WCEI QLD 30th Anniversary Celebration and Christmas Party

WCEI history was celebrated in Brisbane last week when the Queensland branch held its 30 Year Anniversary and Christmas party.

Hosted by Queensland President Elect, Catherine MacMillan, eighty members and guests, including several partners and some younger family members, were entertained in style at historic “Bertholme”, the 93 year old home of The Moreton Club, overlooking the Brisbane River and city skyline.

The spirit of Christmas filled the room with elegant decorations generously provided by member Jano Dawes, The Prop House.

Guests arrived to the sounds of Christmas carols and light classical music, delightfully performed by pianist Elli Ward, a Graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, thanks to member Prof Gemma Carey.

A sumptuous buffet of fresh seafood and glazed ham was served along with champagne, cocktails and a wide variety of Christmas inspired savouries and sweets.

Founding Queensland President Lorraine Martin was honoured for her long-time commitment and contribution to WCEI by Queensland members by the introduction of The Lorraine Martin Queensland Entrepreneur Award, for a member who has achieved outstanding success in business and reflects the values held by WCEI.  This year’s worthy recipient is Meaghan South, Outshine Beauty Salon.

Lorraine, formerly Queensland President from 1987 – 89, then Australian President from 1990 – 91, inspired the audience with an excellent speech.  She encouraged women in business to support each other.  She invited seven foundation members and prominent business leaders; Leneen Forde AC, Rhonda White AO, Janet Conrad AM, Nanette Lilley, Karen Brady, Meryl Ducat and Bette Arkinstall, to share their “pearls” of wisdom for success in life and business.  Long-time member Julie Weis shared the news of the recent sale of her family business and the interesting story behind the development of the company and her impact on its success.

Founding WCEI Australian President, Noel Waite AO, who established the first branch in Melbourne in 1985 sent a special message to congratulate the Queensland branch.  Current Australian President, Margot de Groot, spoke about her own commitment to strengthening WCEI membership on a national level and our ties with the international body, FCEM.  She presented gifts of appreciation to Lorraine and the Foundation Members as well as Maria Becis and Marisa Vecchio AM for their outstanding philanthropic efforts this year.

Queensland President Liz Ward, remarked on the successful reinvigoration of the Queensland branch and the strong influx of new members this year.  She presented badges to Jocelyn Walker, Sandy Cowell, Maria Becis, Roberta Walker, Anna Palmer, Cheryl McNaught, Clarissa Brandt, Leah Steinberg, Catherine Britz, Stephanie White, Robyn Taylor and Janine Walker.

An exciting new Calendar of Events was released for members to look forward to in 2018.

The spirit of Christmas continued right up to the end of the night when Meaghan South gave every guest a gift voucher valued at $185 for treatments at her Outshine Beauty Salon in James Street, Fortitude Valley.  A most generous and thoughtful gesture leading up to the festive season.