I have always known that there is a multitude of amazing women in our municipality and over the past year I have been totally impressed by the number and diversity of roles the women of Litchfield play.  Women are at the heart of the small business economy in Australia with 31.5% of small businesses operated by women and I believe this would be similar for the Litchfield area.  There has been a gap, no real place for business in women and business leaders of Litchfield to have the opportunity to network and provide support to each other both professionally and personally perhaps even to Recharge, Revamp and Reboot by making connections and being ‘Bold for Change’. In recognising that a strong and successful business sector contributes much to the liveability of our Municipality, Council has taken the opportunity to celebrate and recognise this vital resource and raise the profile in the community.

The Litchfield Women in Business Network was launched as part of October Business Month, 2016. The theme Making Connections was a huge success with over 35 ladies participating. Since then the network has continued to grow with over 60 registrations. This year an executive group has formed to assist in the organisation and steer the network’s development.

Morning Tea Under the Mango Tree, on Sunday 25 the June is the next planned event down at Crazy Acres Mango Farm & Cafe. Karen Dean, owner/operator of Crazy Acres Mango Farm & Cafe will welcome everyone to this lovely property and share her story of establishing the 25acre family farm and café in Berry Springs. The venue is a perfect location for our dry season network event andis another chance to build business ideas, resources, inspiration and empowerment. Those who join us will love meeting and connecting with local women who are on the same page as themselves and more importantly be supported and surrounded with all the energy and enthusiasm needed for your small business or start up to succeed.

Joining the Women in Business Network is easy, just log onto the Litchfield Council website http://www.litchfield.nt.gov.au/work-business/litchfield-women-business-network register your interest, book for the event and instantly you are connected to the group.

Contact the Mayor via the website, email [email protected] , phone 0437517709 or use the Snap, Send, Solve app.

 Next Council meeting is Wednesday, 21 June at 6pm.