Challenge and success to celebrate

WHEN it comes to women in business in Ballarat there’s so much to celebrate.

Many women across the region are forging innovative paths in big and small business, and in organisations, from health and hospitality, to trades and tourism.

Katrina Nitschke is one of the co-founders of Ballarat collective, Women in Leadership at the Pub, alongside director engagement at Grampians Health Jennie Courtney.

Ms Nitschke said the region is full of extraordinary female leaders that they’ve not only been able to network with, but feel supported by.

“When you’re finding your feet, you need a cohort of women that you’ve built, that recognise your path,” she said.

“When we connect with the city’s business and leadership community, there is generosity, vulnerability, advocacy, expertise, and collaboration.

“People come with their whole heart, talk about their challenges and successes, and these relationships are so important.

“We come from all walks of life and all backgrounds, but we have a similar understanding, coming from a similar world in business or leadership.

“It’s incredibly important to everybody that they can find the human in their peers, men and women, and celebrate successes together.”

Ms Courtney said women lead through connection and collaboration.

“In Ballarat, there are opportunities to… share, support, and learn regardless of what industry you’re in, or whether you’re in a big or small organisation,” she said.

Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillett said every day is an opportunity to boost and champion the quality businesspeople in Ballarat, across the board.

“We’re equally fortunate in this great city to have strong representation across all genders in business and leadership,” she said.