The 2021 Smash the Barriers conference is an opportunity for young women to participate in a range of activities and present opportunities they can access.
It is expected that over 200 young women will attend the conference over the two days with the highlight this year being providing tours of actual workplaces to see trades in action, factories buzzing with activity, vocational hands on experiences, master classes, especially in tourism and a host of other fields.
Two years ago, someone commented that the AMWU’s Women’s Forum was the largest collection of successful women in Tasmania at one event. Since then it has doubled in size and over 50 career paths and employment opportunities are on show, from national security to cheffing, to performance arts and more.
Working closely with leading employment agencies, youth careers advisors and vested industries, this year’s event will feature a range of speakers, presenters, demonstrators, and table hosts to guarantee no young women at school in 2021 will be lost for choice.
Last year over 100 women attended who had already left school and many of them doing so for inspiration and motivation.
With robotics, artificial intelligence and high-tech manufacturing appearing on the horizon as both threats and opportunities, The Forum offers a dinner on Friday night which showcases a range of 36 successful women to talk at the dinner and with guests about their lives within industries, trades and careers.
By sharing and inspiring by their own stories, they hope to help the next generation of young women accelerate their careers and jobs.
Two such women, Ainstie Wagner and Kirsten Bacon, have both been involved in the hospitality industry since the early 80’s and are well-regarded as leaders for women in this area in Tasmania if not Australia.
Both women have strong ties with the industry and community and are committed to equipping and developing young women with the skills required to enter this industry.
They attribute their passion and commitment to the industry from other great chefs and women who from a young age were an influencing force. The twins are a great example to young Tasmanians, and they will be whipping up a range of culinary delights using donated local produce. See more in the video below.
Wagner and Bacon will be running master classes at Drysdale Launceston March 11/12, between 10-2 pm.
Another headliner is Monique Brumby who will run workshops and give an insight into the world of music from a young women’s experiences.
Other guests include Karen Doyle (President Culinary Federation Australia) –Jane Bennett (Tas Foods CEO and Fromager) – Vonette Mead (Meadcon Construction owner) – Dr Bianca Capra (Aero Space Engineer) – Holly Francombe (dual trade Apprentice @ Hydro) – Commander Debbie Williams (Police) Courtney Greisbach (Editor Examiner). Her Excellency Kate Warner, Governor of Tasmania, will attend the Conference dinner.
The key message from the conference for young women is Smash the Barriers and will be held March 11/12, between 10-2 pm at the Country Club Casino, Launceston event with a dinner on Friday night.
Schools are encouraged to register as soon possible. More detail can be obtained from Michael Wickham, E. [email protected] M. 0408 773 900.
