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QLD International Women’s Day 2027: Leaders’ Breakfast

#LeadTheChange

 

About the event:

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking morning at Brisbane City Hall, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2027 with a special Leaders’ Breakfast honouring the extraordinary women shaping Queensland—and Australia.

Guided by this year’s theme, Lead the Change, this event recognises that leadership is not defined by a single path, title, or sector. It lives in boardrooms and laboratories, in public service and industry, and equally in homes, communities, and the quiet, often unrecognised work of caregiving and connection.

Too often, conversations about leadership remain siloed. This gathering brings together influential voices from across sectors—government, defence, business, STEM, law, health, and community—to share insights, challenge perspectives, and demonstrate how leadership transcends boundaries. By learning from one another, we unlock new ways to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.

Set within one of Queensland’s most iconic civic landmarks, this event celebrates not only the trailblazers who have shaped our past, but also the leaders redefining our future. From pioneering changemakers to emerging voices, we shine a light on the diverse journeys that drive progress and inspire possibility.

Together, we will reflect on the legacy of women who have led with courage and conviction—and look ahead with intention. This is a call to action: to lead boldly, to lead inclusively, and to lead the change toward a more connected, equitable, and resilient future for all.


Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

Governor of Queensland

Professor Lyn Beazley AO, Neuroscientist; 2015 West Australian of the Year; WA’s Chief Scientist(2006 - 2013)
Professor Lyn Beazley AO

 Neuroscientist; 2015 West Australian of the Year; WA’s Chief Scientist(2006 – 2013)

Sallyanne Atkinson AO, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia
Sallyanne Atkinson AO

First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia

Dr Hilda Turnbull, Former Member for Collie(1989 -2001); First woman elected to the WA Legislative Assembly representing the National Party
Dr Hilda Turnbull

Former Member for Collie(1989 -2001); First woman elected to the WA Legislative Assembly representing the National Party

Jean McRuvie, Chair, Council on the Ageing Queensland
Jean McRuvie

Chair, Council on the Ageing Queensland

Professor Samar Aoun AM, Researcher and advocate for end-of-life care, bereavement and grief support; 2023 WA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR; Head of Palliative Care Research, Perron Institute
Professor Samar Aoun AM 

Researcher and advocate for end-of-life care, bereavement and grief support; 2023 WA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR; Head of Palliative Care Research, Perron Institute

Emily Edgar, Lawyer Person with Lived experience Disability Advocate
Emily Edgar 

Lawyer, Person with Lived experience, Disability Advocate

Dr Emilia Dauway MD, FACS, FRACS, Dr Emilia Dauway MD, FACS, FRACS, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.
Dr Emilia Dauway MD

FACS, FRACS, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.

National Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit
Andrea Musulin 

Founder, WA Child Protection Society and The Child Focused Safety Service WA ; Director Safeguarding Program, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and Safeguarding Lead Police and Community Youth Centres.

Jasmin Diab CSC GAICD, President, Women in Nuclear Australia; Veteran
Jasmin Diab CSC GAICD

President, Women in Nuclear Australia; Veteran

Miquela Riley, Vice President & Deputy Chair, RSL WA; Veteran and Veteran’s advocate
Miquela Riley 

Vice President & Deputy Chair, RSL WA; Veteran and Veteran’s advocate

Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources
Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths

Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources

Mary Nenke, Director, Cambinata Yabbies; Mary’s Farm Cottages;
Mary Nenke 

Director, Cambinata Yabbies; Mary’s Farm Cottages;

Jacinta Vu, 2025 Local Hero for Western Australia Nominee for Australia of the Year 2025 WA Oral Medicine Specialist
Jacinta Vu

2025 Local Hero for Western Australia
Nominee for Australia of the Year 2025 WA
Oral Medicine Specialist

Linda Ginger, Market Strategist
Linda Ginger

Market Strategist

Asha Bhat OAM
Asha Bhat OAM

CEO, Southern Aboriginal Corporation

Lisa Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
Lisa Ward

Chief Executive Officer, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland

Yasmin Khan, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015
Yasmin Khan

2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015

Chithrani Palipana, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate
Chithrani Palipana

Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate

Tanya Brown GAICD, National Director - Special Olympics Australia Director - Hardie Finance Corp
Tanya Brown GAICD 

National Director – Special Olympics Australia
Director – Hardie Finance Corp

Hon Maryka Groenewald MLC, Member of Legislative Council, Western Australia
Hon Maryka Groenewald MLC

Member of Legislative Council, Western Australia

Prasitha Chavittupara, Advocate for Healthcare Reform Founder of Aishwarya’s Foundation
Prasitha Chavittupara

Advocate for Healthcare Reform Founder of Aishwarya’s Foundation

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