Better Ideas, Stronger Teams, the business case for gender equity

Australian wine businesses are operating under sustained pressure, from tight margins and workforce shortages to changing customer expectations and consumption habits. In this environment, the ability to attract talent, build resilient teams and better understand customers matters more than ever. This fireside chat was hosted in April 2026 and explores gender equity as a practical business lever, not a compliance exercise. It is one that can support innovation, strengthen leadership capability and improve long‑term commercial performance. Drawing on real‑world perspectives from across the wine sector, the conversation covers: why diverse, inclusive teams are more resilient during challenging periods how workplace practices shape attraction and retention of skilled people what human‑centred leadership looks like in practice during peak pressure points such as vintage why gender equity is increasingly linked to credibility, competitiveness and future readiness Featuring insights from industry, education and advocacy leaders, the session is designed for wine businesses of all sizes and across the value chain. The discussion also highlights how the Australian Wine Industry Gender Equity Toolkit can help businesses move from awareness to action with practical, scalable steps that focus on progress, not perfection. Access the Gender Equity Toolkit: https://www.wineaustralia.com/gender-equity-toolkit Speakers: Emily Hay – Mastermind Consulting and Chair, Australian Grape and Wine Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Wine Committee Jane Thomson OAM – Founder, Australian Women in Wine Jill Bauer – Senior Lecturer & Winemaker, University of Adelaide and Board Member, Australian Women in Wine Mick Sandercock – Wine Supply Manager, Vinarchy