IWD success for Women in drinks

The Women in drinks council celebrated International Women's Day yesterday with more than 450 guests at Doltone House in Sydney.

The event focussed on 'Building a diversity mindset in the drinks industry', with the drinks association Chair Ralph Dunning noting: "My level of frustration that we're still talking about this is high - it should be done by now." 

Women in drinks Co-Chair Lucy Nandi added: "Today isn’t about selling the benefits of diversity and inclusion - these are already known - but to identify ways in which we can bring diversity and inclusion to life.

"So in light of where we sit today – we need to ask ourselves how we make that change?.

"We are all fully aware of the benefits of a more-balanced industry. Our challenge is to turn the intent into action."

Mia Freedman: making the world a better place for women & girls

Mia Freedman was the keynote speaker at the event. 

Mia is a journalist, author, activist and co-founder of Mamamia, the largest independent women’s website in Australia. She was named one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women by the Financial Review and is a former chair of the federal government’s Body Image Advisory Board. She remains a passionate campaigner for more diversity in the way the media portrays women.

Mia gave an engaging address on how the media and advertisers can better address their female readers and consumers. She discussed the way personal adversity - from a miscarriage to a harrowing experience working at an executive level at the Nine Network to starting Mamamia - had shaped her career and view of the media and its attitude to women. 

Industry panel discusses ‘Bringing diversity and inclusion to life’

Mia's address was followed by an industry panel - moderated by Ralph Dunning - discussing ‘Bringing diversity and inclusion to life’.

The panel included Martin Smith, Endeavour Drinks Group; Jane Hill, Talent and Change Director, Lion; Shane Richardson, Coca-Cola Amatil; Kylie McPherson, Diageo.

Smith admitted: "I think we've got a long way to go, but it's absolutely a core strategic value for Endeavour Drinks."

Hill said companies needed to "go where the energy is" and, if faced with resistance: "Start small and get some runs on the board and prove you can get some great returns."

Richardson said success to him was having a "great company that people want to join." 

McPherson added: "Success is the inside of our organisation looking the same as our consumers."

Fundraising success for ANZGOG

Women in drinks charity partner is The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, the national peak organisation for gynaecological cancer clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand. In addition to $15 from each seat ticket being donated to ANZGOG to support ongoing research, a raffle was held, with the winners being announced by ANZGOG spokesperson Jana Pittman.

Women in drinks raised $16,000 on the day for ANZGOG towards its target of $50,000 over the next three years.