Essendon Football Club has hosted a special Women’s Networking Lunch featuring inspiring stories from a number of prominent women. 

Around 70 people attended the lunch presented by the Essendon Women’s Network. 

Former Essendon Director Beverly Knight, Radio and Television presenter Emma Freedman, Sports Broadcaster Tiffany Cherry and Family Law specialist Caroline Counsel shared stories of their rise through their respective industries. 

“My mum wanted me to be Prime Minister,” Cherry said.

“I always had a passion for journalism, although I didn’t know it.  My passion was for telling stories.” 

The panel spoke about the important role women play in football and the benefits that would come from greater female representation in prominent roles.

“Better decisions are made when you have diversity at the decision making table,” Counsel said.

Knight encouraged industries to ‘free yourself from gender and just focus on identity’ when assessing the suitability of potential board candidates.

She also paid tribute to former Victorian Premier Joan Kirner who passed away earlier this month.

“Joan was an absolute trailblazer.  We loved her at Essendon and she was fantastic for the Women’s network as well.”