HBWN - March Newsletter
Happy International Women’s Day Month!  This month we should take time to reflect on all of the reasons it’s great to be a woman and acknowledge those women who enrich our lives.

There have been some fabulous events celebrating women over the past couple of weeks; the most recent was the Steel Magnolias Awards Dinner on the 12th March. This event is a fundraiser for Lifeline and the award recognises a woman who, in overcoming personal adversity and making a positive change in society, inspires others to make a difference in their local community.  The HBWN nominee was our very worthy member Lenore Miller. Lenore became an Ambassador for the Asthma Foundation after losing her son Ryan to asthma when he was only 19 years old. She truly is an inspiration.

The winner on the night was 73 year old Juliet Roosendaal, who has committed her life to assisting those with arthritis since being diagnosed at the age of 4 years. HBWN had a table of supporters at the dinner providing Lenore her very own cheer squad!  

March event – ‘Art from the Heart’
HBWN members and friends were treated to a very special experience last Wednesday night at the Newcastle Art Space.  The exhibition ‘Art from the Heart’ was a collection of artwork done by people with an intellectual disability and supported 3 local charities – Samaritans, Lifestyle Solutions and Leap Frog Ability. We were moved by the DVD showing the artists at work and the pure joy they had in working on their projects.

We were also well looked after on the night by Petah Blanch from Unique Exposure who provided the wine, and Tracy Roddenby’s team from Feast Gourmet Deli & Catering in Cooks Hill and Merewether, who provided the awesome food.  Both of these fabulous women gave us a discount enabling us to donate to the charities involved. A big thank you also goes to everyone attending who generously bought raffle tickets at the event to help support the cause.

April Event – Wednesday 14th April, Quality Hotel NOAH'S On the Beach

AGM and "Surviving Networking - It's a Jungle Out There!"
In past years our Annual General Meeting has been a function for our members only. This year the AGM will be part of a networking event for members and their guests.   As always, the formalities of the AGM will be quite brief allowing plenty of time to network while enjoying a beverage and some cocktail food. We will also share some tips to help you survive and gain more from attending networking events.

Tickets for financial members of HBWN will be free and non-members will only pay $40. Click here to RSVP  

HBWN Committee and Sub Committees 
Are you interested in being more involved with YOUR network?
If so, why not join the committee?
If you are unable to commit to a 12 month term on the main committee you might be interested in becoming part of one our event sub-committees. We are planning some new initiatives for the coming year and would love your input. If you would like more information you can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Kelly on 4927 5554.

May Event – Wednesday 12th May, Quality Hotel NOAH'S On the Beach
Westfield Winter Fashion Preview
Do you hate shopping for clothes because you are unsure of what suits you?

Alternatively do you love shopping for clothes then get home and wonder ‘what was I thinking’ in relation to your purchases?

Do you find shopping a challenge because you don’t have the time to see what’s out there?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, OR if you just want to see what’s around this coming season, our May event is a must for you! 

The Westfield Winter Fashion Preview is a special opportunity to see the latest fashions in a fashion parade with a difference. Enjoy cocktail food and get some tips from Westfield’s stylist Kristy on how to wear the latest looks to suit you and your body shape.
Click here to RSVP and for more information. 

For information on Westfield’s stying workshops and special fashion offers available over the next 3 months click here

‘

What Women Want’ - Women’s Conference 16th and 17th July 2010

Planning is well under way for our Inaugural Regional Women’s Conference to be held at Newcastle Jockey Club in July.  Mark the date in your diaries now!

The conference is the initiative of Hunter Business Women’s Network and the Hunter Business Centre.

Our Purpose To Provide Inspiration, Motivation and Information to the women of the Hunter and surrounding areas

Who should attend? Small business owners as well as Managers and employees from both the public and private sectors.

Survey – over 120 women completed our survey. The input has been extremely valuable and we are basing the program and timing of the conference on the results. The top 3 topics asked for were around leadership, stories and tips from successful women, and work/life balance. We will be covering these and many more.

Program – in order to meet the needs of the majority, we have invited a range of speakers to inspire and educate. Throughout the day we will be running two streams of workshops and activities – one to suit women in small business, the other targeted at managers and employees from a broad range of industries.

Exhibitors – There will be opportunities for promotion of your business or services through a mini expo at the conference. Please contact us if you are interested in being involved email Kellie Mills on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or Narelle McClelland on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Note: there is limited space for expo sites so it will be a case of first in best dressed!

Sponsors – We would like to thank our current sponsors for their offer of support:
 TAFE
 Uniting Bookkeepers
 Silveradoh Promotional Products
 Who Printing and Presentation

Stay Tuned – we will update you as we confirm our speakers and additional sponsors. 
The planning committee is Kellie Mills, Narelle McClelland, Jenny Lankshear, Lenore Miller, Janette Dempsey and Debra Hoitink.

Quote for the Month…

Seize the Day!

Do more than exist, live
Do more than touch, feel
Do more than look, observe
Do more than hear, listen
Do more than think, reflect
Do more than talk, say something! 
- Unknown author.

Have a fabulous month, see you at the AGM!

Kellie Mills
President
HBWN