The global United Nations theme for International Women’s Day in March (IWD) 2021 was “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world “with the campaign theme#choosetochallenge.

On 11 March, the Business Association created a special Q&A event aligned with this theme. Over 80 people heard from the women heading up the governance of Sydney Olympic Park – Alex O’Mara and Anita Mitchell – as they shared their thoughts on its future, some of the obstacles they may have to overcome to achieve success, and the priority issues they will focus on for this place to realise its potential.

The feedback was fantastic!

Alex O’Mara – Group Deputy Secretary, Place Design and Public Spaces, NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

“Thanks to Sydney Olympic Park Business Association Inc. for having me and Anita Mitchell on a panel tonight at your Women’s Network event on Women in Leadership

Great to feel the energy in the room about the potential for Sydney Olympic Park and looking forward to collaborating with you to get there.”

Anita Mitchell – CEO, Placemaking NSW, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

“Great to join Alex O’Mara and Allison Taylor last night for the Sydney Olympic Park Business Association Women’s Network event.

A fantastic opportunity to celebrate and connect with the professional network of women at the Park and our wonderfully supportive male colleagues.

Discussion was driven by the passion for this precinct and the collective will to see it thrive.

We spoke of our experiences as professional women – and the need for our workplaces to deliver inclusivity, respect and safety for everyone.”

Susan Skuodas – Director, Place Management, Sydney Olympic Park Authority

“Thanks Alex O’Mara and Anita Mitchell for sharing your stories and perspectives on the value of placemaking, the incredible opportunity for Sydney Olympic Park and how to support women in our workplaces.

Thank you, Allison Taylor for another great Women’s Network event, and for celebrating the inspiring women of Sydney Olympic Park. We are very excited about what the future has in store for all of us!”