Take Heart:

Arunita Seth is a writer, thinker, auntie, friend, feminist and an overall indomitable fan of life! When she isn’t tutoring philosophy, she’s studying it! Arunita is deeply passionate about the immense power of women, children and the collective in creating a truly beautiful tomorrow.

Erin Kadwood is the Creative Director and Co-founder of Kadwood Atelier, an Australian tailoring house dedicated exclusively to women. She creates made-to-measure garments that explore identity, confidence and craftsmanship, championing Australian Merino wool and a more intentional approach to contemporary dressing.

Lauren Finemore is a Social Worker, ceramic artist and Mum based in Sydney. She has run Lauren Finemore Consulting for the past 6 years, offering supports to those who work in the human services sector, alongside people recovering from complex trauma.

Jude Bowler is best known for her astute character-comedy in kooky cabaret/theatre circles. An Independent Performer and Creative Collaborator, her career began in Sydney’s 1990s LGBTQI dance party scene. She’s been creating shows ever since, performing nationally and internationally, working big cities + small towns, from mainstage to main street, to entertain, amuse & inform.

Helen O'Toole is an author, speaker and financial services leader whose life has been shaped by extraordinary resilience. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus at the age of eleven, she endured more than twenty brain surgeries before her sixteenth birthday. Through her speaking, she challenges audiences to rethink resilience—not as something we're born with, but as something we build through the love and support of others.

Maureen French spent fifty years as a nurse before finding her second act: stand-up comedy. On a dare at nearly 70, she entered a cruise ship gong show — and won. A proud Aboriginal woman, she's since won the NSW Finals of Deadly Funny twice and appeared at the Melbourne Comedy Festival both times. Gorgeously silly and never nasty, Maureen believes laughter is healing — and it's never too late to find your voice.