Women Inspiring Better Business hold networking breakfast for International Women’s Day at Geraldton Grammar

Women in business were invited to an early morning breakfast before classes began at Geraldton Grammar School to celebrate International Women’s Day and the achievements of local women closing the gap towards gender equality. On Friday, Women Inspiring Better Business organiser Barb Thompson welcomed the crowd and announced the sponsors for 2023 including JMH Group, Activewest Real Estate, Maisey Fuels, GC Lawyers, Bendigo Bank and Rigters IGA. Two women were randomly drawn to stage a 60-second “perfect pitch” advertising their business, with Amplify Marketing and Batavia Brewing Co chosen to come on stage. Health Communications Resources charity worker Celeste Larkins and Dress for Success business development manager Karen Woodcock were the guest speakers, talking about their business values and inspirations. Ms Larkins was introduced to HCR in Bali, where she met her husband Dane. She volunteered in Suva with the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee encouraging women and people with disabilities to get involved in sport. Ms Larkins also volunteers for the Geraldton Local Drug Action Group and said changing the alcohol culture in Australia was a passion after growing up around a heavy drinking family. “Meeting my husband Dane was a pivotal point in my life. I didn’t have the best childhood, hadn’t had any respectful intimate relationships and most of my friends were superficial,” she said. Ms Larkins spoke about her frustration when women say they’re lucky to have a partner who treats them with respect, as it should be something all women receive. Ms Woodcock began with Dress for Success in 2016 as a volunteer after 40 years of experience working with NAB in business finance. Her husband’s family are well-known in Geraldton and Northampton and she holds a strong connection to supporting regional WA.