Recognised as one of the most significant networking conferences for First Nations women, this year's Deadly Women In Local Government Conference and Cultural Networking Event – held on the 2nd and 3rd of August – was as empowering as it was educational.

Deadly Women in Local Government Conference, is an initiative of the Queensland Government whilst sponsored by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Designed to cater to First Nations women in Local Government, the conference and cultural networking event aimed to help increase women's leadership capabilities through a combination of mentoring, coaching, training and support networks.

Hosted by managing director, Indigenous business owner and program mentor Petina Tieman, it seemed only fitting that this year's conference was directed by a woman leading the way in this field herself.

Ms Tieman, in conjunction with event sponsors, created this two-day conference – and broader program structure – to assist and empower Indigenous women working in Local Government, including Councillors and council employees.

With 2023's conference taking the theme of Growing Leaders of Tomorrow, the two-day event saw an inspiring focus on growth, empowerment and connectivity.

Held at Cairns Business Hub – an Indigenous-led, 800sqm start-up incubator hub based in Cairns CBD – in Cairns City, the conference, included 8 guest speakers, 8 interactive workshops and 8 practical activities.

Whilst the noteworthy conference did welcome 8 highly respected guest speakers, Elder of the Gimuy Walubara clan and Traditional Owner of Gimuy Country, Auntie Henrietta Marrie AM, provided the welcome to country.

The two-day conference did also feature a range of other highly regarded guest speakers, including Michelle Deshong, Nancy Bamaga, Tahlia O'Brien, Nikki Boyd, Amy Eden, Audrey Dobell, and Sha-Lane Gibso.

Sharing their expertise, knowledge and experience, these women were a significant backbone in proving to participants that with the right training and knowledge, anything is possible.

"It's important to look at all challenges as opportunities," Ms Tieman told conference attendees.

To celebrate the conference's first day of speakers and workshops – and to further encourage and enhance participants networking skills – all women were invited to the program's evening Indigenous Art and Fashion Cultural Event.

The professionally curated event saw conference attendees, enjoy a native bush tucker-infused dinner in addition to live music, art exhibits, dance performances and a lively fashion show.

The evenings fashion show also happened to feature a handful of conference participants and their creative businesses.

Fusing educational development and empowerment with creative arts, saw all women return to the second day of the conference brimming with eagerness and passion.

Day 2 of The Deadly Women In Conference continued with workshops guest speakers, presentations and panels, followed by further networking workshops and group activities.

On the final day of the conference participants also learnt more about the mentoring opportunity linked to the conference.

Having the opportunity to take part in a 3 month one on one mentoring program – facilitated by some of Australia's top Indigenous mentors – was just one of the many additional benefits participants were exposed to.

When participants were asked why they chose to attend The Deadly Women In Conference and Cultural Networking Event, the responses were nothing short of positively progressive.

"This is a great opportunity for networking and innating more projects.

"I want to learn more and see how far I can progress in Council," one participant told Style Up (National Indigenous Times).

Receiving over 60 registrations of participants wanting to attend, the question of whether the Deadly Women In Conference and Cultural Networking Event will return in 2024 is a question we need not ask.

For more information on the Deadly Women In Local Government Conference and Cultural Networking event, visit www.deadlywomen.events.com.

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*The Deadly Women in Local Government Conference 2023 was developed in partnership with Queensland Government, Complete Business Solutions and Cairns Business Hub.