Come celebrate with us at Gen Collective's End of Year Celebration! We're excited to toast to a remarkable 2025 and acknowledge our shared successes, personal development, and flourishing community bonds.

We're hosting this special celebration at the beautiful Earp Distillery, located in Carrington, kicking off at 5:30pm on Thursday, November 27th, 2025. It's your chance to take a moment to appreciate the year's journey while strengthening existing connections and meeting new faces from our dynamic professional community.

The evening promises a welcoming atmosphere where you can savour delightful canapés and refreshments while engaging in meaningful conversations.

We’re proud to announce that proceeds from the event will benefit our charitable partner, Dress for Success NSW & ACT, a not-for-profit, volunteer-powered organisation that helps women thrive in work and in life.

From our newest members to our long-time participants, everyone is welcome to join this special evening of networking, celebration, and relaxation before the holiday season begins.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Beam Bookkeeping, our event sponsor, for their support for the Gen Collective.

Make sure to secure your spot at this memorable gathering - we can't wait to celebrate with you!

Date: Thursday 27th November

Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm

Location: 41 Darling Street, Carrington

Tickets: $55 for members or $65 for non-members

Inclusions: Canapés, drink on arrival, and end of year celebrations!

About our Charity Partner

Established in 2009, Dress for Success NSW & ACT is a not-for-profit, Volunteer-powered organisation that helps women to thrive in work and in life. 

With branches in Sydney, Western Sydney, Illawarra and Newcastle-Hunter, every year Dress for Success NSW & ACT supports more than 3,000 women into employment across New South Wales. Our signature Styling service, clothing and suite of Career Support offerings aim to help women overcome bias and discrimination when entering or re-entering the workforce - at no cost to the women needing the services.

About our Sponsor

Beam Bookkeeping makes your books their business. Working with businesses across Newcastle, Maitland and the Hunter, they help you achieve your goals through personalised, “Xero-stress” bookkeeping services - giving you back the time to focus on what you love.

It’s not easy to find a bookkeeper who understands and cares about your business as much as you do. That’s the Beam difference. The Beam team genuinely loves supporting businesses of all sizes to achieve balance - in their books and their lives. They care about your success and are passionate about making your business journey easier.

Your career is more than a job, it’s a journey of choices, pivots, challenges, and opportunities. At Future Forward: Building the Career You Want, Gen Collective brings together three extraordinary leaders to share their insights on carving out careers with impact, purpose, and authenticity.

This panel conversation will shine a light on what it takes to rise, adapt, and thrive across industries. From research and innovation, to resources and mining, to culture and people development, our speakers will share their lived experiences, the lessons they’ve learnt, and the wisdom they carry for those ready to build the future they want.

Join us for a morning of connection, inspiration, and practical takeaways you can weave into your own career path.

Date: Tuesday 21st October

Time: 7.30am to 9.00am

Location: Fort Scratchley, 1/3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East

Tickets: $65 for members or $75 for non-members

Inclusions: Coffee/tea, a light breakfast and an inspirational start to your day

About our speakers

Our panel is comprised of:

Professor Frances Kay – Institute Director & CEO, Hunter Medical Research Institute

A psychologist, researcher, and changemaker with over 25 years dedicated to advancing mental health, Frances leads 1,700 researchers at HMRI. From pioneering digital health treatments to steering national initiatives, her determination has reshaped mental health care locally and globally.

Renata Roberts – Chief Corporate Services Officer, The Bloomfield Group

With more than 23 years of experience in resources, Renata is a nationally and globally recognised leader in HR, safety, and corporate services. An award-winning advocate for inclusion and mental health, she is redefining leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Brooke Reynolds – Head of People, Culture and Property, The Mutual Bank

With 20+ years of experience across financial services and consulting, Brooke brings a wealth of expertise in people and culture. Known for her pragmatic approach and passion for creating inclusive workplaces, she is shaping environments where people and organisations can thrive.

About our sponsor

Williams Accounting Concepts is more than just numbers, it’s about empowering businesses to grow with clarity and confidence. Founded by Danielle Williams, the firm blends expertise with a personal touch, helping clients achieve success while keeping family and balance at the heart of every decision.

Join us for a Gen Collective interactive workshop with the incredible Kirt Hines – counsellor, somatic therapist, speaker, and founder of The Somatic Mechanic. With her unique blend of lived experience, compassionate insight, and rock-n-roll energy, Kirt brings conversations about leadership, stress, and self-regulation to life in a way that’s raw, real, and deeply empowering.

Together, we’ll explore how your nervous system shapes your leadership, learn simple somatic tools you can use in the moment, and discover how to shift from survival mode to a place of safety, confidence, and connection – both at work and at home.

The evening will also feature an open Q&A and a follow-up resource guide so you can take what you’ve learned and weave it into your daily life. This is more than a workshop – it’s a chance to be inspired, supported, and reminded of your own capacity for strength and change.

