Women In Logistics Sundowner Networking Function

A collaboration between Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), Wondering Women & Next Leap Training Solutions - last Friday the St George Motor Boat Club (San Souci, Sydney)?was buzzing with 121 ladies and gentlemen?from all sectors of the supply chain including shipping lines, stevedores, customs brokers, freight forwarders, transport operators, importers and?software providers.?The positive theme of the night was "Building Community".?The night was?timely for everyone to?connect, share insights and relax.

Sam Askin, CEO, 1-Stop Connections provided an?insightful keynote address on the importance of a flexible workplace. Organisations?benefit from a better work life balance by bringing the "human" element into the work environment, creating greater work outcomes and job satisfaction. The important role companies play in providing opportunity for future female leaders to thrive and learn as also discussed. This is paramount in increasing female representation in senior management roles - "raising the ceiling and lifting the floor".?

The last couple of years have been extremely challenging for all sectors of the supply chain. Many factors such as increased costs, decreased shipping and airfreight capacity, an increase in volumes due to high demand for goods using disposable income that was previously spent on?entertainment and travel, have added to the pressure?on the supply chain.?

This has made it difficult sometimes to meet clients' expectations and has created a challenging work environment for all. Added to this was the personal pressures of isolation, home schooling and working from home, creating a stressful juggling act for all, particularly women.?

Building a community also extends beyond our logistics space and all profits went to?Waves of Wellness Foundation?to support mental health programs and?Bayside Women's Shelter. Just under $10,000 was raised. FTA?decided to match this amount so we were delighted to have raised $20K in total.?

Waves of Wellness will be able to undertake 2 x 8 week mental health programs for 12 people. Joel Pilgrim, founder explained that the knock-on effect will reach?many families and the wider community for years to come. Bayside Women's Shelter will use the funds to provide a Counsellor for 10 weeks for all those that are at the shelter. Sallianne Faulkner, General Manager said "The guiding principles for our work are 'built on trust', 'supported with kindness' and 'empowered with dignity'- the amazing generosity of your community allows us to build on this work, thank you so much".

A special note of appreciation to event sponsors 1-Stop, ACFS, Maersk, Logixboard, Insync Recruitment Group, DP World and?Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach.