The 2024 Australian Women in Wine National Symposium. Image courtesy Australian Women in Wine

The 2024 Australian Women in Wine (AWIW) National Symposium took place in Hobart last week, drawing its largest crowd yet, with participants coming together from across the country.

The symposium featured a line up of speakers from both inside and outside the wine industry, delivering discussions and actionable insights. From workplace happiness and resilience to financial empowerment and gender inclusivity, the event covered the different facets of how investing in women can directly benefit individuals, businesses, and the entire wine sector.

AWIW founder and chair Jane Thomson OAM, emphasised that diversity isn’t just ‘a nice idea’ — it is business strategy that can affect the profitability and success of the entire industry.

“This year’s record turnout sends a clear message: the current status quo isn’t working,” said Thomson. “We must, as an entire industry, end the rhetoric and commit to making meaningful investments in increasing gender diversity. Only then can we secure a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian wine.”

As the industry grapples with significant challenges, the symposium stressed that investing in women and fostering diversity is essential to attracting and retaining the talent necessary for long-term success.

This sentiment was echoed by the presenters, including Catherine Fox AM, who spoke on dismantling workplace biases, and Sheetal Deo, whose address highlighted the importance of intersectionality in achieving inclusivity.

From mental health advocate Bianca Welsh to financial empowerment expert Amanda Thompson, the speaker line-up encouraged attendees to rethink how their workplaces and strategies could be restructured to support and empower women at every level.

Research from UK-based keynote speaker, Lulie Halstead, showed that prioritising women in wine represents a +$675 million revenue return opportunity in Australia alone.

Industry leaders such as Samantha Connew of Stargazer Wines and Angie Bradbury of Bradbury & Co also shared their personal experiences and insights.

As the Australian wine industry faces undeniable challenges, Australian Women in Wine said the symposium proves there is a clear way forward: prioritising diversity and inclusivity, starting with meaningful investment in women.

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