The Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) hosted its Women in Leadership 2026 event on Friday, 6 March at The William Inglis – MGallery Collection in Warwick Farm, bringing together hundreds of business leaders, professionals, and community members to celebrate the achievements and leadership of women across multiple sectors.
Held in recognition of International Women’s Day, the evening provided a platform for meaningful conversations about leadership, resilience, and the role women play in shaping communities, workplaces, and the future of Australia. More than 400 attendees, including business owners, emerging professionals, and community leaders, gathered for the event, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and connection.
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers from government, law enforcement, media, and community leadership. The panel included Diane Langmack OAM, media and community leader and Chair of the Cure The Future Foundation – Bulldogs; Commander Christine McDonald of the Burwood Police Area Command; the Hon. Sophie Cotsis MP, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work Health and Safety; Ceyda Nalbantoglu, the 2025 Young Achiever of the Year in Women in Local Government; and Antoinette Khalil, CBCC Board Member and Founder and Principal of Khalil Lawyers, who also served as moderator.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers shared personal insights from their careers, discussing the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, and the importance of mentorship, confidence, and community support for women aspiring to leadership roles. Their stories reflected the diversity of experiences that shape modern leadership and highlighted the progress being made toward greater representation of women in business, government, and community life.
Beyond the panel, the event also served as a valuable networking opportunity. Attendees connected with peers, exchanged ideas, and explored ways to support each other’s professional and personal growth. The evening reinforced the importance of collaboration and the strength that comes from empowering women across different industries.
The event formed part of CBCC’s ongoing commitment to supporting women in business and leadership across the Canterbury-Bankstown region. With strong community participation and inspiring conversations, the 2026 Women in Leadership event once again demonstrated the impact of bringing together voices that challenge perspectives and encourage positive change.
Oz Arab Media was present on the night, providing coverage and interviews with attendees and speakers, capturing the spirit of celebration and inspiration that defined the evening.
