Australia’s Women in Media Unite – A Day of Laughter and Tears

Helen Reddy

Helen Reddy

 

‘I am woman, hear me roar,’ sang Helen Reddy in 1971 and let us never forget the power of that anthem. Yes, it was a WOMAN who was the first Australian to write a Grammy Award winning song. And yes, Reddy made waves with her Best Female Performance acceptance speech, thanking ‘God, because She makes everything possible.’ A true legend.

 

 

It was a case of WOMAN POWER in abundance at Crown yesterday, where General Manager of Public Relations, Ann Peacock, hosted the 14th annual Women In Media Christmas Lunch. Men have had their boys’ clubs and coteries for centuries and I ‘Thank God‘ that Ann came up with this concept to recognise and bring together the biggest power players in our communication industries for an annual event. We’re talking about our best known journalists, PR powerhouses, media managers, TV and radio personalities and yes, even a couple of bloggers. (My, the stories I heard… )

Breezes Restaurant at Crown

Breezes Restaurant at Crown

 

The lunch was held at Crown’s Breezes restaurant, with champagne served outside on the patio  under the sun to kick-start the day.

 

 

 

Brigitte Duclos, Santa and me

Brigitte Duclos, Santa and me

Of course, it’s not Christmas without Santa… Re-living our childhood, I was delighted to test the strength of Santa’s knees along with my oldest and dearest buddy, Brigitte Duclos, (GOLD FM Breakfast radio host) who has been a close friend since we met in kindergarten, many moons ago…

Me - top left, and Brigitte - middle row, far right

Me – top left, and Brigitte – middle row, far right

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dee Dee Dunleavy

Dee Dee Dunleavy

 

And while there were lots of laughs to be had, with many keen to jump Santa, (including the delightful Dee Dee Dunleavy who I’m thrilled has found another radio gig – this time with 3AW on Sundays, along with her loyal cohort Grubby) there were also plenty of serious discussions about the state of the media industry, and what the future holds for those who’ve taken redundancies and chosen a different path. Questions abounded about traditional media versus new media and how to make the two work together. Others talked about the battle of  juggling work and motherhood. And the old chestnut reared it’s ugly head – you know, sexism in the workplace and how it impacts on women.

 

Pristine before the mob descends...

Pristine before the mob descends…

 

As the chatter grew, I snuck inside the marquee to check out the table setting which I’d glimpsed through the plastic. Wow – what a picture! A cacophony of pink florals and Christmas trinkets scattered strategically down the centre of the table, perfectly accented by old-worlde wooden school chairs, painted in pastel hues. It almost seemed a shame that guests would soon be ushered inside to upset such perfection.

Personalised Christmas decoration

Personalised Christmas decoration

 

 

The attention to detail was meticulous. Each guest had their spot marked with a delicate glass Christmas ornament encasing a silver bird, with attached personalised name tag.

Women in Media lunch gets underway at Breezes

Women in Media lunch gets underway at Breezes

 

 

Then in one big rush, the hordes swooped and amid a clattering of chairs and clinking of glasses, it was ‘game on’! But the crescendo of noise subsided when Ann Peacock took to the podium and began to speak, recognising that one of the fold was missing from the table. A hush fell as Ann paid tribute to the late, legendary publicist Suzie Howie, who recently passed after a long battle with cancer.

 

 

 

The late Suzie Howie

The late Suzie Howie

Ann quoted Suzie’s famous words that she penned herself when she knew she wouldn’t be with us much longer. ‘I have had a terrific life and am so grateful for the fun, the excitement and the wonderful people who have been a part of it.’

Remembering Suzie, Ann spoke of her incredible work ethic and how she continued to work right up to the end. Ann met Suzie when she was just 17 years old,  and counted her as an important role model and inspiration. ‘Time and time again, she displayed her tireless motivation and attention to detail that she paid her clients. I miss her laugh, but she has left us with so many happy memories. Suzie was a true leading lady and those memories will live on.’ Happy memories yes, but those of us who knew Suzie were still reaching for our tissues. I also knew Suzie for more than 20 years and was particularly grateful for her support and kindness after I left Channel Ten.

Crown General Manage Public Relations Ann Peacock

Crown General Manage Public Relations Ann Peacock

 

Ann also acknowledged every guest at the table and recognised the hard work done during the year, but said now was a time for celebration – a chance to kick back and have fun. But she also reminded us all, ‘What goes on in the room, stays in the room!’ Standard.

In ending, she encouraged everyone to take to heart a final message from Suzie, to stay positive.’Enjoy life. I have,’ she quoted, from the inimitable Ms Howie.

 

And enjoy ourselves we did! After main course, James Reyne inspired many to sing along as he performed several of his greatest hits, including Reckless.

Singer James Reyne

Singer James Reyne

Events queen Judy Romano

Events queen Judy Romano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judging by the photos of everyone, I think we all took Suzie’s message on board. Here’s a collection of shots from the wonderful Women In Media Lunch. And I must say I very much enjoyed taking pictures of some of the print media girls for a change, who are usually on the other side of the camera. Although Suzanne Carbone and Mik Grigg from The Age declined being snapped, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. Which is fine, although somewhat curious…

Jo Hall, Amber Petty and Kate McGrath

Jo Hall (Channel Nine Newsreader), Amber Petty (columnist, blogger and publicist) and Kate McGrath (Channel Nine News Chief-of-Staff)

 

Alice Coster (Herald Sun) JulieKiriacoudis (Herald Sun) and Sarah Gale (AMPR publicist)

Alice Coster (Herald Sun journalist) JulieKiriacoudis (Herald Sun photographer) and Sarah Gale (AMPR publicist)

 

Danni Minogue and Inge Burke (Village Roadshow)

Danni Minogue and Inge Burke (National Publicity Manager, Roadshow Films)

Kate Langbroek, Sascha French, Ann Peacock

Kate Langbroek, (Nova radio host)  Sascha French (Nova radio producer) and Ann Peacock (Crown General Manager Public Relations)

Michelle Stamper (Channel Nine Publicist) and Ann Morrison (former head of AMPR)

Michelle Stamper (Channel Nine Publicist) and Ann Morrison (former head of AMPR)

Kate Keane and Kelly Black (Channel Seven Publicist)

Kate Keane (Kate & Co. Publicity)  and Kelly Black (Channel Seven Publicist)

 

Car boot jam-packed with Goodie Bags!

