WOB eNews: May 2008 

1st National Diversity on Boards Conference

The Conference on 28 & 29 May was a great success with very positive feedback from the 180 delegates who attended. Highlights included:

  • Board sessions on SME & Startups, Not-for-Profits and Rural, Infrastructure & Government Boards
  • Workshops sessions
  • Speakers - David Gonski, Sarah Cornally, Leon L'Huillier and Catherine Fox
  • New contacts and networks
  • Healthy breaks

More comments from participants are at http://www.womenonboards.org.au/events/diversity2008/report.htm

2. Getting the most out of your WOB membership - attend an event

2.1 Launch of WOB Online 

WOB Online is a new course bringing together many elements of the Women on Boards events. Designed with rural and regional women in mind, the program is an efficient and cost effective way of attending a WOB event and accessing its network and programs.

The first WOB Online event is scheduled for June/July 2008.  WOB Online comprises four one hour sessions delivered via Web conference.  WOB Subscribers are invited to Register.  Information at http://www.womenonboards.org.au/events/online/index.htm 

2.2 WOB Adelaide Networking cocktail event on Wednesday 11 June hosted by UniSA and featuring guest directors. Information and registration is at  http://www.womenonboards.org.au/events/adelaide/080611events.htm 

2.3 NFAW in association with WOB - Brisbane event 

Come and celebrate with GG designate Quentin Bryce and guest panelists Catherine Fox, Justine Hickey, Jude Munro at the Powerhouse, New Farm, Brisbane on 5 June. Information and registration form is at  http://www.nfaw.org/celebrate-our-queensland-board-members/  

2.4 M&A Conference 2008  June 4, 5 Melbourne - Getting Deals Done 

WOB supports this annual conference by suggesting female speakers - this year WOBers Mary Beth Bauer is speaking and Melanie Willis is chairing. This year the conference features Cameron Buchanan, Managing Director of CHAMP Private Equity who will present on accessing debt markets in a deteriorating credit environment. 

Complementing this session will be an assessment of the distressed debt funds and the innovative structures for funds to participate as mezzanine by James Marshall, Partner & Head of Restructuring & Insolvency Practice, Blake Dawson.  For further information click http://www.capconnect.com.au/cap_events.php?id=72

2.5 UBS retail sector breakfast briefing and Clayton Utz lunch on 14 July, Melbourne

Registration will open shortly. 

3. WOB Happenings

3.1 Research roundup 

WOB has now released a comprehensive series of research into women's participation on boards comprising:

ASX 200 Companies - http://www.womenonboards.org.au/news/media080214.htm

Top 200 not for profit boards -  http://www.womenonboards.org.au/news/media080501.htm

Health Care Funds - http://www.womenonboards.org.au/pubs/0710_healthfunds.htm

Credit Unions - http://www.womenonboards.org.au/pubs/0709_creditunions.htm

WOB Survey 2005, 2006 - http://www.womenonboards.org.au/pubs/0609survey.htm   and http://www.womenonboards.org.au/pubs/r05_survey0507a.htm  

3.2 Qantas interviews WOB 

WOB Chair Ruth Medd was interviewed for Qantas Radio Q, Peter Switzer's Talking Business recently.  If you are traveling in July take the opportunity to listen to Talking Business on channel 3.

3.3 WOB Survey 2008 - stop press

The survey has been analysed by Genroe and the results continue to support WOB’s approach to facilitating women onto boards. More detailed information at the Conference and in June eNews but in the meantime some of the results are:

  • WOB continues to deliver board seats
  • WOB continues to add value to members by providing information/education/contacts about board workings.
  • WOBers are making slightly more use of networks to get board seats in 2008 compared to 2006. This is a long term objective for WOB is to assist women into networks that matter.

4.  The Boardroom

All of the services and information connected with boards is at The Boardroom - accessible from the top navigation bar.  

4.1 Success stories this month are  - Jane Toohey, Robyn Watts, Kim Murray

Jane Toohey, Marketing Director and Brand consultant has been appointed to the paid board of Mini Movers.  

Robyn Watts and Kim Murray have been appointed to the paid Advisory Board of Australian School of Performing Arts.  

On-Board  Success Stories are at http://www.womenonboards.org.au/boardroom/onboard.htm 

4.2 Focus on a WOB member

May's featured WOBer is Vic based Jannene Willis who runs a successful business called Undercurrent.  Her profile is at http://www.womenonboards.org.au/subscribe/profiles/jannene_willis.htm

4.3 Vacancy postings

Go to http://www.womenonboards.org.au/my/resume/position_search.html to see current and past vacancies.

To access board positions you need to have a paid a subscription to WOB.

4.4 Infrastructure Council 

Heather Ridout and Dr Kerry Schott (Sydney Water) have been appointed to the 11 member council.