Business Merri-bek

01/06/2026

A true leader in the making — Congratulations to Women in Leadership Program graduate Maddy Schuch from Centorrino Technologies - CT in Coburg.

In just two years, Maddy has grown her team from 3 to 23 people while also building and empowering a new layer of middle managers to support the wider team’s continued growth.
Maddy is quick-thinking, genuinely invested in the people she leads and deeply committed to “staying open to challenges, welcoming discomfort, embracing silence and leading with authenticity, discernment, passion, presence and vulnerability.”

Reflecting on her leadership journey, Maddy shared:
“Going forward, I will measure my success not by how needed I feel, but by how empowered my people feel when I am not in the room.”

Please join us in congratulating Maddy on this incredible achievement. We see a bright future ahead for both Maddy and the people fortunate enough to work alongside her.

A big thank you to NorthLink and Leadership Victoria for facilitating the program.

If you know a woman in leadership who would benefit from this opportunity (or if that person is you), please email your name, Merri-bek business name and contact number to [email protected]

29/04/2026

Monthly Networking for Women in Business: Coffee Conversations – Tuesday 5 May: 10-11.30am - Hillvale Gallery in Brunswick

Come along to:
✨ Connect with like-minded women in business
✨ Share ideas and fresh perspectives
✨ Build meaningful relationships
✨ Discover new opportunities and collaborations

📸 We’ll also hear from Sarah, Gallery Programmer, Manager and Freelance Photographer, as she shares her inspiring career journey, her role in building the gallery, and how she’s helped create opportunities for women in photography
Whether you’re growing your business, looking for fresh inspiration, or simply keen to expand your network, this is a great space to connect and learn.

💛 Come for the connections, leave with more opportunities for your business.
Book your spot via the link in comments.

15/04/2026

Looking for a welcoming place to host a workshop, meeting or celebration? 🔍

We have a range of affordable venues available for hire across Merri-bek!
Whether you are running a community class, planning a business meeting, hosting a birthday or organising a local club gathering - it’s easy to find a flexible space close to home.

Explore our venues: https://brnw.ch/21x13LL

Image description: a large, brightly-lit community hall.

13/04/2026

What’s the best way for your business to stay informed about Council services and decisions?

Do you prefer social media, email or a letter in your mailbox? Or would you like to talk to us in person?

What formats would help you access Council information? Would you like information in your community language? In Easy Read, Braille, or large print?

Your feedback, ideas and experiences will help us make a plan. The plan will say how will make sure our information reaches everyone in the community.

To learn more and share your feedback:

• Visit our Conversations Merri-bek website
• Pick up a paper survey from our Libraries and Customer Service Centres. Surveys are available in community languages, Easy Read and Large Print.
• Join one of our focus groups
• Email [email protected]
• Call 9240 1111

Learn more and share your feedback by Friday 8 May: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/sharing-information

08/04/2026

Wanting to stop guessing, and start making financial business decisions with confidence?

Register for our 2026 Business Skills Workshop, “Show me the Money!” held on Wed 22 April from 10–11.30am at Merri-bek City Council.

Come and identify:
🔢 Let’s talk finance: How well do you know your numbers?
📊 Understanding cashflow management and templates
📝 How to track income and expenses effectively
🚀 Forecast for the future with confidence

Facilitator: Sheetal Shah is the founder and director of A Counting and Consulting Services, with over 20 years’ experience in finance across public and private sectors. She is passionate about helping business owners step back from day-to-day operations to focus on growth and sustainability.

Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/show-me-the-money

16/03/2026

We’re filming Sally Caruana, Founder and Owner of Sheforce Recruitment & Labour Hire in Glenroy for nomination for the 2026 Northern Business Achievement Awards! Go Merri-bek businesses!!

Business Merri-bek Merri-bek City Council NORTH Link

26/02/2026

It’s happening, next Tuesday!

Join us to hear from Melbourne’s most inspiring women business leaders: Hayley Worley (), Jodi Crocker (Wonder Pies), and Sara Murdock (). Be inspired by their stories of resilience, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship at the Merri-bek Womens Business Network Coffee Conversations!

Don’t miss out – limited spots remaining!
Register today: https://events.humanitix.com/coffee-conversations-international-women-s-day-edition

23/02/2026

Always working in your business and not on your business? Not sure what to focus on next?

Register for our 2026 Business Skills Workshop, “Your 5 Step Roadmap to a successful 2026” held on Wed 18 March from 10–11.30 am at Glenroy Community Hub and come and work through:

Where is my business now?
Where do I want my business to be?
How are am I going to make this happen?
Creating your Implementation Action Plan
Practical accountability strategies - How to build and maintain momentum
‍
Facilitator: Anna Ramondetta (Luminus League) A sustainable business strategist with 20+ years’ experience supporting purpose-driven SMEs.

Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/your-5-step-roadmap-to-a-successful-2026

This workshop is a part of the 2026 Darebin x Merri-bek Business Skills Workshop Series.

12/02/2026

✨ Be inspired. Get connected. Celebrate women in business. ✨

Join us for the International Women’s Day edition of the Merri-bek Business Women’s Network on Tuesday 3 March. Hear from strong, accomplished and entrepreneurial women who are shaping business and community:

🛏️ Hayley Worley (Sheet Society) – Melbourne-based founder & CEO sharing her journey building a high-growth consumer brand.
🥧 Jodi Crocker (Wonder Pies) – CEO, PR expert and hospitality leader behind a portfolio of iconic food brands, retail stores and dining experiences shaping Melbourne’s food scene.
🩺 Sara Murdock (Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale) – globally recognised pharmacist and health equity advocate with 20+ years’ experience and deep roots in the Pascoe Vale community.

Panel facilitated the wonderful ZeeScott!

☕ Connection, conversation and inspiration await.

🎟️ Places are limited. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/coffee-conversations-international-women-s-day-edition

11/02/2026

Last spots available: Register now for your FREE session next Wednesday.

Want your business to be found first online, not skipped?

This practical workshop will show you how to improve your online search presence using SEO, strategies and AI. Perfect for local businesses wanting to stand out, attract more customers, and stay ahead in the age of AI.

• Wed 18 Feb 2026 | 10:00–11:30 am
• BRUDI – 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick

You’ll learn:
🔍 How SEO has evolved in the age of AI
🧰 Free and paid SEO tools you can use
📍 Best practices to boost local search results
🤖 How AI bots find and prioritise content
✨ The five golden rules for creating valuable content

Facilitator: Ray Pastoors - A Merri-bek local with 20+ years in digital marketing, Ray has supported over 300 small businesses and major brands, including Origin Energy and Bupa.

Register your FREE spot here:

This is your step-by-step guide to making sure your website shows up, when it matters most, to the people who matter most.