Media industry rated ‘weak’ on gender equality, survey shows



LET’S GET LOUD



Women in Media asked the financial guru 10 questions. Learn more.



CAREER PIVOT


Six steps to plan for a second career



NAVIGATING IDENTITY

Change comes in many shapes and for women can be a double-edged sword as they endeavour to find that work-life balance. This panel has a depth of experience in navigating career stages and fulfilling women’s potential beyond the traditional roles of carers, wives, mothers, and grandmothers. Perhaps most importantly, they revealed how to avoid burnout (and ensure longevity!). Speakers Faith Agugu, Karen Koh, Christine Jackman, and Sam Trattles shared their experiences with moderator Cath Webber.



10 questions with Karen Koh


LIFE LESSONS

Two of the country’s most influential and inspirational journalists Leigh Sales and Lisa Millar quiz each other about their journeys – from how they have tackled perfectionism and fear to navigating change and finding purpose.

While they have been friends for decades, it was the first time the pair had shared a stage for a chat like this one.



Three reasons Lisa Millar is looking forward to the national conference


Lisa Millar and Leigh Sales are talking to us about Life Lessons and immediately they’re SO different from their TV personas. They’re funny, ‘normal’ and women you’d like to be friends with. #wimconf22

@JustJenKing

Twitter


“What we don’t talk about enough is luck, the luck to get into jobs you want… and certain privileges that open paths up for you that aren’t open to other people,” Leigh Sales said. “I never wanted to be someone who overstayed their welcome.” #wimconf22 #LeighSales

@WIM_Aus

Twitter


“You never remember the stories you had to miss, but your kids remember the family holiday you ruined by working. You have to put in place boundaries. Women can find it hard to say no.” Leigh Sales on setting work/life boundaries. #wimconf2022 @WIM_Aus

@laurachalmers

Twitter


“You can be empathetic and decent and honest and still succeed.” Lisa Millar on the craft of journalism at @WIM_Aus conference #wimconf2022

@laurachalmers

Twitter


“Mistakes aren’t career-ending, generally, and not knowing things isn’t career-ending,” Lisa Millar on what she wishes she would have known as an early-career journalist. #wimconf22 #womeninmedia #LisaMillar

@WIM_Aus

Twitter


A FINAL BOW

Since its inception, the national conference has offered Bond University students the opportunity to join the pop-up newsroom.

It’s a unique chance for aspiring journalists to hear from the best in the business and make connections in the industry.

The 2022 student journalists tracked down the veterans of past pop-up newsrooms to find out where they are now.



Bond graduates launch careers inspired by Women in Media


Women in Media would like to thank the team responsible for the online coverage of the national conference led by board director Danielle Cronin.

Social media: Tatiana Carter, Regina Lovic and Jacinta Rose.

Photographers: Meg Keene and Emma Brasier.

Pop-up newsroom: Jen King, Rob Layton and Julie Browning.

Student reporters: Elka Devney, Chloe Hillcoat, Ella Strange, Tamsin Read, Macey Williams, and Lilli Wyatt.

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