Women in Industry Luncheon

Join Anna Vlach from The Advertiser and Sunday Mail while she interviews some of South Australia’s iconic Women in Industry in a close-up panel session.

DATE:  Thursday 28th August 2025

ADDRESS: Morphettville Racecourse

TIME: 11:30am – 3:00pm

PRICE: $60 per person + booking fee. 

A portion of the ticket sales will be going towards Operation Flinders. Operation Flinders is a life-changing program that transforms the lives of young people facing tough challenges. Through remote adventure therapy, participants build resilience, confidence, and hope for a better future.

Ticket includes:
* Panel session

* Drink on arrival

* Main meal + dessert

* Gin tasting provided by Cut Hill Distillery

* Door prize raffle
* Access to silent and live auctions
* Option to purchase from our Wine Wall

This particular Women in Industry event is open for all to attend. We welcome everyone to come along and support this special afternoon.

Our Panelists

Melanie Cooper

Melanie Cooper, AM, is the Chair of Coopers Brewery, Australia's largest independent family-owned brewery, and the first woman to hold the role in the company’s 162-year history. A fifth-generation Cooper, she joined the business in 1985 as an Assistant Accountant and became Company Secretary in 1989, later serving as Director of Finance and Corporate Affairs.

Debbie Sterrey

Debbie Sterrey joined Tennis SA as Chief Executive Officer and Adelaide International General Manager in November 2019. She was a member of the Tennis SA Board for two years, before joining the team in a full-time capacity.

A keen tennis player, Sterrey was a state representative in her teenage years and a tennis coach for over 10 years.

Prior to her role at Tennis SA, Sterrey held national and executive positions in the financial services industry for over 30 years, including roles at ANZ Bank, ING Group, Adelaide Bank and Statewide Super.

Danielle Mercorella

Based in South Australia, Danielle has been working as a forensic environmental scientist for 18+ years with experience in consulting, project management, and government roles. Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, she has led complex remediation projects, and on behalf of the EPA and State Government established the inaugural Orphan Site Program. Danielle excels in contaminated site assessments, stakeholder engagement, and risk communication, and more recently founded GEMM Agency, where she uses her creative-side to blend her passion for science with communication and marketing. With a focus on sustainability, she also dedicates time to community initiatives and environmental advocacy. Outside work, she is a proud mum to Gemma with whom she loves to explore South Australia's natural beauty.

Jasmin Ilic

A secure future for all. As the CEO and co-founder of CYBR, Jasmin Ilic is committed to empowering businesses and individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. For Jasmin, cyber security is more than technology, it is about fostering a culture of inclusivity and education that unites people to confront the challenges ahead. A passionate advocate for women in leadership and STEM, Jasmin drives innovation and champions inclusivity, including through her role as an Adelaide Chapter Lead for the Australian Women in Security Network. A dedicated supporter of her city, Jasmin also sits on the Advisory Committee for the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.

Her vision? A world where everyone has the tools, resources, and confidence to succeed.

Hayley Boswell

Hayley is the Founder of Defence Kidz, a business specializing in bespoke resources for Defence children that promote positive mental health, connection, and education.

With first-hand experience of the challenges facing Defence children, Hayley passionately advocates for positive change through Defence Kidz. This includes appointments to the South Australian Government Veterans Advisory Council and participating in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans and Families Policy Forum (2023).

Hayley has distributed over 13,000 books in Australian and overseas and is currently creating a cartoon animation for children of Defence families. She works collaboratively with other organisations, including RSL Care, Oasis Townsville, Defence Bank, Coles, and the Australian War Memorial.

Hayley is a Defence spouse, mother of two young children, and a Principal Solicitor based in Adelaide, South Australia.

Event Timings:

11.30am - Doors open

12.30pm - Lunch

1.00pm - Speakers commence

3.00pm - Close

3.00pm-3.30pm - Optional networking