As we reflect on FY26, one thing is clear: the SG Fleet Women's Network (SGWN) is much more than a committee or a calendar of events. It is a growing community of employees, allies, leaders and advocates who are helping shape a more connected, inclusive and supportive workplace.

While our Chairs provide leadership and direction, the success of SGWN is driven by a broad network of contributors across the business. From site leads, committee members and volunteers, through to employees who attend events and our valued allies, every person has played a role in making this year such a success. 

A year of impact  

FY26 was a year of growth, engagement and meaningful action. 

Together, the network delivered a broad range of networking, thought leadership and mentoring opportunities across Australia and New Zealand, bringing people together to learn, connect and support one another. Through professional development sessions, networking events, wellbeing initiatives, community partnerships and social activities, the network continued to foster meaningful connections and create opportunities for employees to engage beyond their day-to-day roles. 

Investing in growth and development 

A key focus for the network this year was supporting the personal and professional growth of women across the business. 

As part of this commitment, SGWN introduced a new professional development initiative through sponsorship of two leadership programs delivered by Women's Leadership Australia. Designed to support women at different stages of their careers, the Impact Program helped participants build confidence, resilience, communication and problem-solving skills, while the Leading Edge Program focused on developing emerging leaders through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, effective communication and leadership capability. By investing in these opportunities, SGWN reinforced its commitment to empowering women with the skills, confidence and support needed to grow, lead and thrive in their careers. 

SGWN also partnered with Ladies Finance Club to deliver a five-part learning series focused on building financial confidence, improving wellbeing and setting meaningful personal and professional goals. Open to all employees, the program covered a range of practical topics including budgeting, investing, property ownership, burnout prevention and goal setting. The series saw strong engagement across the business, providing participants with valuable tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions, enhance productivity and take greater control of their future. Through initiatives such as this, SGWN continues to support holistic growth, empowering employees both professionally and personally. 

Championing inclusion and wellbeing 

As part of its commitment to fostering safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces, SGWN partnered with UN Women Australia to host a live panel discussion during the global 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence campaign. Featuring expert perspectives from UN Women Australia, the Centre for Women's Economic Safety and SG Fleet's leadership team, the session explored the important role workplaces can play in recognising, responding to and helping prevent gender-based violence. Through real-life insights and practical guidance, employees were encouraged to build greater awareness, respond with empathy and contribute to a culture where safety and respect are prioritised for colleagues, customers and the wider community. 

Supporting women beyond the workplace 

The network also strengthened its commitment to supporting women both within and beyond SG Fleet through community partnerships and sponsorships. 

This year, SGWN continued its sponsorship of the Kyneton Women's Football Club, an emerging community club that has become a strong advocate for women's participation in sport. The club has challenged barriers facing women's football and championed opportunities for women and gender-diverse athletes to access safe, inclusive and equitable sporting environments. Their determination has sparked important conversations about the future of women's football and community participation. 

SGWN also took important steps towards establishing a sponsorship partnership with the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFLW program, supporting young women on the AFLW pathway ahead of the program commencing in FY27. Through this initiative, SGWN will help encourage the next generation of female athletes to pursue their goals, develop their potential and continue their journey towards elite-level competition. 

These initiatives reflect the network's broader purpose: creating opportunities, building confidence and supporting women to thrive, whether in the workplace, the community or on the sporting field. 

Building community across the business

One of the strongest themes to emerge this year was connection.

Across our offices, employees came together to share experiences, learn from one another and build relationships that may never have formed otherwise. Whether through networking activities, educational sessions, charity initiatives or social events, the network created opportunities for people to step outside their usual circles and connect on a more meaningful level.

As South Wharf Site Lead Rebecca reflected, one of her proudest moments was seeing colleagues from different parts of the organisation come together.

"Watching people build relationships they might not normally have the chance to form was especially rewarding, and it felt meaningful to know I played a part in creating those connections."

Silvana echoed this sentiment through her involvement in facilitating speed networking sessions, which enabled members to connect, discover common interests and establish meaningful relationships in a short period of time.

These experiences reinforced what many contributors observed throughout the year: when people feel connected, they feel more engaged, supported and empowered. 

