WorkHers Connect & Thrive: Supporting working mothers
Description
Are you a working mother navigating motherhood and work?
Are you transitioning back to work after having your baby?
Are you a professional or community member interested in supporting new mothers and their families?
Join us for our first-ever community networking event that seeks to help support local working mothers thrive during this challenging time of life, focusing on the three essential, evidence-backed tools we know make a difference: connection, wellbeing and capacity-building.
Hear the latest research on the topic from local PhD researcher and local mum, Afrouz Shoghi, who will share results from her innovative study that revealed 'the real lives of working mothers with children in their early years'
Listen to our panel of 7 local expert speakers who can't wait to share useful insights and information with you that will help you navigate through the transition back to work and to support the often invisible load you carry
Access free onsite childcare,* complimentary afternoon tea, new connections and goodies to take home
Pass it on: support local charity, The Nurtured Village, dedicated to the prevention and advocacy of maternal mental health disorders via their grassroots campaign for mums
Don't miss your chance to be part of this community movement that's all about empowering, honouring and uplifting both yourself, your family and the women around you.
Founded by local Organisational Psychologist and PhD researcher Afrouz Shoghi, workHers aims to help you to avoid breaking point and strive ahead with your life and career while also thriving as a mother with the support of community - something none of us can do without.
-- Because we're all in this together --
*Onsite childcare provided by Coastal Babysitters Gold Coast. Limited space available upon booking.
FAQs
- Can I bring my children?
Yes. We have on-site childcare available upon booking (book early as space is limited) so that you can have a couple of hours to yourself to enjoy the speakers, networking and refreshments.
On-site childcare is for children 0-10 years.
Note. If you have a newborn or baby that you want to keep in your arms during the session, they are of course welcome to stay with you during the session. We have plenty of workHers volunteer mums at the event who can also support you if needed.
Child sitting is provided by Coastal Sitters on the Gold Coast.
- Do I need a ticket?
Yes, places are limited. Please purchase a ticket before attending. All proceeds go to the local charity, The Nurtured Village, that donates hampers to new families.
- Can I bring my dog?
Sorry. We love fur babies but this venue is a no pets venue so leave the pooch comfy at home.
- Do I need to pay for the food and drinks?
No. This event's sponsors, Gold Coast City Council, Councillor Glenn Tozer, have generously paid for a delicious afternoon tea for us all to enjoy at no cost.
- Will I have the chance to ask the expert speakers questions?
Yes. We plan to have time for a Q&A so remember those questions as we go through.
- Will there be another event in the future?
Yes. We hope this is the first event of many so please do share with us your feedback so we can tailor it to your needs going forward.
Lineup
Sophie Duffy, Peer Leader, Motherhood Village
Sophie is a mother of two girls aged 4 and 1. She is a primary school teacher based on the Gold Coast. Drawing on both her professional experience and lived experience of motherhood and perinatal mental health challenges, she is passionate about supporting the mental health and well-being of mothers and families. Sophie is a Peer Leader at Motherhood Village, facilitating perinatal mental health peer support groups for mothers across the Gold Coast, and the Queensland Community Engagement Officer for PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia). Sophie is also a trained Circle of Security facilitator, supporting parents to build strong, secure relationships with their children.
Kate Bartlett, Psychologist and Director, Brighter Beginnings Psychology
Kate is a psychologist with a special interest in working with mothers and their families in the perinatal period. She has a 18+ years of experience working in various settings, having worked for many years in Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol & Drug Services. Kate founded Brighter Beginnings from a passion in supporting women and families experiencing perinatal mood disturbance (depression, bipolar disorder), birth trauma, anxiety, issues with parent- infant bonding and attachment, adjustment to parenting and perinatal grief and loss.
Natalie Moloney, Founder & Career, At the Helm Career Services
A conversation with another mother about returning to work inspired Natalie to launch At the Helm Career Services in 2021. Combining her Human Resource Management background with qualifications as a Career Practitioner, she specialises in supporting career transitions—particularly for women returning to work after career breaks. Based in Burleigh Heads, Natalie works with clients and organisations locally and nationally. Her 'Parental Leave Career Transition Program' and 'Career Returners Workshop' empower clients to recognise their value and achieve career goals. What distinguishes Natalie is her lived experience navigating career breaks and transitions herself, alongside professional expertise as a member of the Career Development Association of Australia.
