women in leadership, inspiring

Pictured from left to right: Deputy Dean Eddie Blass -
Swinburne, Cr Jeanette McRae - Ryrie Ward, 
Cr Samantha Dunn - Lyster Ward, Ronni Kahn -
Ozharvest, Margaret Brooks and Jessica Cruff. 

One of my favourite events in the calendar is the Women in Leadership, Be Inspired forum, a partnership between the Shire of Yarra Ranges and Swinburne - Lilydale.

This year's forum heard from Ronni Kahn, founder of OzHarvest Food Rescue, a non-denominational charity that rescues excess food which would otherwise be discarded. This excess food is distributed to charities supporting the vulnerable in Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane. Ronni is looking to set up in Melbourne soon.

Ronni's story certainly inspired women attending that night. Following Ronni's presentation was a panel session which included experiences, stories and advice from Yarra Ranges Councillor Jeanette McRae, Yarra Ranges Ian de la Rue Award recipient 2012 Margaret Brooks and 2012 Swinburne University Scholarship recipient Jessica Cruff.

I was delighted to be able to talk about the importance of women in local government, a topic that is dear to my heart. If you're thinking of running in the upcoming local government elections click here for more information. 

be inspired - ronni khan

This year’s Be Inspired women’s leadership event is shaping up to be another not to be missed occasion.

This year’s event features guest speaker Ronni Kahn, Founding Director of OzHarvest, a not for profit organisation that provides food for communities at risk.

Ronni Kahn grew up in South Africa and moved to Israel where she brought up her family. She arrived in Australia as an immigrant from Israel in 1988. 

Come and listen to Ronni’s amazing story of compassion and determination; hear about her quest to make a difference in the world and to create an organisation with sound business ethics that would positively impact society.

Be inspired by her journey and find out how she took a small idea – collecting edible excess food from a range of food outlets – and created an organisation that delivers around 15,000 meals per day to those in need.

Ronni will be joined by inspiring local women including Yarra Ranges Councillors Jeanette McRae and Samantha Dunn, Yarra Ranges Council’s Ian de la Rue Award recipient 2012 Margaret Brooks, and 2012 Swinburne University Scholarship recipient Jessica Cruff.

When: Wednesday, 25 July, 2012, 5.30pm arrival for drinks and canapés, formalities start at 6pm.

Where: Swinburne University – Lilydale, LC Building, Room LC226, 50 Melba Avenue, Lilydale
Cost: Places for this free event are limited and bookings are essential
Book via: Roxann Jenkins on 9294 6370 or r.jenkins@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Places are filling fast, so be sure to book straight away.