FULLY COMMITTED: Chamber Change program: Free professional development workshop series for Queensland businesswomen

Our new Chamber Change program is creating unparallelled networking and mentoring opportunities for Queensland businesswomen. 

You’re invited to be part of this free professional development program, being offered in Queensland for the first time in 2025, designed to empower aspiring women entrepreneurs and take their personal and professional capability to the next level. You’ll have the opportunity to: 

• Learn from inspirational businesswomen and entrepreneurs who are making their mark nationally and globally 

• Participate in ‘Presenting with purpose’ coaching 

• Network with other businesswomen 

Each of the three workshops runs for approximately three hours and includes a networking lunch. By attending at least two of the three sessions, you’ll receive a Chamber Change accreditation. 

Chamber Change workshop series (attend all three sessions): 

Dates:
Wednesday 17 September
Tuesday 7 October
Wednesday 5 November 2025  

Time: 10:00am-1:15pm 

Venue: Business Chamber Queensland boardroom, Level 14, 300 Queen Street Brisbane 

Lunch will be provided, please advise any dietary requirements when booking. 

Seats are limited to the first 40 people to register. Book now to secure your spot. 

Do you know someone who would benefit from the Chamber Change program? We encourage you to share this event with them. 

Meet your speakers: 

Georgie Somerset AM, Rural Industry Leader

Georgie is based on her family’s cattle property in Queensland’s South Burnett and is actively involved in the operation of the multi-generational family business. For many years she has juggled the demands of beef production alongside her roles in many influential organisations. 

Georgie currently holds positions across the not-for-profit, government and industry sectors including the Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland, Chair of the Red Earth Community Foundation and Deputy Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  She holds director positions on the National Farmers Federation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal as well as being actively involved in various industry and government working groups.   

Her passion for advocating for rural Australia and her service to primary industries and the community saw her named as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020. 

Sarah Kirk, Director, Business Chamber Queensland

With over two decades of experience in financial services and the banking industry, Sarah Kirk is currently serving as a Team Leader in Professional Services QLD and National Segment Head of Technology for Macquarie Business Banking. Prior to this role, Sarah served as State Leader in Business Services QLD at Macquarie Group. She has also had other leadership roles at Judo Bank and Westpac Bank working across diverse industries, including education, professional services, healthcare and infrastructure.

Beyond her executive career, Sarah has a strong track record in governance and strategic oversight as a Non-Executive Director. She currently serves on the boards of the Business Chamber Queensland and Lourdes Hill College and previously held a key role as Treasurer and Chair of the Audit, Governance & Risk Committee for Australia’s CEO Challenge. A Chartered Accountant by training, Sarah combines a deep understanding of financial analysis with a passion for fostering innovation and collaboration to deliver impactful results for organizations and communities alike.

Kristan Conlon, Chair of Partners, McCullough Robertson

Kristan is a real estate lawyer with a corporate background, bringing this combined experience to advise on the structuring, development, leasing, acquisition and disposal of all asset classes and tenures. She leads multi-disciplinary teams at McCullough Robertson, coordinating expertise across the firm’s legal groups to manage projects seamlessly from start to finish.  

Alongside her legal practice, Kristan has made a significant contribution to the community housing sector through pro bono support, service on several boards, and leadership in shaping policy and governance. Her work has helped advance housing access and equity in Queensland. 

Kristan’s career reflects not only a commitment to legal excellence but also to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for women across the profession. She continues to inspire the next generation of practitioners to lead with purpose, integrity and impact. 

Renée Chaplan, Vice President- Asia Pacific, Constant Contact

Renée Chaplin has led marketing and commercial teams in the Asia Pacific region over the last 20 years. Renée’s experience stems from start-ups to multinational SaaS organisations such as Constant Contact, LivePerson and CSG International. 

Based in Brisbane, Australia, Renée is the Vice President – Asia Pacific for leading digital marketing company, Constant Contact and a Small Business Growth Mentor with the Queensland Government. A passionate marketer driven by customer experience and commercial growth, Renée holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management (Marketing), a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration and is completing an MBA at the University of Queensland.

More speakers to be announced soon.

About Chamber Change 

Led by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and supported by the Federal Government, Chamber Change offers women in small business the chance to access leadership development and empowerment training, inspiration and valuable insights from female business leaders, networking and collaboration opportunities, practical skills and coaching. 

We’re here to help 

If you’d like to know more about this opportunity, contact the Business Chamber Queensland team on 1300 731 988 or membership@businesschamberqld.com.au 

Terms and conditions apply. See here