Shona Cassels, Lactation consultant (IBCLC)
Shona is a lactation consultant and parenting expert. She has been supporting local women with breastfeeding for almost 20 years and has been an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) since 2011, so she brings a wealth of experience to our clinic. Shona helps new mums with all aspects of baby feeding (breast and bottle), sleep and settling, and parenting. With her children now grown, her extra energy is saved for her grand-dog Milo, who is the goodest boy ever.
Emma Gray, Founder, The Nurtured Village
Emma Gray is the founder of The Nurtured Village Hampers, a charity established in 2019 to support new mothers in early parenthood. Inspired by her own experiences of motherhood and the isolation felt by many new mothers, Emma created this initiative to provide practical support, community connection, and a sense of belonging. The charity operates by delivering home-cooked meals and essential items to families in need, aiming to combat maternal mental health issues and foster a supportive environment for new mothers. Emma Gray's vision has grown significantly, with the charity now operating across Australia, and she has been recognized for her contributions to maternal health advocacy.
Kaitlyn Bywater, Executive Director, The Nurtured Village
Kaitlyn Bywater is the Executive Director at The Nurtured Village Hampers maternal mental health charity. She is also a physiotherapist with a focus on community and transition care, and has a special interest in pelvic health and antenatal rehabilitation. Kaitlyn also co-hosts The Nurtured Village Podcast, which aims to support new mothers through expert testimony and real-life stories. Kaitlyn has been involved in various initiatives to address maternal mental health issues and has been recognised for her contributions to rural women's health.
Afrouz Shoghi, Founder, workHers
Afrouz is the Founder of workHers, and Organisational Psychologist and PhD candidate at Griffith University. As a mother, psychologist, and an early year's practitioner and advocate, Afrouz is driven by a passion to help foster a society where equality, diversity, and compassion thrive, and the people who need it most can strive. Afrouz's PhD research "the real lives of professional working mothers" was inspired by her own experiences of motherhood and work and the research itself is what created the inspiration behind the development of workHers. Afrouz's research isn't just an academic pursuit; it’s a mission grounded in positive psychology to bridge the gap between social expectations and the realities of modern work and motherhood. It’s dedicated to building a more equitable society that truly understands the role of caregiving in the context of a life and work. Afrouz believes the challenges facing working mothers are not women's issues, they are societal issues for us all to care about.
Agenda
- 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Arrival & Networking
Attendees arrive, drop children at pre-arranged childcare next door. Check out sponsor stands and network. Grab a refreshment as you wander round and chat. Pop your questions for the panel in the Q&A jar.
- 2:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Take Your Seats
Take your seats for our panel speaker presentation.
- 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Official Welcome
Welcome to attendees delivered by the Founder of the Nurtured Village.
- 3:00 pm - 3:20 pm
Host and Panel Faciliator Intro
Story behind the research 'the real lives of working mothers with children in their early years', intro to panel event and ice-breaker.
- 3:20 pm - 4:20 pm
Thriving Mothers, Striving Workers: Panel Speakers
Guest speakers address key issues relevant to all mothers and parents and address the audience's burning questions.
- 4:20 pm - 4:40 pm
Q&A
Final questions from the audience not previously addressed and or last comments from the panel.
- 4:40 pm - 4:50 pm
Closing Remarks & Thank You from the Host
Thank yous and future workHers plans. How to stay in touch and continue to support this community. Lucky door prizes. + Your opportunity to provide feedback for next time!
- 4:50 pm - 5:20 pm
Event Concludes and Last Chance to Network
Final networking opportunities and collection of children from sitters.
- 5:20 pm - 5:30 pm
Session and Venue Closes
And that's a wrap!
Description
PANEL DISCUSSION TOPICS
The Transition: “The Reality of the Return”
The Juggle: “The Invisible Load”
The Breaking Point: “Beyond ‘Just Tired’”
The Path Forward: “From Striving to Thriving”
Including:
📣 Interactive Q&A session with speakers
ℹ️ Local information and resources
🛜 Networking opportunities
🛍️ Take-home resources and toolkits
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW
Perinatal mental health challenges cost
Australia $877 million annually
Community-based support reduces depression
by 71% and anxiety by 68%
Flexible workplace policies reduce staff
attrition by 33%
Australian research 2023-2024 (AIHW, Emerging Minds, CEDA)
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