Car boot jam-packed with Goodie Bags!

Ann had warned us during her speech that we’d face a challenge carrying our Goodie Bags home. I didn’t register the PLURAL attached to the word BAGS at the time,but check this out…

Yep, not one, but FOUR Goodie Bags were given to each guest at the function.

 

 

I mentioned earlier that thing about attention to detail, didn’t I? Here’s another one. Crown even provided helpers to carry our bags to our cars… I know, I know. I was damn lucky to crack an invite. Thanks Ann! And I bet you’re all dying to know what’s actually IN the Goodie Bags, right? I will let you know, but enough for now. That can wait for the next blog, coming soon. I’m all for girl power, but seriously, I’m too exhausted now from just carrying the darn things through the door.

 

 

 

How to get the Hamptons ‘look’ at Harris Scarfe

Ooh la la – The Hamptons – sounds awfully posh, doesn’t it?

Can’t you just see yourself swanning about in those expensive designer clothes, while you holiday in your third-generation mansion at the Hamptons and try to decide what champagne to serve at your next sophisticated soiree?

It was easy to pretend I was at the Hamptons yesterday. The sun shining on white sands, the clear blue sea, and look –  in the distance, some cool young jet-setters hanging by the water – a sophisticated bar decked out in spring colours close by…. yep, it was all there.

Who are all these cool dudes?

Who are all these cool dudes?

 

But on closer inspection, I saw the cool young jet-setters were actually standing on boxes. Ah, that’s right, models! I was attending the Harris Scarfe spring/summer fashion and homewares launch at the chic Sandbar by the bay in Middle Park.

Models show-casing the spring/summer fashion range for Harris Scarfe

Models show-casing the spring/summer fashion range for Harris Scarfe

It was a fabulous lunch, attended by a colourful collection of Melbourne identities, including actors Melissa Bergland and Michala Banas,  Zoe Badwi, Ann Peacock, Heath Meldrum with wife Brodie Harper, Nick Bracks, Tania Buckley and Amber Petty. Former Miss Universe Australia Jesinta Campbell even dropped in from Sydney to join in the fun.

The SandBar looked stunning – decked out in gelati-coloured lanterns and of course, Harris Scarfe’s new homewares collection – fresh vibrant colours giving us a taste of spring. The lunch was very Hamptons – French champagne and jugs of Pimms cocktails, while gourmet fish and chips, elegantly wrapped in a Harris Scarfe brochure, added a casual, beachy touch.

The Sandbar - Middle Park

The Sandbar – Middle Park

 

It’s the first public event since Harris Scarfe (now 160 years old)  was sold in July by Momentum Corporate to Pepkor, a South African company who also owns Best & Less.

Marketing Manager Chris Kontos said Pepkor are committed to moving the brand forward. He describes the store as having something for everyone. ‘We’re every person’s retailer,’ he said ‘ We sell goods at both the high end of the market, plus great stock at low prices.’

Their new spring/summer range is certainly a testament to their word. It includes all the bright neon and gelati colours seen in just about every fashion store right now, mirrors trends and boasts very competitive prices.

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harris Scarfe fashion

Harris Scarfe fashion

 

I don’t know who’s getting it right at Harris Scarfe, but they’re bucking the downward retail trend. Last year they tallied up revenue of $325  million and are expected to open new stores next year.

Maybe it’s because of the Marketing Manager Chris Kontos. The man seems to have taken Melbourne by storm in recent months – his charm and looks making him a welcome addition on the guest-list of any function of note. Maybe his panache and winning ways have rubbed off on the budget brand, making it appeal to a broader market? Is that why Harris Scarfe now seems kinda cool?

Michaela Bana and Harris Scarfe Marketing Manager, Chris Kontos

Michala Banas and Harris Scarfe Marketing Manager, Chris Kontos

Zoe Badwi, Heath Meldrum, Brodie Harper

Zoe Badwi, Heath Meldrum, Brodie Harper

Jesinta Campbell

Jesinta Campbell

Prue Webb, Judy Romano, Kate McGrath

Prue Webb, Judy Romano, Kate McGrath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simone Campbell, Ann Peacock,Steve Carey

Simone Campbell, Ann Peacock,Steve Carey

 

 

 

 

 

 

And to top off a brilliant lunch, we were given a fabulous ‘Goodie Bag, full of homewares samples.

Harris Scarfe Goodie Bay

Harris Scarfe Goodie Bag

I loved the taste of summer with a lime-green handle ice-cream scoop, a Sheridan hand-towel (proof Harris Scarfe does sell ‘quality’ brands) a lime-patterned oven-mitt (yay – I needed one of those!) and even a heat-controlled hairbrush. BUT best of all…..

…wait for it….

…we were given….

YES!    STEAK KNIVES !!!!!!!!!!!!!

STEAK KNIVES!

STEAK KNIVES!