In March, CCV proudly marked International Women’s Day at our annual Women in Clubs Brunch, welcoming industry leaders, partners and members for a morning of connection, reflection and inspiration.
Hosted at Highways by Pegasus Leisure Group, the event was expertly compered by Kiersten Duke, who guided a thoughtful and engaging conversation with keynote speaker Tanya Fullarton. With more than 30 years of experience spanning racing operations, major events, commercial partnerships and governance, Tanya shared valuable insights drawn from a career navigating one of Australia’s most dynamic and complex industries.
Centred around the theme “Balancing the Scales,” the conversation explored what leadership looks like in practice, particularly when managing competing priorities. Reflecting on her early career, Tanya spoke about the importance of understanding and balancing diverse stakeholder expectations—from sponsors and participants to boards and communities. These formative experiences have shaped her leadership style, blending commercial clarity with a strong people-first approach.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was leadership under pressure. Tanya shared that balance is not achieved through compromise, but through thoughtful decision-making and confidence in one’s judgement. She highlighted the importance of resilience, clear thinking and backing yourself, especially in high-stakes environments where decisions carry significant responsibility.
For women across the industry, Tanya’s message was both practical and empowering. She encouraged emerging leaders to trust their capabilities, challenge self-doubt and view obstacles as opportunities for growth. Her reflections reinforced that leadership is not defined by perfection, but by adaptability, learning and the ability to remain steady through change.
The discussion also explored how traditional industries, including racing and community clubs, can evolve without losing their identity. Drawing on her experience leading a sold-out Caulfield Cup Carnival, Tanya demonstrated how innovation—when guided by a clear vision—can enhance tradition rather than replace it.
The session concluded with an engaging audience Q&A, leaving attendees with practical takeaways and renewed confidence in their own leadership journeys.
CCV extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. We are grateful to our partners, including Plant Image for the floral arrangements, Hamperworld for the hampers and chocolate boxes, and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Samuel Smith & Son and Negociants Australia for refreshments. We also acknowledge Indy for flyer design, Invicium for printing, and Digital Signs Australia for the totem screens.
The Women in Clubs Brunch continues to shine a light on the strength, capability and impact of women across the club industry. As we reflect on this year’s event, we look forward to continuing to support, connect and elevate women in clubs.
