Celebrating Women Breaking Barriers: #AcceleratingAction in Male-Dominated Industries

In 2025, we come together to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in male-dominated industries across our region. The event’s overarching theme #AcceleratingAction, highlights the strength that comes from the Power of Many, the importance of collaboration, inclusion, and a shared vision.

One of the highlights of the event will be showcasing young apprentices and trainees from HunterNet Career Connections, who are defying the odds in trades and industries traditionally dominated by men. Their hard work and success show what’s possible when barriers are challenged, and they continue to inspire us all.

The event will also include stories from women who have broken into male-dominated fields, sharing their experiences and practical advice. With panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, we’ll explore:

- How to navigate challenges in these industries.

- The importance of support from mentors and colleagues.

- Ways to encourage diversity and inclusion at work.

Together, we’ll celebrate these achievements and look at how we can keep building a more inclusive workforce for the future.

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SPEAKERS

Stacey Sleeman - Ampcontrol

Stacey joined Ampcontrol in 2023, bringing over two decades of expertise in corporate finance, operational performance, business improvement, and senior leadership across the resources, industrial manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.

Stacey commenced her career in a Big 4 environment, working across assurance and advisory, as well as M&A before moving into senior leadership roles in industry. Throughout her career, she has held prominent financial positions at Anglo American Coal, PanAust, Deloitte, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Prior to joining Ampcontrol, she was in the CFO role at Tomago Aluminium, where she spearheaded all commercial functions and played a pivotal role in shaping the Tomago Aluminium Energy Strategy.

Stacey has led numerous transformation, integration, and systems implementation initiatives, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and business performance.

She is a Chartered Accountant and notably, she is the first female member of the Ampcontrol Board of Directors.

Clare Larkin-Sykes – Forelight Advisory and New.E

Clare is Managing Director of consulting firm Forelight Advisory and Co-Lead of New.E, the Hunter New Energy Cluster.

Clare began her career 30 years ago in the mining industry, working as an engineer across BHP operations in the Pilbara, central Queensland and later in the Hunter region. She then transitioned into corporate finance and commercial strategy roles in banking and export industries in both Australia and the United States. She joined NSW Government followed by the Federal Government’s Growth Centre initiative, where she developed strategies to enhance Australia’s mining, equipment, technology and services (METS) competitive position in international markets. She now leads consulting firm Forelight Advisory, which she established five years ago.

A strong collaborator and advocate for future resource and energy industries, Clare champions the integration of government, research, and industry to drive innovation and economic development across traditional processes, value chains, and transitioning regions.

Clare is a mining engineer (UNSW) with applied finance credentials. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Churchill Fellow. She serves on the Advisory Boards of the Newcastle Institute of Energy and Resources, the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, a Commissioner on the NSW Independent Planning Commission, and Chair of Resources NSW. More recently, Clare joined the Board of MOSMIN - an international consortium funded by the EU Space Agency to advance satellite and spatial solutions for mining-related deposits.

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$160 + HunterNet members

$180 + non members

$1600 + table of 10

$2000 + Table Sponsor - table of 10 + brand recognition at the event

+ Booking Fee and GST

Booking includes two course meal and drinks.

Contact the host of HunterNet 2025 International Women's Day Luncheon