Committee

President - Sharon Ekendahl

Sharon is a Chartered Accountant and the Principal at Coast Consult, providing innovative bookkeeping and business services to small business in and around the Hastings area (and beyond). Sharon is a highly driven individual who is passionate about improving organisational systems and developing workforce skills and capability.

Sharon has been actively involved in the community and has held roles on other committees and Boards. 

Sharon's Member Profile

 

HBWN President & Spokesperson - Skye Petho

Vice President - POSITION VACANT

If you are interested in getting involved with the HBWN committee please contact Sharon to discuss. 

Mob: 0431 510 071

This position is currently vacant. 

HBWN Treasurer - Sharon Ekendahl

Treasurer - Julia Kraemer

As HBWN Treasurer, Julia is responsible for all aspects of financial management, working closely with other members of the Committee to safeguard the organisation's finances.

Julia's Member Profile

HBWN Treasurer - Julia Kraemer

Secretary - Kelly Carter

Kelly is the franchise owner of Mortgage Choice in Port Macquarie and embarked on her broking journey with a mission to make a difference. She has been recognised as one of MPA's Elite Women in the Mortgage Industry 2023 and a finalist for Wellness Advocate of the Year at the Australian Business Awards 2024, along with other industry accolades.

An advocate for financial literacy, Kelly is passionate about educating young people to empower them for a prosperous future. As a mother of three Gen Z daughters, all aspiring to achieve financial freedom, Kelly understands the challenges and ambitions of young adults taking their first leap into homeownership.

As a business owner, Kelly finds joy in connecting with other small businesses within the community to help share networks and drive mutual success.

Kelly's Member Profile

HBWN Secretary - Charmain Woods

Events Coordinator - Maddie Wilson

Madison, our Events Coordinator, is an accomplished and multi-award-winning business owner, leading Letz Get Lit 2444, Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food, Love Letters Port Macquarie, and Little Whispers Picnics & Teepees. With a professional background in the finance industry, Madison displays a remarkable balance of skills and business acumen. As the Vice President of Beechwood Public School P&C, she is a dedicated member of the community, contributing her time and expertise to support the school's initiatives.

Madison’s flair for cake baking and innovative catering services has been instrumental in establishing her as a renowned figure in the events industry. Her exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and passion for crafting memorable experiences make her an indispensable asset in planning and coordinating memorable parties and events. Maddie is a pivotal and valuable figure in the Hastings Business Women’s Network who brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique skill set to the organisation.

Maddie's Member Profile

HBWN Events Coordinator - Laura Fava

Professional Development Coordinator - Ros Trotter

The Professional Development Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of PD activities and programs that form part of the HBWN annual events calendar. 

As an HR Consultant, Training Coordinator, EI Coach, and Project Manager, Ros brings a wealth of experience in developing and implementing strategic training programs, fostering emotional intelligence in teams, and creating positive and productive workplace culture to the PD Coordinator role.

Ros' Member Profile

 

HBWN Professional Development Coordinator - Julie O'Shea

Sponsorship Coordinator - Tarym Wright

As the Sponsorship Coordinator, Tarym is responsible for the coordination of potential, new and existing HBWN sponsors. Tarym has a keen understanding of the needs and goals of both sponsors and the HBWN and is dedicated to creating impactful programs that enhance brand visibility and engagement, fostering lasting relationships that drive mutual success. Passionate about supporting the growth and development of women in business, Tarym is committed to advancing the mission of HBWN through dynamic and effective sponsorship initiatives.

With a genuine passion for people, Tarym brings energy and enthusiasm, combined with honesty and professionalism to her role with the HBWN. 

Tarym's Member Profile

HBWN Membership Coordinator -  Tarym Wright

Communications Coordinator - Nick Cook

Nick is a results driven professional, with a proven track record managing diverse projects in corporate, government and commercial settings.

This includes more than three decades experience in marketing, communications, journalism, corporate affairs and stakeholder management, including management and executive positions with Essential Energy, Country Energy, Hastings Co-operative, Fairfax Media, Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Hunter Water Corporation.

Nick's Member Profile

 

HBWN Communications Coordinator - Olive Schultheis

Membership Coordinator - Gerry Buckland

Gerry is a dedicated Movement and Personal Empowerment Practitioner with a strong background in operational, accommodation, and events management for Not for Profits. With a never ending love for Pilates Gerry finished her diploma of Pilates teaching in 2017 to become a professional Pilates instructor and continued her work in rehabilitation as an Allied Health Assistant. Gerry currently runs a Wellbeing centre and understands the importance of promoting professional business practices yet integrating comprehensive wellbeing strategies, ensuring not only maximum business growth but also maintaining a client and employee-centered approach in business.

As the Membership Coordinator for our women's network, Gerry brings valuable experience in community engagement and building meaningful connections.  Gerry is dedicated to enhancing member engagement and membership growth as well as promoting personal and professional growth ensuring each member feels supported and empowered within our vibrant HBWN community. 

Gerry's Member Profile

HBWN Sponsorship Coordinator - Gerry Buckland