With four inspirational speakers many encouraging words were spoken at the INSPIRE Women's Conference organised by Margaret Biggs, of TIGS, and Virginia Wren, of Illawarra ITeC, last Friday.
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In a panel discussion, each speaker was asked to share advice they had been given.
Therese Kerr, of Divine By Therese Kerr, recalled her mother's advice of "simply be who you are and don't try to be anything else".
Detective Superintendent Commander Deb Wallace, of the Gangs Squad Western Sydney, said the best piece advice came from a senior female officer on her first day and that was "never compromise your integrity or your feminity and always be true to yourself because at the beginning of the day the only person you are going to look in the mirror and see is yourself and that is all you have to answer to".
Grant Broadcasting's NSW Regional general manager Wendy Gee said "never think there is anything you can't do. Sometimes we make our own problems by believing that we can't do it. If you really want to do something you can find a way so go and do it."
Top Blokes Foundation managing director Melissa Abu-Gazaleh said it was important to create meaning to your life and define what that was for yourself.
"And don't always take advice from people who have not lived what that piece of advice is," she said.
Top tier speakers
The significance of last week's announcement of General David Hurley as the next Governor of NSW after retired General Peter Cosgrove was named the new Governor-General was not lost on The Illawarra Connection president Roger Summerill. Mr Summerill noted both had been recent speakers of the networking body's dinner meetings.
Charity food event
An exciting new secret dining venture called Covert Cuisine is launching in the Illawarra this Saturday.
It starts with a Silver Screen Supper in a heritage listed Wollongong landmark.
The idea is to showcase local chefs, produce, venues and artists. All profits go to local charities and bookings are at covertcuisine.com.au.
PI firm recognised
Wollongong private investigation and surveillance business Overwatch Investigations has been named a finalist in the Telstra Business Awards.
It was nominated for the Start Up Business Award and was one of six NSW businesses chosen as a finalist.
Blue Chip relocates
Licensed, self-managed superannuation administration specialists Blue Chip Super has relocated to Gladstone Street, Wollongong.
Founder and principal Troy Mojsoski hopes the new location for the four-year-old business will help more Illawarra people find out about how it helps people take control of their superannuation money.
Shaping up well
Wollongong Altitude Centre is another new business doing well.
Brian King said the new facility used a range of top industry equipment and fully qualified professionals offered support and guidance. It not only caters for professional athletes and trainers but people training for fitness, weight loss and general health.
Effort recognised
WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre business development and marketing manager Marc Swan has achieved Accredited Venue Manager accreditation from the Venue Management Association (VMA). Mr Swan was awarded a certificate of achievement at the VMA congress dinner in Melbourne.
Participants wanted
University of Wollongong and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District researchers are inviting Illawarra and Shoalhaven residents concerned about their weight and lifestyle to get involved in an innovative trial.
The HealthTrack Illawarra-Shoalhaven Healthy Lifestyle study is testing a novel approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and controlling weight.
It is recruiting residents aged between 25 and 54 at ihmri.uow.edu.au/healthtrackstudy or on 1800 194 717.
Wine fest triumphs
All reports are the 10th annual Shoalhaven Coast Winter Wine Festival this month was a huge success. All 11 cellar doors reported busy trade and organisers are confident numbers have exceeded last year's total of 7000.
Salon makes the cut
Port Kembla hair salon Broken Glass's apprentice Leo Luna made the finals of the Keune Tinta Colour Trophy 2014 in Sydney last Saturday.
Salon owner Kevin Crane said that placed him in the top six in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Crane himself won a highly commended award.
Industry briefing
NSW Trade & Investment and the Department of Industry are holding a free Clean Technology Industry briefing at the Wollongong Innovation Campus from 8am on June 13.
A range of opportunities are being highlighted with further information on 4225 9055.