THE SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION of AUSTRALIA (SCLAA) marked International Women’s Day, 2025 with a number of well-attended annual networking lunches across the country.

In Sydney, the networking lunch was hosted at NSW Parliament House, bringing together 260 industry professionals within the logistics sector. This event, held on Friday, focused on the theme “Accelerate Action”, encouraging swift and meaningful progress toward gender parity in logistics and supply chain management. 

Sue Tomic, SCLAA chair, welcomed those present, reflecting on the industry’s journey and ongoing challenges and highlighting the substantial strides the logistics sector has made in gender representation.  Ms Tomic pointed to a variety of positive changes, from increased female leadership roles to more inclusive workplace policies. However, she stressed that there is still much work to be done.

“The logistics industry is well-positioned to lead by example when it comes to diversity and inclusion,” She said. “But it will take leadership at all levels to foster real change and attract young, diverse talent to the sector.”

Keynote speakers at the event were Lisa Qu, Entrepreneur & Commercial Growth Strategist who emphasized the importance of authenticity and relationships, recognizing that true strengths go beyond resumes, and the power of audacity. Following Ms Qu, Maureen Jordan, CEO of Switzer Media also delivered an impassioned address, emphasizing the importance of building connections, supporting each other, and ensuring women never feel alone in their professional journeys.

The lunch also featured a charity auction, led by SCLAA’s charismatic Megan White, benefiting Hornsby Ku-Ring_Gai Women’s Shelter, which aims to support victims of domestic violence. 

Perhaps the most poignant moment was delivered by SCLAA vice president NSW committee, Alice Brimicombe, who shared her personal story of survival from domestic violence and her family’s subsequent support from a women’s shelter. Ambassador for Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Women’s Shelter, sports journalist Nick McArdle, spoke about the important role of men in addressing gender-based violence and the importance of changing societal attitudes. And Catherine Knox, chair of the shelter, provided insights into the shelter’s services and future plans, highlighting the critical need for support services for women and children escaping domestic violence

The event saw an enthusiastic turnout, with approximately 260 participants at the Sydney Parliament House gathering, while an additional 600 registrants across multiple states joined related events.