Join us for the upcoming LG Professionals SA Women’s Network Forum: Navigating Boldly. We’ll be joined by four speakers who will share their personal and professional journeys, offering practical insights and reflections relevant to a wide range of roles and career stages.
- Jacque Opie, Community Leasing Co-ordinator, City of Adelaide will explore how clarity, courage and confidence can support women navigating change.
- Bailee Major, Site Supervisor, Sarah Constructions will offer a perspective from the trades, highlighting the importance of representation and support for women in non-traditional industries.
- Paula Duldig, Senior Consultant, EMA Consulting will share her experiences in leadership and the role neuroscience can play in how we think, feel and work.
- Hayley Edwards, Open Space Lead, Town of Gawler will reflect on leadership and creating inclusive spaces through design and collaboration.
This Forum will be held in person at the Gawler Civic Centre and via Zoom on Wednesday 11 June from 9:30AM - 12:30PM.
The Inner Work of Clarity, Courage, and Confidence
Jacque Opie
Community Leasing Co-ordinator, City of Adelaide
Jacque Opie is one of us - working within local government while bringing decades of experience as a coach and facilitator for women seeking clarity, courage, and confidence. She has supported hundreds of women through change, helping them reconnect with their purpose and build confidence from the inside out, confidence that isn’t tied to titles or ticking boxes.
Now embedded in the sector herself, Jacque understands the unique pressures that come with a career in local government. Her work focuses on the “inner journey,” empowering women to find clarity in what they truly want, the courage to pursue it, and the confidence to keep showing up, even when things feel uncertain or messy.
In this supportive and engaging session, Jacque will guide you through a process of reflection, conversation, and light-hearted exploration to:
- Identify what’s important to you now, and what may need to shift
- Make courageous decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable
- Build real, lasting confidence from the inside out.
This session is about making space for what matters, coming home to yourself, and supporting others to do the same.
Building Towards Women in Trades
Bailee Major
Site Supervisor, Sarah Constructions
As a woman working in a field where fewer than 5% of tradespeople on-site are female, Bailee Major knows what it means to carve your own path.
Now 28, Bailee has navigated her way through the male-dominated construction industry - completing her apprenticeship, building a successful trade business, and rising to become a site supervisor with a leading construction company. Her journey has not been without challenges, but it’s also been full of wins, lessons, and a growing platform to inspire others.
Bailee uses her story - and opportunities like this event - to champion trades as a fulfilling career path for young people, especially women. With authenticity and drive, she advocates for better support, greater visibility, and more opportunities for women in trades.
Her message is simple but powerful: we can’t change the statistics without first changing the story.
Navigating Life, Navigating Neuroscience
Paula Duldig
Senior Consultant, EMA Consulting
Following a long and rewarding career in local government, Paula Duldig made the bold decision to step away from her role as Senior Manager Organisational Development to pursue further study in the Neuroscience of Leadership. This decision came during a time of personal transformation, following the loss of a significant loved one.
Paula’s professional and personal journey has taken many turns - each one shaping her into the leader and learner she is today. A mother of four, a proud Irish Australian, and a passionate student of the mind, Paula brings warmth, wisdom and lived experience to her work.
In her session, Paula will share insights from her study and life, including topics such as:
- Mindfulness and emotion contagion
- Attentional intelligence and bias
- The S.C.A.R.E model and how it applies in real workplaces.
Paula hopes to offer practical takeaways you can apply in your own leadership and life - with a few stories, a touch of humour, and a deep belief in human potential.
My Story
Hayley Edwards
Open Space Lead, Town of Gawler
Hayley Edwards is a Senior Registered Landscape Architect based on Kaurna Country in South Australia. With more than a decade of experience across private consultancy, land development, and local government, Hayley brings a passion for regenerative design and environmental stewardship to the creation of ecologically rich, community-focused urban spaces.
Raised on a fourth-generation farm in rural Victoria, Hayley’s early connection to land continues to influence her approach to place and people. She also draws inspiration from the quiet strength of women - those who balance expectations, demonstrate resilience, and earn respect in systems not always built for them.
As a woman working in a traditionally male-dominated profession, Hayley is committed to challenging unconscious bias and dismantling barriers. Her leadership style is grounded in trust, empathy, and vulnerability - focusing on inspiration over control, and always lifting others as she climbs.
This Forum is a chance to connect with peers, hear diverse stories, and take away ideas that can support your own work and wellbeing.
If you would like to host a regional hub please contact Jacqui Arthur, Manager – Professional Networks Engagement via email jacqui@lgprofessionalssa.org.au.
Registrations for this forum are open to Local Government Professionals Australia, SA members, council employees, employees of regional subsidiaries and Local Government Professionals Australia, SA invited guests.
By registering for this forum, you will be subscribed to the LG Professionals SA mailing list. Should you wish to unsubscribe at any time, please email admin@lgprofessionalssa.org.au
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