Powerhouse Place, Mildura
Powerhouse Hall
The inaugural Flourish Forum was held at the beautifully renovated Powerhouse Hall. Boasting beautiful exposed red brick and wood panels, the atmosphere in this stunning building was electric.
With the building packed to the absolute limit, without an extra seat in the house, Powerhouse Hall was the perfect venue for the amazing first event.
Moments from the inaugural Forum.
Friday 20 June 2025
The full program from our inaugural day — keynotes, panels, workshops and plenty of time to connect.
- Morning
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9:00 – 9:30amArrival
Registration & Welcome Bites
Think Mix, Mingle & Mimosas
The opening of the event saw the energetic start to the Flourish Forum. The atmosphere was electric as everyone grabbed a small bite, started an amazing conversation and settled in.
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9:30 – 10:00amOpening
Opening Address
Building Your Network and Reinventing Your Career with Confidence
The opening address saw Michelle Oates, Flourish Forum founder, set the tone. She spoke about the highs and lows of building a career — her raw openness and honesty showing what Flourish is truly about.
Guest: Michelle Oates
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10:00 – 11:00amPanel
Balancing Life's Competing Demands & Professionalism
Finding Your Rhythm
Our amazing panelists shared stories of their journey through career and family. They spoke about juggling the two and the challenges that are faced when you search for balance.
Guests: Kristen Simm, Rebecca Crossling & Lexi Stockman
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11:00 – 11:30am
Coffee & Connection
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11:30 – 12:30pmKeynote
Keynote Speaker
Our special guest, Lana Wilkinson, spoke about her career progression. She shared insightful stories about passion and seizing opportunities. Lana's story proved that every tale is different, the road is often challenging, but seizing opportunities is the only path to success.
Guest: Lana Wilkinson
- Midday
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12:30 – 1:30pmLunch
Chic Networking Lunch
After an inspiring morning of guest speakers and panelists, participants mingled over a delicious lunch. Connections were made, appointments were marked out in calendars and ideas were born. This was a social power hour.
- Afternoon
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1:30 – 2:30pmWorkshop
From Imposter Syndrome to Inner Power
Taking your fears and turning them into fuel, this insightful workshop dug deep into what makes us special as women. We walked away understanding that in order to thrive as women, we need to approach our careers as women.
Guests: Lena Fitzgerald & Erinne Bate
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2:30 – 3:30pmPanel
Taking the Big Leap
Our panelists spoke about the reward that can come from taking that big risk. From returning to study to reinventing your career path, these inspirational women demonstrated what can truly be achieved when you jump in boots and all.
Guests: Bec Marciano, Hannah McGlynn & Sarah Shields · Moderator: Francie-Anne Costa
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3:30 – 4:00pmClose
Closing Remarks
Wrapping up an epic day of networking, learning and inspiration.
Guests: Michelle Oates & the Connect Family Law Team
The women who took the stage.
Thank you to our partners.
Guiding you differently, achieving more.
Your Sweet Obsession.
Reconnect with your 'best self'.
Australia's most meaningful coffee.
The venue and styling were beautiful, the energy was uplifting, and I left feeling so empowered and motivated.2025 Flourish Forum Attendee
Join us for Flourish 2026.
Friday 7 August 2026 at Powerhouse Place, Mildura. Be part of the next chapter.
