BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-// - ECPv6.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Perth BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0800 TZOFFSETTO:+0800 TZNAME:AWST DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Sydney BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260828T080000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260828T170000 DTSTAMP:20260727T053441Z CREATED:20250827T015643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T053441Z UID:2179-1787904000-1787936400@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:National Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & Childcare DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/national-care-sectors-conference-ndis-aged-care-childcare/ LOCATION:Pullman Albert Park\, 65 Queens Road\, Melbourne\, VICTORIA\, 3004\, Australia CATEGORIES:Aged Care,Disability,Early Childhood Education & Care,Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Copy-of-Speakers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20261119T063000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20261119T100000 DTSTAMP:20260713T050233Z CREATED:20260219T063342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260713T050233Z UID:4002-1795069800-1795082400@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:WA International Men's Day 2026 - Leaders' Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/wa-international-mens-day-2026-leaders-breakfast/ LOCATION:State Reception Centre\, 60 Fraser Ave\, Kings Park WA 6005\, Perth\, Western Australia\, 6005\, Australia CATEGORIES:International Men's Day,Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Copy-of-Speakers-17.png ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20261119T063000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20261119T100000 DTSTAMP:20260730T103800Z CREATED:20260727T034620Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T103800Z UID:7084-1795069800-1795082400@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast\, Perth\, WA DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/aged-care-sustainability-breakfast-perth-wa-2/ LOCATION:State Reception Centre\, 60 Fraser Ave\, Kings Park WA 6005\, Perth\, Western Australia\, 6005\, Australia CATEGORIES:Aged Care,Disability,Early Childhood Education & Care,Health ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Copy-of-Speakers-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20270305T063000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20270305T100000 DTSTAMP:20260728T124250Z CREATED:20260326T132229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T124250Z UID:4910-1804228200-1804240800@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:WA International Women's Day 2027 - Leaders Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/wa-international-womens-day-2027-leaders-breakfast/ LOCATION:State Reception Centre\, 60 Fraser Ave\, Kings Park WA 6005\, Perth\, Western Australia\, 6005\, Australia CATEGORIES:International Women's Day,Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-Speakers-18.png ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270308T063000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270308T093000 DTSTAMP:20260728T094909Z CREATED:20260728T083631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T094909Z UID:7114-1804487400-1804498200@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:QLD International Women's Day 2027 - Leaders' Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/qld-international-womens-day-2027-leaders-breakfast/ LOCATION:Queensland Parliament\, 2A George St\, Brisbane\, Queensland\, 4000\, Australia CATEGORIES:International Women's Day,Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Copy-of-Speakers-3.png ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20270310T063000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Sydney:20270310T100000 DTSTAMP:20260728T093748Z CREATED:20260327T051026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T093748Z UID:4971-1804660200-1804672800@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:ACT International Women's Day 2027 - Leaders' Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/act-international-womens-day-2027-leaders-breakfast-copy/ LOCATION:Federation Ballroom\, Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel\, 120 Commonwealth Avenue\, Yarralumla\, ACT\, 2600\, Australia CATEGORIES:International Women's Day,Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-Speakers-19.png ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270312T063000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270312T100000 DTSTAMP:20260728T130141Z CREATED:20260328T092507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T130141Z UID:5030-1804833000-1804845600@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:VIC International Women's Day 2027 - Leaders' Breakfast DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/vic-international-womens-day-2027-leaders-breakfast/ LOCATION:Panorama Room\, Metropolis\, Southgate Melbourne\, Southgate Melbourne\, Level 4\, 3 Southgate Avenue Southbank\, VIC 3006\, Southbank\, Victoria\, 3006\, Australia CATEGORIES:International Women's Day,Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Copy-of-Speakers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20270820T073000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20270820T163000 DTSTAMP:20260722T041105Z CREATED:20260608T043120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T041105Z UID:6374-1818747000-1818779400@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:National Housing Summit DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/national-housing-summit-2027/ LOCATION:State Reception Centre\, 60 Fraser Ave\, Kings Park WA 6005\, Perth\, Western Australia\, 6005\, Australia CATEGORIES:Care Economy,Leadership ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Copy-of-Speakers-23.png ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Perth:20270910T080000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Perth:20270910T170000 DTSTAMP:20260729T035424Z CREATED:20260617T040446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T035424Z UID:6609-1820563200-1820595600@forpurposeleaders.com.au SUMMARY:National Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027 DESCRIPTION:Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers \n \n \n \n Event Description \n \n \n \n Location \n \n \n \n Sponsorship Opportunities \n \n \n \n Past Speakers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce \n \n Veteran; Deputy President\, RSL Queensland; Chair\, Veterans’ Support Center;   Founder and Director\, Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd;  Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cherisa Pearce Cherisa Pearce is an accomplished Australian military veteran\, executive leader\, and community advocate who spent over two decades in the Australian Army—including three operational deployments to East Timor—before retiring as Second in Command at the Royal Military College. As a fifth-generation service member\, she draws on her extensive military background and family legacy to champion veteran transition\, leadership development\, and wellbeing. Today\, she drives strategic change as the Founder and Director of Twenty20 Reset Pty Ltd\, serves as Deputy President of RSL Queensland to support former service personnel and their families\, and fosters grassroots mental health awareness and community connection as the Tribe Leader for OneWave Greenmount through weekly “Fluro Friday” surf sessions. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black \n \n Director\,  The Female Co; Regional Director\, Department of Women\, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism\, QLD Government(2024 -2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Libby Cook-Black Libby Cook-Black is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island (Torres Strait)\, a former Australian Rugby League Jillaroo\, and a community changemaker. In June 2023\, she founded The Female Co\, a Cairns-based non-profit dedicated to empowering Aboriginal\, Torres Strait Islander\, regional\, and remote women and girls through sport\, education\, and leadership development. Drawing from her own experience navigating remote communities and elite sports\, Cook-Black built the organization to bridge the opportunity gap by offering high-performance athletic programs\, mentorship\, and culturally safe pathways—such as the First Nations Academy—to foster confidence\, health\, and leadership both on and off the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella \n \n CEO\, The REIQ; Chair\, Carter Newell Lawyers; General Counsel\, Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) (2003 – 2007) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Antonia Mercorella Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)\, serving as the peak industry body’s first female and youngest CEO upon her appointment in 2014. A lawyer by profession with a background in arts\, dispute resolution\, and executive management\, she initially joined the REIQ as general counsel in 2010 before taking the helm to modernize the century-old institution into one of Australia’s most progressive and high-profile industry associations. Over her decade-plus leadership\, Mercorella has been a central force in shaping major real estate legislative reforms\, championing proptech innovation\, and leading national advocacy on property supply\, tenancy laws\, and housing affordability. Beyond her corporate and sector advocacy\, she is an active community voice\, serving as an ambassador for charities like The Forgotten Women to address homelessness and promote women’s financial independence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion \n \n Director Advisor\, Cyber in Motion; Director\, Neonix Security; Past CEO\, White Rook Cyber(Apr 2022 – Mar 2025) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Angela Champion Angela Champion is an executive leader\, entrepreneur\, and strategic cyber advisor with over 25 years of experience spanning cybersecurity\, telecommunications\, ICT\, and critical infrastructure. She currently serves as Principal Cyber Advisor and Director at Cyber in Motion as well as Director at Neonix Security\, specializing in translating complex technical vulnerabilities into clear business risk\, governance\, and compliance strategies for organizations. Champion previously founded and led WHITE ROOK Cyber as its Chief Executive Officer from April 2022 to March 2025. Deeply engaged in industry governance and talent development\, she serves as the Queensland Chair for the Australian Information Security Association (AISA)\, mentors through the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN)\, and sits on advisory boards shaping cybersecurity education and industry capability. