Lessons Learned : Geelong Small Business Festival

Don’t Miss This Opportunity: Learn from the Best Business Women in Geelong

Do you want to hear some valuable insights from successful business women who have been there and done that? Do you want to learn from their mistakes and achievements? Do you want to network with like-minded people and have some fun?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to join us for this amazing event:

Lessons Learned: Tips and Tricks and a dose of inspiration

When: Tuesday 13th August, 6 to 8 pm

Where:  Maestro at Geelong Quarter, Level 1, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong,   40 Ryrie Street,  Geelong, Victoria, 3220

Who: Our fantastic panellists are:

• Maree Herath, Director of Harvest Talent Recruitment and People Solutions, and past Geelong Business Woman of the Year
• Cath Nicholson, GM of HR Central, and a specialist in supporting small businesses with HR solutions
• Michelle Winckle, Director at Haysewinckle Real Estate

What: You will get to hear their stories, their challenges, and their advice on how to succeed in business. You will also get to ask them questions, network with other attendees, and enjoy some refreshments and nibbles.

This event is sponsored by Spirit Super, the super fund for hard-working Australians, who will give us some tips to help you grow and manage your super. Spirit Super is the super fund for hard-working Australians. With over 350,000 members and $30 billion funds under management, we offer low fees*, advice at no additional cost and a history of strong long-term return**, it all starts with spirit.  

The event will conclude with the announcement of our Business Accelerator Scholarship winners, proudly sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong. These scholarships will provide mentoring and support to women entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate their achievements and get inspired by their stories.

What to bring: Just yourself, your business cards, and your curiosity. This is a casual and friendly event where you can mingle with other attendees, ask questions, and share your insights.

To register for this event, please select your ticket and register below. Hurry, as places are limited and filling up fast. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with other like-minded business people and learn from the best. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Consider the PDS and TMD available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds before making a decision. Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443) and issuer is Motor Trades Association of Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 238 718, ABN 14 008 650 628). *You pay $67.60 + 0.15% of your account balance pa in admin fees, capped at $517.60. Other fees apply. For more details, read our Fees and costs fact sheet available at spiritsuper.com.au/pds. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of investments can rise or fall, and investment returns can be positive or negative. **Based on the 10-year return for Spirit Super’s Balanced MySyper Option as of 31 March 2024.

        Our Speakers

Maree Herath is Director of Harvest Talent Recruitment and People Solutions and curator of the Geelong HR Index – a survey of economic, employment and HR trends, conducted by Harvest to analyse the impacts of environmental factors on the employment landscape. Harvest project managed the Digital Capability Project for the Barwon region, identifing the training providers their courses, content and outcomes.

Cath Nicolson is GM HR Central: Coming from a family that had their own small business, which she eventually managed, Cath has an affinity with the small business community and a great rapport with people of all backgrounds, cultures, genders and ages, and thrives on listening to peoples’ stories.

Cath holds qualifications in business and HR, and is currently the proud ambassador of HR Central, an outsourced HR solution that has been created especially to support small business be compliant in the weighted layers of workplace legislation and to get the most out of their workforce.

Michelle Winckle Director Haysewinckle Real Estate

“Although my mantra is to not look back, I can’t help but be proud of where I come from and what I’ve achieved.  There is always more to accomplish, more records to set, and more vendors to thrill. Hayeswinckle is the vehicle for us to take it up another gear, to channel our significant momentum into a Geelong-focused brand springboard from which we can expand regionally. To say it’s exciting is an understatement. It’s truly exhilarating.
As long as I continue to experience that amazing buzz from sealing a great deal, from dropping the hammer on a record-breaking auction, I know I’m in the right place. Meanwhile, I’m proving to my four young children that hard work and passion have their own rewards and that nothing is as powerful as believing in yourself.“

Darren Gilby from Spirit Super  For over half of his 35-year career, Darren has been dedicated to educating individuals about finance and, in particular, superannuation, to help them improve their financial outcomes.  Darren is passionate about helping members understand their super and relishes those “light bulb moments” that empower them to take control of their financial futures. Outside of work, Darren loves spending time with his family and hosting exchange students. He’s also recently discovered a passion for offset meat smoking.