About the Event

This year for International Women's Day, the Canberra Business Chamber and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be co-hosting a breakfast to honour women by bringing together voices from different stages of life and career, creating a space for sharing, reflection, and dialogue. This event is also supported by Canberra Women in Business.

The event will feature a panel discussion with special guests, networking opportunities and a delicious breakfast set against the picturesque backdrop of the Lake Burley Griffin. 

The panel discussion will be led by facilitator Anna Neelagama, CEO of Master Builders Association of the ACT, and spotlights local wonderful ladies. Our speakers are:

Anna Neelagama — CEO, Master Builders Association of the ACT

Anna Neelagama is the Chief Executive Officer of the Master Builders Association of the ACT. She’s described as an experienced industry leader with more than nine years in CEO roles, with a background in real estate and the built environment. She has previously worked in state and federal agribusiness advocacy and holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a graduate certificate in property development. She lives in Canberra with her family.

Helen Leayr, Managing Director, Communication Link

Helen's award-winning business, Communication Link, has been providing communication, engagement and training services across south-east Australia for over 25 years. In 2025 it was named in AFR's top ten best places to work list, and Helen is proud of the inclusive, flexible and successful workplace they have created for their team. Helen is an active member of the local business community delivering engagement programs where stakeholders feel heard and contribute to outcomes. Prior to joining Communication Link, Helen was Executive Director of the Canberra Business Council. She is currently a director of the St Vincent De Paul Society, Canberra/Goulburn. 

Louise MacDonald, Partner, Ernst & Young

Louise MacDonald is Office Managing Partner for EY Canberra and a Partner in EY Oceania’s Government and Public Sector consulting practice. A senior public sector adviser with over 20 years’ experience, she is known for delivering practical, people‑centred transformation across complex service environments. Louise holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School, post graduate qualifications in marketing and is a member of the Global Customer Experience Professional’s Association. When she’s not at work she enjoys playing golf and spending time with her family, including her 3 children.

Alexandra Hordern, General Manager, Regulatory and Consumer Policy, Insurance Council of Australia

Alexandra joined the Insurance Council of Australia in January 2023 and moved into her current role in August 2023. She leads the organisation’s regulatory and consumer policy agenda, working closely with regulators and key stakeholder councils. Alexandra has held senior policy and advocacy roles across advocacy bodies, the federal government, politics and the university sector, and holds a BA (Hons) and a Juris Doctor from the Australian National University.

Rachel Healy, Owner, Capital Lashes Canberra

Rachel is the founder and owner of Capital Lashes Canberra, a boutique eyelash and brow salon in Kingston. With almost a decade of experience as a lash artist and educator, the business emphasises safe, customised eyelash extensions and brow services, and has built a strong reputation within the Canberra beauty scene.

Registration for the event will open at 7:30am for a 8:00am start.

Ticket Prices:

Member: $35

Non-Member: $70

Spaces for the event are very limited, so make sure to secure your tickets as soon as possible!

Refund Policy:

Refunds are available if requested at least 7 days prior to the event. Please note that ticketing transaction fees are non-refundable.

Event Speakers

Event Sponsors