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Better ideas, stronger teams: the business case for gender equity

Virtual event

Australian wine businesses are operating under sustained pressure, from tight margins and workforce shortages to changing customer expectations and consumption habits. In this environment, access to new ideas, resilient teams and deep customer insight matters more than ever.

This online discussion explores gender equity as a practical lever businesses can use to improve innovation, strengthen attraction and retention of talent and support stronger commercial performance.

Through real‑world perspectives from across the sector, the discussion will focus on why diverse teams are more resilient, how they better reflect the customers wine businesses are selling to and what a human‑centered approach looks like in practice when everyone is navigating the same challenges.

Designed for industry professionals and wine businesses of all sizes, this session is focused on practical insights and how the Gender Equity Toolkit can help unlock better business outcomes. 

Presenters

  • emilyhay
    Emily Hay Chair, Australian Grape & Wine Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Wine Committee

     

    Emily is an established marketing and experience leader for premium wine, DTC & destination brands – spanning roles from marketing & PR positions in a medium-sized family business, and the regional wine & tourism association (BGWA/Barossa Australia), to freelance design and a national leadership role in one of Australia’s largest drinks corporations. Emily is currently a marketing strategist and account director with Mastermind Consulting. Alum of the esteemed Wine Future Leaders program, Emily has served as Chair of Australian Grape & Wine’s Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) committee since late 2024.

  • janethomson
    Jane Thomson OAM Founder, Australian Women in Wine, Fabulous Ladies' Wine Society

    Jane Thomson OAM is a distinguished wine communicator and event host, recognised for her commitment to advancing gender equality in the wine sector. She founded The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society and the Australian Women in Wine Awards. Thomson has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to oenology, being the fifth woman to receive this honor for wine. Thomson's advocacy efforts have made a significant impact, challenging industry norms and fostering a more inclusive environment. In March 2026 Jane attended the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

  • jill-bauer
    Jill Bauer Board Member, Australian Women in Wine

    Jill is the Senior Lecturer and Winemaker at the Adelaide University Waite Winery and Program Director for the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology. With over 25 years of experience across all facets of the wine industry, she is nationally recognised for transforming winemaking education through innovation, reflective practice and work-integrated learning. Jill founded Vintage Conversations, leads global alumni networks, and was awarded the 2025 Stephen Cole the Elder Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2024 Wine Communicators Educator of the Year, and 2023 STEMM Educator of the Year (SA Science Excellence + Innovation Awards). She is committed to connected, inclusive and future-focused education that empowers the next generation of winemakers across Australia.

  • micksandercock
    Mick Sandercock Wine Supply Manager, Vinarchy

    Mick's wine industry career began after University with the Jacobs Creek Viticulture Scholarship, working at Pernod Ricard Winemakers for 7 years across Technical Viticulture, Winemaking and Grape & Wine Supply. After 3 years with Accolade Wines, as Commercial Wine Supply Manager ANZ, he is now the Wine Supply Manager with Vinarchy. Mick's love for the wine industry revolves around meaningful contribution, continually striving for quality wine production, and encouraging good 'wine people' to find their potential. He strongly believes that DEI is the untapped resource for finding our next evolution as an industry - through innovation that will come from the unique backgrounds and experiences of our people. He is the current Vice President of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region and he joined the AGW DEIW Committee in 2026.

Member content

This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy payers.

Reports are also available for one-off purchase to non-members.

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