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger \n \n CEO\, Volunteering Queensland; Chair\, Challenge DV; Chief Executive Officer Australian College of Audiology (2022 – 2024) \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jane Hedger Jane Hedger is an accomplished Australian executive and board leader with over three decades of experience spanning the government\, community\, and non-profit sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Queensland—the state’s peak body for volunteering—she leads strategic initiatives to advance\, support\, and advocate for millions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations across the region. Complementing her operational leadership\, she serves as Board Chair of Challenge DV\, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering workplaces to drive the prevention of domestic and family violence. Known for her expertise in organizational transformation\, governance\, and community resilience\, Hedger also holds several high-level advisory roles\, including serving as the Asia-Pacific Regional Representative on the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) global board. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock \n \n Executive Director Medical Services\, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Nicola Murdock Dr Nicola Murdock is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader who serves as the Executive Director of Medical Services at West Moreton Health. Originally trained in general practice and paediatrics before transitioning into full-time medical administration in 2010\, she has built an extensive career leading clinical governance and hospital operations across both the United Kingdom and Australia. Throughout her distinguished administrative career\, Dr Murdock has held senior executive and chief medical officer roles across regional and metropolitan networks\, including Cairns\, Gladstone\, Brisbane\, and Metro South Health. Her broader governance contributions include serving as the President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Paediatrics and Child Health Division) and as Chair of the Queensland Child Death Review Board. In recognition of her prominent leadership and advocacy within public healthcare and academia\, she was awarded the Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Award in 2017. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew \n \n Barrister\, Holmes Chambers; Vice President\, Women Lawyers Association of Queensland \n \n \n \n Read More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kerala Drew Kerala Drew is an Australian barrister based at Holmes Chambers in Queensland\, specializing in criminal\, family\, domestic violence\, and child protection law. Holding a First Class Honours degree in law from Queen Mary\, University of London and the University of Hong Kong\, she initially established her career as a solicitor and duty lawyer appearing regularly across the Magistrates\, Children’s\, District\, and Supreme Courts of Queensland. Known for her pragmatic\, client-focused advocacy\, she accepts briefs across all stages and jurisdictions in family and criminal matters. Alongside her practice at the private bar\, Drew actively champions diversity and equity in the legal field\, serving as Vice President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ Breakfast 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\nContact Us\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Event Name\n *\n \n \n Select EventNational AI & Cybersecurity Leadership SummitNational Care Sectors Conference: NDIS\, Aged Care & ChildcareWA International Men’s Day 2026 – Leaders’ BreakfastWA International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders BreakfastQLD International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastACT International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastVIC International Women’s Day 2027 – Leaders’ BreakfastNational Housing SummitNational Child and Family Safety Leadership Summit 2027Aged Care Sustainability Breakfast \n \n \n \n\n\n First name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Last name\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Email\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n Phone\n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n Message\n *\n \n \n \n \n\n\n \nSubmit\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n If you are human\, leave this field blank. \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM\,\nGovernor of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Dr Emilia Dauway MD\, FACS\, FRACS\, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.\n \n \n \n \n \n Jean McRuvie\, Chair\, Council on the Ageing Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Sallyanne Atkinson AO\, First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia\n \n \n \n \n \n Linda Ginger\, Market Strategist\n \n \n \n \n \n Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths\, Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources\n \n \n \n \n \n Yasmin Khan\, 2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015\n \n \n \n \n \n Lisa Ward\, Chief Executive Officer\, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland\n \n \n \n \n \n Chithrani Palipana\, Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor\, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers Interview URL:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/event/national-child-and-family-safety-leadership-summit-2027/ LOCATION:Panorama Room\, Metropolis\, Southgate Melbourne\, Southgate Melbourne\, Level 4\, 3 Southgate Avenue Southbank\, VIC 3006\, Southbank\, Victoria\, 3006\, Australia CATEGORIES:Care Economy,Family & Domestic Violence ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://forpurposeleaders.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Copy-of-Speakers-24.png ORGANIZER;CN="For Purpose Leaders":MAILTO:dev@for-purpose.com.au END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR