An equalist at heart, founder Sarah Eifermann initiated this work after witnessing a growing gap between the rhetoric of equality and the reality of who is publicly recognised, whose needs are understood, and whose leadership translates into lasting change. Across the Clarence Valley and regional communities like it, women are leading organisations, running businesses, contributing economically, volunteering extensively and holding communities together in ways that are often unseen or undervalued.
Despite this, their leadership journeys are rarely given the space they deserve, and the systemic challenges they face are too often normalised rather than addressed. At the same time, meaningful progress does not occur when leadership conversations are held in isolation. Lasting change requires men to be part of the discussion, not as observers, but as active participants who understand the pressures women face and who are willing to share responsibility for shaping stronger, more equitable communities.
Rather than creating another awareness campaign or symbolic event, this initiative was intentionally designed around action, visibility and connection. The focus is on elevating lived experience, surfacing real challenges, and creating spaces where leadership is discussed honestly and constructively. Two formats were chosen deliberately to support this outcome.
The Amplify Our Voices Podcast provides a platform for women and community leaders to share their stories in their own words, offering insight into the realities of leadership, resilience and decision-making beyond polished headlines. It is designed to create an ongoing body of work that captures regional leadership voices and makes them accessible to a wider audience.
Podcast Launching at our Changemakers Business Lunch!
The Changemakers Business Lunch brings those conversations into the room. It is a face-to-face leadership gathering that connects businesswomen, men and community decision-makers in a shared space where dialogue can move beyond ideas and into action. The inclusion of both women and men is central to the design, recognising that sustainable change is built through shared understanding, accountability and collaboration.
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Men lead businesses, employ teams and influence decisions across this region. Their participation matters, not as observers, but as partners in building stronger, more equitable communities.This is not about blame or correction. It is about shared responsibility, awareness and legacy.Men are strongly encouraged to attend and to engage with the conversation in a way that carries forward beyond the room.