Bringing ideas to life 

The network's success has been driven by individuals who have stepped forward with ideas and transformed them into memorable experiences. 

At South Wharf, Rebecca helped organise several highly successful events, including a sound bath wellness session, speed networking activities, jewellery-making workshops and Christmas celebrations. Each event offered a unique opportunity for employees to connect, recharge and engage in different ways. 

Across Australia, site leads created local opportunities that reflected the interests and needs of their teams. 

In South Australia, Vanessa organised the office's attendance at the International Women's Day Showcase and coordinated a Christmas craft event that brought colleagues together in a relaxed and creative setting. She also played a key role in increasing awareness of the Women's Network and encouraging greater participation across the office. 

Queensland Site Lead Sally led a variety of activities throughout the year, including Mother's Day floral workshops and festive gingerbread decorating events. 

Beyond social connection, Sally continued to lead the network's partnership with Share the Dignity, supporting women experiencing hardship through both the Dignity Drive and the annual It's in the Bag campaign. 

During the year, SG Fleet volunteers packed 609 bags for women escaping domestic violence and later joined Share the Dignity's national campaign, where the Brisbane team packed an incredible 1,008 bags containing essential hygiene and personal care items for women and girls in need. 

These initiatives demonstrate that SGWN's impact extends far beyond our office walls. 

Driving awareness and education 

While connection remained a key focus, FY26 also saw the network continue to elevate important conversations around inclusion, wellbeing and women's health. 

For Karen, the growing emphasis on women's health education became one of the year's most meaningful achievements. 

"The women's health advice has really helped educate my colleagues and myself and has pushed me into preventative health checks more regularly." 

The introduction of formal educational opportunities generated strong engagement across the business and highlighted the appetite employees have for learning and having conversations that matter. 

Many contributors observed a noticeable shift in workplace culture throughout the year, with more people willing to engage in discussions, ask questions and bring diverse perspectives forward. 

As Metzil reflected: 

"There has definitely been a shift from people just listening to people actually engaging, asking questions, sharing thoughts and challenging ideas in a respectful way." 

The power of allyship 

An important part of the Women's Network's success has been the support and involvement of allies across the business. 

Contributors consistently described the network as a space where collaboration, allyship and shared experiences help create genuine belonging. Rather than being driven by a small group, SGWN's progress has been shaped collectively by employees choosing to participate, contribute and support one another. 

Metzil captured this sentiment perfectly: 

"It hasn't been driven by one group, it's been collective, with people stepping in, supporting and backing each other." 

This collaborative approach has enabled the network to broaden its reach and ensure conversations about inclusion become part of everyday workplace culture. 

Personal growth and new opportunities

For many involved, participation in the network has delivered benefits beyond the events themselves. 

Contributors spoke about increased confidence, greater visibility across the organisation, expanded professional networks and opportunities to influence positive change. 

Rebecca noted that the network helped her connect with colleagues and suppliers she would not typically engage with in her day-to-day role, while Karen reflected on building richer relationships with senior leaders and strengthening her professional brand. 

For others, the biggest lesson was recognising that meaningful impact often comes from small, consistent actions. 

As Metzil observed: 

"You don't need to do something huge to make a difference. Sometimes it's just about showing up, encouraging others and being consistent." 

Looking ahead to FY27 

As the Women's Network enters FY27, there is strong momentum to build upon. 

• Contributors highlighted several aspirations for the future, including:

• Continuing to grow participation across the business.

• Strengthening committee succession and welcoming new members.

• Expanding partnerships with external networks and communities.

• Creating stronger links between the network, leadership development and career opportunities.

• Continuing to elevate conversations around inclusion, wellbeing and gender equity.

• Deepening engagement with customers, suppliers and industry partners.

Most importantly, there is a shared desire to maintain the strong sense of community that has been established throughout FY26. 

Thank you 

The achievements of the SG Fleet Women's Network this year belong to everyone who has contributed—our committee members, site leads, volunteers, speakers, allies and every employee who attended an event, shared a story, supported a colleague or simply showed up. 

Together, you have helped create a community that is not only supporting individuals but helping shape a culture where people feel connected, valued and empowered to thrive. 

Here's to building on that momentum in FY27.