Women in Industry Luncheon

Join Anna Vlanch 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.

Libby Day

Libby Day is the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC), Australia's premier industry association dedicated to fostering collaboration among defence primes, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), academia, and professional service providers.

She assumed the role 24th July 2023, bringing over two decades of leadership experience in complex and highly regulated industries. Under her leadership, the DTC has focused on enhancing Australia's sovereign defence capability, facilitating strategic partnerships, and addressing workforce development challenges.

Helen Hobbins

Helen Hobbins is a highly accomplished executive with over 20 years of global experience across the sport, major events, and tourism sectors. As Chief Operating Officer of the Adelaide 36ers since 2022, Helen has led the club’s commercial growth strategy - driving success in areas such as partnerships, attendance, marketing and fan engagement.

Before joining the 36ers, Helen served as General Manager – Corporate, Events & Gameday Experiences at the Port Adelaide Football Club. There, she was responsible for the strategic leadership and delivery of major events, match-day experiences, and corporate engagement programs. Her career also includes key roles with the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Business Events Adelaide, and Gold Coast Tourism.

Event Timings:

11.30am - Doors open

12.30pm - Lunch

1.00pm - Speakers commence

3.00pm - Close

3.00pm-3.30pm - Optional networking