On Friday evening, members of BPW Perth hosted a special reunion with past members of BPW Fremantle and BPW Mandurah to celebrate the worldwide BPW International Candle Lighting ceremony.  Members of BPW Joondalup also joined the group at the home of BPW WA State President Kate Waters.

In recognition of the bond with all BPW members globally working to the same aims for women - equality in all things, the group joined together to light the many candles symbolising the countries and continents where BPW women meet together.

Below: Deb Costarella (Woods) lights a candle for a founding country.

Hear Moira speak about her amazing life, adventures and the many ‘ups and downs’ of her extraordinary calling to help children, families and communities in need is simply awe inspiring, mesmerizing and totally unforgettable!

You will be glued to your seat, at times in fits of laughter, other times in tears, however always inspired by the unbelievable ‘feats’ and ‘miracles’ that can be achieved by the power of a human spirit on fire and the determination of a Mother Lion that refuses to take ‘NO’ for an answer. For some, just like the many children and families. Moira has helped, it may even be a life-changing experience!

In a world crying out for meaning and inspiration,
Moira’s raw passion and soul stirring mission is riveting

WA President Kate Waters with Perth members, Glenda James, Jasmyn Mumme and Maria Wesley plus BPW Belmont members Jeya Ramanathan and Carol Hanlon at the International meeting for our BPW region covering the Middle East to the South Pacific.  BPW Australia members were involved at all levels with Jasmyn and Carol both presenting during panel sessions.  BPW NZ members showcased proudly their achievements for women's equality, their food and wines and cultural diversity.  

Hi WA Members

As State President I will be attending my first Face-to-Face Board Meeting for BPW Australia this week in Darwin.  

It will be a great chance to meet the other Board members and State Representatives and I've never been to Darwin so staying a bit longer to catch some sights and speak with some local Darwin members.  

They have great corporate connections so looking to find out more about their sponsors' expectations.

Kate Waters - WA State President

On behalf of the WA Division Council we would like to wish all our members a happy and prosperous 2016, and hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas time with family and friends.

On Saturday some members gathered to learn how to navigate through the new BPW Australia website. Learning to update Club pages, add photos of events and generally utilise the website. We practised uploading photos and content on duplicate pages before those who were more advanced updated live pages. Thank you Jasmyn Mumme for her patience and  knowledge in helping us learn this new skill and gain confidence in using this wonderful new Club tool.

Sheryll Fisher from Outback Initiatives winner of Business & Professional Women of Western Australia & BPW Business Incubator ONLINE Training & Mentoring Program ‘Business Woman of the Year Award’
in 22^nd Belmont Small Business Awards

Sheryll Fisher from Outback Initiatives was one of many Western Australian small businesses awarded in the 22nd Belmont Small Business Awards on the 22^nd of October 2015. The winners were showcased at the ‘Night of Stars Event’ in the ballroom of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The awards provide a fantastic opportunity for small and growing enterprises from Belmont and across Western Australia to be recognised for their achievements.

Sheryll Fisher from Outback Initiatives was one of many Western Australian small businesses awarded in the 22nd Belmont Small Business Awards on the 22^nd of October 2015. The winners were showcased at the ‘Night of Stars Event’ in the ballroom of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The awards provide a fantastic opportunity for small and growing enterprises from Belmont and across Western Australia to be recognised for their achievements.

To start proceedings, a Welcome to Country was given by Ingrid Cumming from Kart Koort Wiern. Chair of the Belmont Business Enterprise Centre, Jules Lewin gave the official welcome, and then WA State Manager, Dianne May, from the Department of Industry delivered a message on behalf of The Hon Kelly O’Dwyer, Minister of Small Business, Assistant Treasurer. The Mayor of the City of Belmont, Cr Phil Marks also gave an update on business in Belmont. MC’s for the evening were Past Chair of Belmont BEC Tim Hammond and TCF WA Vice Chair Jasmyn Mumme. Attendees on the night enjoyed a WA Designer Showcase which was supported by Silverstar Designs (designer Margaret Sylvester), Ava (designer Petra Vanessie and Holly Barker Millinery), Breathless (designer Helen Rimpas), and Arcaro Couture (designer Angelina Arcaro). Thank you to all models and Danique De Kat from the Metro Modelling and Dance Academy in Cockburn.

Winner of the ‘Business Woman of the Year Award’ was Sheryll Fisher from Outback Initiatives. Outback Initiatives is a Human Resource Development consultancy which delivers unique outdoor-based organisational change, leadership and team development programs. Sheryll Fisher joined Outback Initiatives in 2006, and through her sheer determination and resilience has helped guide staff at Outback Initiatives through economic slowdowns and has helped the team and the business to thrive. Sheryll has helped grow the business through successful networking, social media and partnerships. The Outback Initiative programs revolve around outdoor based activities between 3 and 23 days that usually take place in rural and remote areas of Australia.

Kate Waters, President of BPW WA said, “BPW Western Australia is part of a global network of Business & Professional Women that makes real differences in women's lives by creating awareness, leading discussion and driving change.  Their focus is on issues that affect women and work including equal access to education and training and they recognise business excellence.  Members give their time and passion to support various campaigns and run projects that are good for women and the world.  BPW WA proudly supports the BPW Business Incubator ONLINE Training & Mentoring Project which is a specialist business improvement program that provides ONLINE support to women owner/managers in small businesses across Australia and beyond. Congratulations Sheryll!”