WOW IS COMING TO GLADSTONE!
WOW IS COMING TO GLADSTONE!
PANEL CONVERSATIONS
At the heart of WOW are the conversations we need to have, led by people who have created change in their lives and in their communities and exploring many of the issues of importance to women and girls today in Central Queensland.
Welcome to the Festival and Opening Address 9.00am
Hall B
9.30 – 10.45am
A Woman’s Place Is in the Economy!
Cathy will explore why economic independence is paramount, showcasing impactful work addressing gender imbalance in financial wellbeing. Topics include valuing women’s work, financial education and literacy, women investing in women, women changing their workplaces for the better, childcare, dealing with financial control and abuse, retirement and superannuation, and policy responses that are working for women. Cathy also explores the importance of understanding your personal ‘money story’ as a key to financial well-being.
Kylie Devney 2024 Regional Woman Lawyer of the Year, Marcia Senn Director Wealth Management for the Morgans network. Cr. Natalia Muszkat Gladstone Regional Council Shona Markham | General Manager, Boyne Smelters Limited.
Hall B
11.00 – 12.15pm
Beyond City Limits: Why Location Shouldn't Dictate Women's Health
Join us for a vital panel on women's health in the regions. We'll explore how geographical inequities profoundly affect regional and rural women's health and access to reproductive and other services in Queensland. Leading health professionals, lead the discussion on community engagement and empowering partnerships that drive positive change and local solutions to foster healthier, more equitable futures.
Discover how understanding diverse needs enables positive change for all women in our region.
Kate Veach, CEO of Gladstone Women's Health, Registered Nurse Friederike McCartney and Social Worker Yaleela Torrens.
Conference room A
12.15am – 1.00pm
In Conversation with commissioner Katie Kiss
Katie Kiss is a proud Kaanju and Birri/Widi woman who grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland on the lands of the Darumbal People. She commenced as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner on 3 April 2024 and was previously the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland’s Path to Treaty, and held senior positions in the Queensland Government, including Chief of Staff to the Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Premier. Commissioner Kiss will be in conversation with Cathy Hunt AM to discuss her career path and what she wishes to achieve in this key role for Australia’s First Nation peoples.
TALENT BIO’S
Cathy Hunt, AM
Cathy is the Executive Director of cultural enterprise Of One Mind, which produces the WOW events in Australia, and has overseen the development of WOW across Australia since 2013 in partnership with the global WOW Foundation.
Cathy is a cultural strategist with over thirty years experience providing research and advice to governments, architects, arts and cultural organisations and artists in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong in her role as co-founder of consulting company Positive Solutions.
Cathy is also a Board Director of Screen Queensland, a member of the Advisory Committee for the Queensland Government Women's Strategy. In January 2023, Cathy was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant services to arts and culture and women.
Kylie Devney
Kylie Devney, Gladstone born, holds Law and Arts degrees. As sole director, she transformed Byrne Lawyers, growing it from 13 to nearly 60 staff across three branches, driven by efficiency. A passionate advocate for social justice and Indigenous rights, Kylie was the first female President of Port Curtis Rotary and leads the Gladstone Law Association. She is the 2024 Regional Woman Lawyer of the Year, Business Leader, and a 2025 Queensland Law Awards finalist.
Marcia Senn
Marcia Senn boasts 25 years in Financial Services, 14 with Morgans. Starting as a Financial Adviser, she led the financial planning team for five years before her recent appointment as Director Wealth Management for the Morgans network. Marcia is passionate about providing holistic strategic and investment advice, focusing on helping clients secure their family's financial future by developing tailored strategies to achieve their goals.
Cr Natalia Muszkat
Cr Natalia Muszkat, Deputy Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, is the first South American-born woman elected to public office in Australia. With nearly 20 years in local government and non-profit leadership, she co-founded Strong Communities Ltd, an award-winning organisation. A governance professional and active community participant, Natalia champions inclusion, regional development, and sustainability. She is passionate about building a prosperous Gladstone Region, recognised for her authentic and creative approach to connecting with people.
Shona Markham
Shona is a trusted leader with more than 21 years of experience across Rio Tinto’s Aluminium business. From starting as a graduate engineer at Bell Bay Aluminium smelter to leading operations across Tasmania, Weipa and Gladstone, Shona brings deep operational expertise with a strong focus on safety and reliability, and a genuine passion for people – supporting her teams, engaging with communities, and advocating for the Gladstone region.
Kate Veach, CEO of Gladstone Women’s Health Centre, is a registered nurse and passionate healthcare leader. With extensive experience across public, private, and commercial sectors, she champions equitable healthcare access, particularly in regional areas. A former Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union Secretary and a Global Nursing Leadership Institute graduate, Kate fosters women's leadership. She serves on the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board, advocating for safe workplaces and a sustainable future where women thrive.
Kate Veach
Friederike McCartney
Friederike McCartney is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years' international experience, specialising in youth health and well-being. For 14 years, she has focused on developing innovative programs like "CQ Youth Connect" to support disengaged youth and address health gaps in Central Queensland. Friederike has instigated health needs analyses, established partnerships, and developed training courses. Recognised for her contributions, she serves as Vice President of Every Child Central Queensland, championing initiatives for child and youth development.
Dr. Patil
Dr. Patil is a highly accomplished Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with over two decades of international experience. She serves as Chair and Clinical Director of the Central Queensland HHS Maternity Care Network, overseeing four regional hospitals. A Fellow of RANZCOG and RCOG, Dr. Patil has driven numerous quality improvement initiatives, including securing RANZCOG training accreditation for a regional hospital. Actively involved in medical education, she also co-founded the Rockhampton Women in Medicine Society, and is a mother, artist, and former national athlete.
Yaleela Torrens
Yaleela Torrens is a proud Gooreng Gooreng and Bundjalung woman, living and working on her ancestral lands of Gladstone. She is a dedicated mother and advocate in the Gladstone allied health sector. As the founder of her own private practice, Yaleela blends her social work expertise with leadership in allied health to drive positive change and enhance community wellbeing.
Ariela Rother
Ariela Rother is the Clinical Lead for OneBridge in West Moreton and Darling Downs, overseeing nurse-led outreach services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. She ensures safe, trauma-informed care, leading a team of nurses and social workers. Ariela delivers diverse care, including wound management and mental health interventions, collaborating with local partners for seamless pathways. She is passionate about equitable healthcare access, strengthening community partnerships, and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations through innovative models.
Kate Kiss
Katie is a Kaanju Aboriginal woman from Cape York Australia; and a Biri & Wiri of the Bowen region of North Queensland through her Grandfather. Katie graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations. She has been involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs at the local, community, state, national and international level for the past 25 years across a wide range of issues including: community development; social justice; constitutional reform; governance; native title and land management; cultural heritage and environment protection and management; education, training and employment.
Prior to her appointment as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in April 2024, Katie was the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland’s Path to Treaty. Katie also undertook senior advisory positions supporting the Queensland Ministry including as Chief of Staff to the Queensland Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Senior Adviser to the Deputy Premier.
WOW Gladstone Festival is proudly
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