Date: Thursday 25th September

Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm

Location: Newcastle Crusing Yacht Club - 95 Hannell Street, Wickham

Tickets: $65 for members or $75 for non-members

Inclusions: Drink on arrival, canapes, and an inspirational evening

About Our Speaker

Kirt is a qualified Counsellor, Somatic Therapist, speaker, and the founder of the Somatic Mechanic – a private counselling and holistic healing practice. With a rock-n-roll soul and a deeply compassionate heart, she is passionate about walking alongside women as they heal from trauma and mental health challenges.

A true local change-maker, Kirt is a musician and hard rock frontwoman who uses storytelling and her own lived experience to create raw, real, and highly transformative talks.

The workshop will also include a Q&A and a follow-up resource guide to help you integrate what you cover. Don't miss this chance to learn from a truly inspiring speaker!

About Our Sponsor

Westfund Health Insurance has been putting people before profit since 1953 – and that’s exactly what sets them apart. As a not-for-profit, member-owned organisation, every decision they make is about delivering better value, not bigger profits. For members, this means more generous benefits, lower out-of-pocket costs, and a health fund that always has their best interests at heart.

Rather than paying shareholders, Westfund reinvests its returns into the things that matter most – enhanced member services, an extensive provider network, and programs that actively support healthier, stronger communities. It’s healthcare with purpose, designed to make life simpler and more affordable while putting your wellbeing first.

With an outstanding reputation for member satisfaction and a proud commitment to regional and rural Australia, Westfund delivers healthcare that’s fairer, more personal, and deeply connected to the communities it serves. When you’re with Westfund, you’re not just covered – you’re genuinely cared for.

Level Up 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Level Up, our one-day professional development conference, is happening this August, in partnership with Genea Newcastle. With a strong focus on self-development, our goal is to provide our conference ticket holders with an opportunity to step away from the desk and immerse themselves in a day of learning and connecting with like-minded women.

Join us for an incredible day of stimulating conversation, inspirational presentations, and real-time takeaways that we hope will amplify your professional and personal relationships.

In addition to hearing some influential & strikingly honest speakers, you’ll enjoy ample time to strengthen network connections and establish new ones, plus celebrate and reflect on the day with our cocktail hour. 

Event Details

Date: Friday 29th August 

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Belmont 16s

Ticket inclusions:  Keynote Speaker Sessions | Professional Development | Small Biz Panel Session | Morning Tea | Lunch | Afternoon Tea | Goodie Bags | Cocktail Hour | Unlimited Connection

Meet our Speakers

• Shelley Johnson - Founder, HR Consultant & Leadership Coach at Boldside

• Alexandra Joy - Speaker, Author and Leadership Expert

• Bianca Bartlett - Sustainability Director at The Full Circle Collective

• Stacie Shaw - Founder of bubbasket & Partner at PKF

• Elle Sproll - cancer survivor, health coach, energetic healer and founder of Own Your Health With Elle

• Shereen Morris - Founder & Fresh Produce Enthusiast at An Apple A Day

A special thank you to our Event Sponsors

Naming Rights Sponsor - Genea Newcastle

Gold Sponsors - Hicksons Lawyers, FinzBiz Advisers and Beilby Downing Teal

Beat the Winter Chill with Warm Connections

Gen Collective invites you to our July Sip n’ Social. A relaxed evening of networking, conversation, and community connection.

Held at the stylish MOA & CO Carrington, this event is designed to bring together like-minded professionals from across the Hunter region in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, career professional, freelancer or just getting started, Sip n’ Social is the perfect space to expand your network, share ideas, and enjoy some well-earned time out.

Event Details

📍 Location: MOA Carrington
📅 Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: Includes a complimentary drink on arrival and a combination of warm & hot canapés, plus live music

What to Expect

• A relaxed and welcoming networking environment

• A complimentary drink and a combination of cold/hot canapés

• Genuine conversations and connections with local professionals

• The chance to step away from the day-to-day and enjoy meaningful community

This event is all about making authentic connections in a casual setting. No pitches, no pressure, just good conversation and great company.

A huge thank you to MOA & Co for partnership with us on this event!

Are you ready to join the Gen Collective Coffee Club?

Join us on Friday 4th April for our second annual coffee club at The Happy Wombat

So what is the Gen Collective Coffee Club all about?

Our coffee club is designed with YOU in mind. You’ve spoken, and we’ve listened - you love our networking events, and we’re here to give you even more opportunities to connect and build authentic relationships. 

There are no formalities, no set seats, no presenters or speakers. Just the perfect blend of casual conversations and top-notch coffee! Stop by on your way to work, enjoy a cuppa, and kickstart your Friday with some really good people.

Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or making exciting new connections, our friendly committee will be on hand to ensure everyone feels welcomed and included.

Alright, I’m in, what do I need to know?

Date: Friday 4th April 2025

Location: The Happy Wombat

Time: 7:30am - 9:00am

Ticket price: $10 for members | $20 for non-members

Ticket inclusions: Your ticket includes your choice of drink (coffee, tea, juice) plus a small admin fee to cover our organising costs. There will be food available at the cafe if you want to grab yourself some brekky while you are there. 

Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to kick off your day with great coffee and even greater company.

Secure your spot now and let’s make Friday mornings something to look forward to.

We hope to see you there, and if you have any questions, please reach out.