You’re Invited - Unlearning Before Innovation: Making Space for What's Next

Presented by the Women’s Innovation Network NT (WINNT), an initiative of ACTIO Group.

Join us in Darwin for two curated events designed to spark connection and conversation around the future of innovation in the Northern Territory.

First Light - The Spark That Lights The Flame

Residual Heat - Ideas That Burn Long After The Sun Sets

Alice Ignited - Bold Ideas in the Heart of Australia

These events mark the official re-launch of WINNT and are grounded in a core belief: the future of innovation in the NT is inclusive, community-driven, and led by women collaborating across every sector.

This event is proudly sponsored by Charles Darwin University, through the Radicle Centre for STEM Engagement. As champions of hands-on, inclusive STEM education and innovation across the Territory, their support helps bring these conversations to life. We're grateful for their commitment to empowering women and girls in science, technology, research, and beyond.

☕️ First Light: Morning Networking ☕️

For women who rise early to build what’s next.
Wednesday 07 September 2025 | 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
HILDA The Coffee Society, Darwin City

Your ticket includes entry, hot/cold coffee and light breakfast.

Event Theme

Unlearning Before Innovation: Making Space for What’s Next

Innovation is often talked about as learning something new, trying something bold, building something better. But real change also requires letting go. Letting go of what’s comfortable, what’s rewarded, what used to work.

This conversation invites us to consider: What have you had to unlearn to make space for something new? And what might still be getting in the way?

This session explores the relationship between unlearning and innovation - how assumptions, conditioning, systems, and habits can hold individuals, teams, and organisations back from change.

Through real conversation and lived experience, we’ll reflect on the barriers that slow us down and the breakthroughs that happen when we start to let go.

Core Topic:

“What have you had to unlearn in order to do things differently?”

Whether you're:

A student adapting to new learning styles, environments, cultures or expectations
A professional discovering that university didn’t prepare you for what the workplace really demands
A founder who had to pivot quickly and unexpectedly
Or someone who’s left a stable job to pursue something new, and is rethinking everything from identity to structure

This session creates space to explore the invisible shifts that power real innovation.

We’ll explore:

What systems, beliefs, or habits we've had to release
How unlearning clears space for more inclusive, creative, Territory-first thinking
Lived experiences from women across STEM, research, business, and education
The emotional and strategic realities of change - especially for women navigating career and leadership shifts

Expect:

Interactive, cross-sector conversation and meaningful new connections with those reshaping the Territory’s innovation landscape.

Why attend?

Because whether you're just starting out or shifting gears mid-journey, innovation often starts by letting go of what no longer works. This is your space to reflect, reconnect, and make room for what’s next.

Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements in advance by emailing connect@winnt.com.au

We also welcome suggestions for future WINNT event topics, please email us at the same address.

Interested in sponsoring this event?

Contact Rebecca at connect@winnt.com.au

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Women's Innovation Network NT (WINNT): an initiative of Actio Group AU

WINNT is a Territory-first network dedicated to elevating women and girls across STEAMM+ subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, Aquaculture, Mathematics, Mechanics, and Medicine), enterprise, and innovation.

Powered by Actio Group AU, a Northern Territory-based business enabler driving commercialisation and strengthening the local innovation ecosystem, our mission is to create a more connected, visible, and inclusive future for women and girls in innovation.

First Light - Women in Innovation Networking Breakfast (Darwin)

Choose your tickets

First Release ticket

General Admission ticket