The Community and Business Women’s Network (CBWN) met for the first-time on the Peninsula last week to celebrate the highs and share the lows of community, business and womanhood.
First established in the north of the Central Coast several years ago, the Network has been spreading its wings.
Founder Sharyn Burgess said she had noticed a lot of Peninsula women travelling to events farther north.
“They kept asking for events in the Peninsula area,” she said.
“As more member were coming through, we saw a real need to support women in business in that area.”
The Peninsula holds a special place in Burgess’s affections.
“Years ago, my first full time job was at Woy Woy and I would travel down there so I am very familiar with the area,” she said.
The CBWN aims to unite women on the Central Coast, sparking opportunities for growth, resilience and inspiration in both their professional and personal life.
The inaugural Peninsula event brought speakers, local businesswomen and community leaders together to share experiences.
Featured speaker and business mentor, Katrena Friel, told attendees she loved living and working on the Coast.
“It was amazing to welcome the community and businesswomen under one roof together in support of each other, helping get through the recent events and making sure we not only survive but continue to thrive here on the peninsula,” Friel said.
Over 50 women attended the event at Umina Beach’s Margarita Daze, networking to help build a united women in business and community front.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch attended the event and said the women’s network is an organisation she feels passionate about and will continue to support.
“Katrena vibrantly spoke of the changing face of the Peninsula, with the business network shifting yet our strong sense of community remaining intact,” Tesch said.
“It’s a message we could all do with listening to, that despite our Peninsula becoming more popular, savvy and developed our unique core values will always shine through.
“Engaging with women from all different walks of life is one of the most rewarding and beneficial activities we can participate in as a community.”
Terry Collins