Prioritising mental and physical wellbeing in the Pacific

Be it at home or at work, our world has changed irrevocably. As we navigate our way to a ‘new normal’, our mental and physical wellbeing has an increased focus. To help spotlight inspiring women working in this field, the Pacific Connect program held its latest virtual dialogue on 15 April, bringing together 37 emerging leaders from Australia and the Pacific. The delegates, representing various fields, heard from three entrepreneurs and an academic on practical and technology-based solutions to improve mental and physical wellbeing for individuals in the workplace and personally.

Increasing opportunities for emerging leaders in our region

The Pacific Connect Program is ramping up its engagement with emerging leaders from Australian and throughout the Pacific over the coming months, with workshops, dialogues and professional development courses available to new and existing Program members.

PNG entrepreneurs discuss key business tips

MEDIA RELEASE: PNG entrepreneurs discuss key business tips during second 'Side Hustle to Sustainable Business' Dialogue

PNG the focus for second Side Hustle Dialogue

Overwhelming interest for last December’s ‘Women in Business Dialogue, has meant an ‘encore’ is set to go ahead this Wednesday for PNG-based entrepreneurs. The Dialogue will bring together participants in our Port Moresby and Lad Community Hubs. We are again delighted to have our local Community Leaders Julliane Terry (Lae) and Nicole Jeune (Port Moresby) coordinating the dialogue and lunchtime networking sessions.

Passionate business ideas coming to life

Sharing stories and learning from others is one of the highlights of Pacific Connect events, and there were many inspiring moments during the Side Hustle to Sustainability Dialogue, a Pacific-wide talanoa that rounded out the busy and ever-changing year that was 2020. One such story was that of Kenny Lawrence, a first-time Pacific Connect member who joined the Dialogue via the Lae Community Hub.

The year ahead for Pacific Connect

We closed out our third year of implementing Pacific Connect with a simple message: “In many ways, we cannot predict what 2021 will bring, but we can be confident in knowing that we have a vibrant and engaged Community that provides a strong foundation for adapting and expanding the program”. Adapting and expanding certainly rings true as we look forward to what this year will bring!

A Year Underpinned by Resilience & Community

There is no understating that this was a year to test personal, professional, community and national resilience. For ICDP and Pacific Connect, it began on a high with our fourth Women in Business Dialogue in Brisbane, then we soon moved to shock and bewilderment as the pandemic became a reality. However, with a bit of help from our wonderful Pacific Connect Community (PCC), we managed to virtually deliver a range of activities in 2020. The circumstances took our theme of ‘Australia-Pacific Connections for a Digital Future’ to a new level and fast-tracked our personal and business use of online communications and business tools (a help in many ways).

An exciting opportunity for Pasifika business

Pacific Business Network (PBN) launches its new online directory of Pacific “Spacific” businesses, service providers, professionals, performing artists and businesspeople from across the globe in January 2021. An idea borne out of one of the Pacific Connect Dialogues in Brisbane, and fine-tuned during Covid-19, aims to be a comprehensive and one-stop resource for businesses, customers, community organisations, as well as local, corporate and government agencies.

‘Side Hustle to Sustainable Business’ Dialogue held for Pacific female entrepreneurs

Over 50 female emerging business leaders explore the theme “From Side Hustle to Sustainable Business” at the 5th Pacific Connect ‘Women in Business’ Virtual Dialogue.

Women in Business Dialogue to end 2020

Just as the year started, the Pacific Connect program ends 2020 with a ‘Women in Business’ Network Dialogue. More than 70 established and emerging leaders will take part in the hybrid Dialogue either online or in one of seven Community Hubs across all Pacific Connect target countries.