Recognising the role of women in business, community and family

JANE Laverty is the Regional Director Business NSW based in the Northern Rivers and is widely recognised for her passion in supporting business and industry across the region and championing opportunities for young people to stay, grow and thrive locally.

“In the Northern Rivers, I do not see business as being defined by one group or another – it is shaped by people. People who build, lead, care and contribute.

Among them are extraordinary women whose influence is felt at every layer and level of our regional lifestyle.

They are impactful, and I love that we have the opportunity to celebrate the women who have blazed trails before us, and celebrate the next generation, the young women growing in communities today, and ensuring they walk those trails with confidence and the certainty that they belong there.

Across NSW, women now lead more than one-third of businesses, and their presence in leadership and governance continues to grow.

Beyond the statistics, the full story is also seen in everyday contributions – in our classrooms, workplaces, farms, studios, clinics, building sites and community organisations, where women are helping shape both our economy and our way of life.

I am inspired by so many wonderful and remarkable Northern Rivers women. They are teachers shaping future minds, leaders guiding organisations, entrepreneurs creating opportunity, service providers strengthening communities, health professionals caring for others and the steady anchors of families – mothers, daughters, aunts and grandmothers whose influence carries across generations. Many move between a number of these roles, balancing responsibility with compassion and capability with care. In doing so, they strengthen not only business, but the social fabric that supports it.

It can be tough, the juggling, so on behalf of your regional community please accept a sincere thank you.

Strong business communities grow when people bring their perspective, their values and their willingness to step forward. Diverse leadership strengthens thinking, broadens opportunity and builds resilience.

For young women looking ahead, leadership is not something distant and out of reach. It grows through curiosity, effort, courage and willingness to contribute. There is no single path. Leadership can be found in business, trades, professions, community service, innovation, governance and entrepreneurship – and family. What matters is believing you have a place and stepping forward when the moment comes.

The Northern Rivers is stronger because of the women who lead within it and seek to create impact for those around them, in their families, their workplaces and communities.

And to the next generation of young women, your place is here and your path is already unfolding – your voice matters, your ideas matter, your contribution matters”.

Business NSW Northern Rivers hosts business support and thought leadership events throughout the year, including the Northern Rivers Economic Breakfast in March with guest speaker Sally Auld, the NAB Chief Economist. Connect with the team at Business NSW to join the invitation list for all events, please email [email protected]