The Future of Women in Western Sydney Summit: Creating Change, Celebrating Women
The Future of Women in Western Sydney Summit, held on 4 September 2025 at Hudson Hotel & Events Centre, brought together leaders, community, students, businesses and changemakers to explore how we can shape a brighter future for the women and girls of Western Sydney. The day also marked 10 Years of Western Sydney Women and celebrated our 2025 Award Winners.
The Summit opened with the Mayor of Blacktown, Councillor Brad Bunting, who highlighted Blacktown as the most diverse LGA in Australia and called for greater female representation across all sectors, including politics.
Our Founder and CEO, Amanda Rose, hosted the event, reflecting on 10 years of building Western Sydney Women and celebrating the people and organisations that have shaped our growth.
Keynotes
Jacqueline Vozzo, Group Executive of Business Development and Strategy at Walker Corporation, delivered a keynote reminding attendees that the region’s potential starts with its people.
Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner, encouraged attendees to challenge outdated ideas of merit that maintain barriers for women.
Dee Brock, Project Director at Bradfield Development Authority, spoke about flexibility, grit, and opportunity as Western Sydney grows.
Panels
Jobs of the Future
Facilitated by Amanda Rose, Founder & CEO, Western Sydney Women, the Jobs of the Future panel sparked conversations on emerging career opportunities across Western Sydney.
Panellists:
Nikki Meller – Founder & CEO, CREDuED
Jasmine Critchlow – Senior Application Engineer, Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF)
Clare Chuang – Account Manager, Institute of Applied Technology
Youth Leadership
Facilitated by Betty Nguyen, Advocate and Community Ally, the Youth Leadership panel inspired discussions on how young leaders can shape the region.
Panellists:
Daniya Syed – Mechatronics Engineering Student
Lili Fredericks – Assistant Project Manager, Walker Corporation
Afsana Kazi – Marketing Director (Volunteer), Youth Decide
Gabby Fleming – Youth Advocate and Head Girl, Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta
Entrepreneurship
Facilitated by Sarah Cassim, Western Sydney Business Women Lead & Founder of Hawkesbury Women in Business, the Entrepreneurship panel explored innovation, enterprise, and pathways for women-led businesses.
Panellists:
Lucy Hay – Co-Owner & CMO of CLUTCH Glue
Augusta Supple – Writer, Arts Strategist and Cultural Producer
Wendy El-Khoury – Creative Director, Wedded Wonderland
Award Winners
A highlight of the day was celebrating our 2025 Western Sydney Women Award Winners, recognising women making a real impact in their industries and communities. Meet the winners →
Summit Partners
We extend our thanks to our sponsors and partners, whose support made this Summit possible. Your commitment helps us celebrate women, amplify their voices, and build pathways for the next generation across Western Sydney.
Major Partner
Venue Partner
Platinum Partner
Gold Partners
Creative Partners
Supporting Partners
Looking to the Future
The Summit left us inspired and energised to continue shaping a more inclusive and equitable Western Sydney. With strengthened connections and renewed commitment, attendees are equipped to champion women, drive change in their communities, and build pathways for the next generation. .
We invite you to join us in 2026 to be part of the conversation and support initiatives that are shaping Western Sydney’s future. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Join our newsletter or enquire about partnerships to learn more.
Images by Relise Photography