Fueling ambition, fostering development, and cultivating change.
OUR MISSION
Hunter Empowher is dedicated to fostering the professional and educational advancement of women* within the wine, tourism, and hospitality sectors of the Awabakal and Worimi|Newcastle and Wonnarua|Hunter Valley regions.
Through targeted initiatives, mentorship, and financial support, we aim to empower women* to achieve their full potential, contribute to the growth of their industries, and cultivate a more equitable and inclusive professional landscape.
*The term women include those of assigned female at birth, non-binary, and trans-women.
EmpowHER Education Fund Applications Open!
EmpowHER Education Fund Applications Open!
The Empowher Education Fund aims to support the professional and educational development of women, inclusive of assigned females at birth, non-binary individuals, and transgender women.
These individuals work in the wine, tourism and hospitality industries in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions.
It’s designed to remove financial barriers up to $2000, helping these women advance their careers through education and professional training. This could include:
Funding for courses, workshops, or certifications like WSET, AWAC, CMS, TAFE courses, etc.
Supporting attendance at industry conferences or events like the Australia Women in Agriculture Conference, AHA Women in Hotels Conference, FutureAg Expo, ETC.
Providing resources for mentorship or professional development programs like the Australian Institute of Management Business School, Career Training Institute of Australia, university short courses, etc.
Applications open on Monday 9th June and close on Sunday 13th of July, 2025. Successful applicants will be announced on the Wednesday 6th August at a presentation evening from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Iron Gate Kitchen.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
WEDNESDAY 6 AUG
Iron Gate Kitchen
5:30 - 6:30
We're thrilled to invite you to a special evening celebrating the EmpowHER Education Fund! This initiative is dedicated to supporting the professional and educational journeys of women (including assigned females at birth, non-binary individuals, and trans women) working in the vibrant wine, tourism, and hospitality industries of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
Join us as we announce the inspiring recipients of this year's fund, enjoy delicious canapés and drinks, and engage in lively conversation. Your presence helps us celebrate empowered women who are driving industry growth and building a more inclusive and equitable professional future. Everyone is welcome!
Our heartfelt thanks go to event partners Iron Gate Kitchen and Scarborough Wine Co. for making this evening possible.
OUR COMMITTEE
-
President
Jenna Vaughan
-
Vice-President
Joey Ingram
-
Secretary
Lara Hagan
-
Treasurer
Jess Buttrey
-
Committee
Sally Scarborough
-
Committee
Cathy Gadd
All images by the talented Georgie Ilona Photography
International Women’s Day 2025
Fueled by an idea hatched between friends Joey and Jenna, a sell-out long lunch hosted by the esteemed Johanna Griggs AM ignited a powerful movement. The resounding success of this event directly led to the formation of the Hunter Empowher and, crucially, provided the initial funding for the vital Empowher Educational Fund.
Save the date for 2026 - we will be back bringing you this same inspirational event!
The spark that ignited the flame.
