More Than a Conference, It’s a Community
By Kylie Hunt – BiziWomen Connect
Bringing a room full of women together is incredibly powerful, and this year’s EmpowerHer Conference reminded me exactly why I started this journey. On Friday, October 9, we came together at The Clubhouse Hervey Bay for our third annual EmpowerHer Conference, proudly presented by BiziWomen Connect.
This year’s theme, Confidently You, was all about embracing who we are, recognising our worth and finding the courage to show up as our authentic selves, both in business and in life. When I first created EmpowerHer, I wanted it to be more than just another event. I wanted women to walk into a room and feel like they belonged, regardless of where they were in their business or personal journey. I wanted them to leave feeling inspired, supported and reminded of just how capable they really are.
And looking around the room this year, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly proud of what we’ve created together. We were fortunate to have three amazing keynote speakers, Danni Whiley, Jacqui Maloney and Kylie Brennan, who each shared their own experiences, insights and powerful messages about confidence, growth and finding your voice. Our wonderful MC, Lizzie Macaulay, brought her signature warmth and energy to the day.
There was laughter, reflection, a few emotional moments and plenty of meaningful conversations. But for me, some of the most special moments weren’t happening on stage. There were the conversations over coffee, the hugs between friends, the women meeting for the first time and the genuine encouragement being shared around the room. That’s the magic of EmpowerHer. It’s not just what happens on stage; it’s what happens between the women in the room.
Of course, one of the biggest reasons we bring this event to life each year is to support Fraser Coast Hospice, an organisation doing incredibly important work for families in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees, sponsors, local businesses and prize donors, I’m incredibly proud to share that EmpowerHer 2026 has raised a total of $9257 for the Fraser Coast Hospice, at the time of writing this article. Knowing that a day dedicated to empowering women can also make a meaningful difference to local families makes all the hard work worthwhile.
I want to sincerely thank every person who helped make this year’s event possible. From our sponsors and speakers to our volunteers, supporters and every woman who purchased a ticket, you are all part of what makes EmpowerHer so special.
As I reflect on another incredible year, I’m reminded that BiziWomen Connect has never been about simply bringing women into the same room. It’s about creating genuine connections, building confidence and making sure women know they don’t have to do it all alone.
And we’re not finished yet! EmpowerHer Conference returns on Friday, October 8, 2027, and I can’t wait to share what we have planned.
Until then, keep showing up, keep supporting one another and never underestimate the power of women coming together.
Kylie Hunt
Founder, BiziWomen Connect
Creator of the EmpowerHer Conference
Photo taken by Annika Lynch