The annual event, which encourages local women to aim high and make positive change in the community, is now in its seventh year and is open to all members of the public.

Committee member Rachael Thornett believes the event achieves the ultimate goal of uniting and inspiring women in the local community.

“The event is geared to have all attendees leave being able to take something away from the event and from each of the speakers in their own way and hopefully apply that inspiration to their own goals and dreams,” Mrs Thornett said.

“It also brings together a really broad spectrum of women from the community, whether they are retired women, professional working women, stay-at-home mums or semi-retired people.

“I think it is that melding of women in our community that make it such a great event.” 

Each year approximately 320 participants attend the event which continues to showcase a high calibre of local speakers as well as those from further afield, who can inspire and motivate women through their own stories of success.

“The big difference always is the mix of speakers. We feel that we are onto a winning formula with the way that we do bring together a lot of different speakers from different backgrounds,” Mrs Thornett said. 

“This year’s keynote Rachael Bermingham will be an exciting speaker. She is determined people who come along will actually take something home they can use in their life. 

“I think people will be pleasantly surprised by what she can bring to the event this year, beyond her ‘4 Ingredients’ success story.”    

By attending the event, attendees will also be supporting the Shoalhaven Education Fund, which was established three years ago to support youth in the region continue their education beyond year 12. 

Committee member Linda Marquis said the annual conference raised money for the fund which had its genesis in the conference, however now functions independently.

“The women’s conference raises money for all types of charities. We saw a need to help the youth of the Shoalhaven to continue past year 12, who might have financial hardship,” Mrs Marquis said.

“About 52 youths in the Shoalhaven have benefited from the fund. One of the students we have funded will be in attendance this year.”

Mrs Marquis is looking forward to getting a younger demographic of attendees to the conference this year.

“Students from Shoalhaven High are coming along, the age range is really exciting,” she said. 

“The conference is appealing to a really broad section of the community, it is designed for women, not just business.

“Getting the younger ones there is a real bonus.”