International Women's Day Panel
Friday, 27 February 2026
09:30 AM AEDT
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Our February Event has been proudly sponsored by:
This Month at DWBN
International Women's Day Panel
This February, the Dubbo Women’s Business Network is celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing the stories of three women who are actively shaping their careers and businesses.
Each panellist brings a different path, but a shared willingness to back themselves. From stepping into leadership, growing and diversifying businesses, expanding into new spaces, and pursuing long held personal goals alongside family life, their stories reflect what ambition can look like at many stages.
This conversation goes beyond polished success stories. It explores the decisions, risks and confidence required to keep moving forward, even when life is full and responsibilities are real.
Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring panel discussion that will leave you feeling motivated, encouraged and reminded that there is no single way to build a career, a business, or a future you are excited about.
Meet Our International Women's Day Panellists
Demi Emerson
Commercial Hotel Dubbo
Demi Emerson is the General Manager and Licensee of the Commercial Hotel. She began her career as a chef at the Commercial before moving into leadership, giving her a strong, hands-on understanding of what it takes to run a busy regional venue.
Demi is known for her people-first approach to leadership, with a strong focus on developing her team, staying connected to the local community and leading with confidence and care. She brings resilience, clarity and a grounded presence to everything she does.
Alongside leading a successful business, Demi continues to look ahead to what’s next, with some exciting personal and professional steps currently in motion.
Chantelle Ryan
Spear & Arrow Therapeutic and Wiluray Gunyah, Dubbo
Chantelle Ryan is a Behaviour Support Practitioner, Clinical Lead, and Co-Founder of Spear & Arrow Therapeutic and Wiluray Gunyah.
With over 25 years of experience, she supports children, young people, adults, and families across developmental, behavioural, and trauma-related needs, delivering practical strategies that build skills, confidence, and resilience.
Passionate about creating lasting impact, Chantelle leads a multidisciplinary team in the Central West, providing behaviour support, occupational therapy, key worker model, mentoring, and respite care, all grounded in compassion, consistency, and strong community connection.
Danielle Wallace
Modern Foodie, Narromine
Founded in March 2022, Modern Foodie is the idea child of Danielle Wallace.
Born into a “foodie” family, Danni’s mother and Nan were both chefs. Originally from England, Danni and her family ran pubs which is where her love of food first came about.
In 2014, Danni decided it was time to travel. She packed up and headed downunder, winding up in little old Narromine. Danni fell in love, and this is where she has called home ever since!
Danni was approached by a few people who knew of her culinary skills and asked her to cater a job for them. The rest is history; from here, the orders began to roll in; to the point that Danni secured commercial cooking premises in the upstairs kitchen of the Narromine USMC.
About our Event Sponsor
As Dubbo's oldest Pub, The Mersh as it is affectionately known, is one of the great watering hole's of Dubbo serving the community with good old fashioned country hospitality for over 163 years.
The Mersh's Bistro is Dubbo's go-to destination for traditional pub classics and seasonal dishes. The Family Friendly Bistro is open seven days for Lunch & Dinner and offers quality dishes at affordable prices. With a great selection of starters and shares as well as options for the kids, the menu is innovative and has something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Event Venue: Western Plains Cultural Centre
DWBN events are proudly hosted at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo. Each month, we gather in the large auditorium, providing a comfortable, professional setting for connection, learning and conversation. With modern facilities and a central location, the venue supports an enjoyable and accessible event experience for all attendees.
- Spacious auditorium with large screen and AV setup
- Comfortable seating with plenty of room to move and connect
- Central Dubbo location with easy access
- A welcoming space suited to both presentations and networking
Western Plains Cultural Centre
76 Wingewarra St, Dubbo NSW 2830
Meetings located in the Auditorium
What to Expect at a DWBN Event
DWBN events run from 9:30am to 11:30am and follow a relaxed but well-structured format to make the most of everyone’s time. We encourage attendees to arrive on time so you can settle in, connect and be part of the full experience.
- 9:30am | Arrival & Welcome
Settle in, grab your tea or coffee and connect with other attendees. - 9:45am | Formalities & Introductions
We begin with housekeeping and invite all attendees to stand and share a brief 30-second introduction about their business or role. - Community Updates
We share upcoming DWBN events and capture a group photo to celebrate our community. - Guest Speaker
Session Our monthly speaker presents for approximately 45 minutes, followed by time for questions and discussion. - Wrap Up & Networking
The formal event concludes, with time afterwards to continue conversations and connect further.
Thinking About Attending Regularly?
Membership Makes It Easy.
If you plan to attend DWBN events more than once, membership offers greater value, added flexibility and ongoing support beyond the monthly meeting. Members enjoy included event access, exclusive benefits and the opportunity to stay connected to the DWBN community all year round.
Why Become a DWBN Member?
Membership is designed for women and teams who want consistent connection, continued learning and a stronger presence within the local business community.
- Your monthly event ticket included. No need to purchase separately
- Access to event recordings to revisit sessions or catch up if you cannot attend
- Promotion through DWBN social media, supporting visibility for your business
- Priority access to member-only opportunities and updates
Membership Options
Casual
$45
One time payment, AUD
- Included monthly networking event
- Monthly mailing list
individual
$40
Per month, AUD
- Included monthly networking event
- Discounts to events & workshops + special offers
- Included recordings
Professional
$120
Per month, AUD
- Included monthly networking event for up to 4 team members
- Discounts to events & workshops + special offers
- Included recordings
online only
$25
Per month, AUD
- Included monthly networking event recordings
- Access to online community
Who Our Events Are For
DWBN events are open to women at all stages of business and career. Whether you are running your own business, working in a professional role or exploring your next step, our events are designed to be welcoming, practical and easy to step into.
- Women who own or are growing a business
- Women working in leadership, professional or corporate roles
- Women seeking connection, learning and community
- Women at any stage, from early ideas to established careers
Many attendees come on their own to their first DWBN event. You do not need to prepare anything in advance (other than a little intro about yourself to share) Arrive as you are and take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
Event Tickets
In Person Event Ticket
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Members use your code for your included ticket
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- A complimentary tea/coffee/drink from Creo Cafe
- A facilitated networking opportunity with women in business across Dubbo
- A monthly speaker focused on practical, relevant insights
- A welcoming, inclusive space to connect, learn and share experiences
- (DWBN Members) Access to the event recording following the session
Virtual Event Ticket
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Join us Online
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- Live online access to the monthly DWBN event
- The same speaker presentation and discussion, streamed for remote attendees
- Zoom link sent via email upon registration and in reminder email
- (DWBN Members) Access to the event recording following the session