Meet our Committee
Behind HBWN is a passionate committee of volunteers dedicated to supporting and connecting women in business across Port Macquarie and the wider Hastings region. Through their leadership, experience, and commitment, they help create opportunities for networking, growth, collaboration, and community impact.
Get to know the incredible people helping shape and support the HBWN network.
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EDUCATE
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ENCOURGE EDUCATE EMPOWER EMBRACE
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Sharon Ekendahl
PRESIDENT
Sharon is a Port Macquarieβbased Chartered Accountant and the owner of Coast Consult, a bookkeeping and business support practice providing practical, reliable services to small and mediumβsized businesses. Through Coast Consult, Sharon focuses on building clear financial systems, improving operational efficiency, and supporting informed decisionβmaking. She is known for her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and strong client relationships.As President of HBWN, Sharon provides leadership to a notβforβprofit organisation that supports women in business and contributes positively to the local community. She is committed to strengthening professional connections and supporting the ongoing development of the local business community. Sharon has also held a range of committee and board roles, reflecting her commitment to governance, leadership, and community involvement.
Phone: 0431 510 071
Email: hbwnpresident@gmail.com -

Tarym Wright
VICE PRESIDENT
As Vice President of Hastings Business Womenβs Network, Tarym plays an important role in supporting the leadership, direction, and ongoing success of the organisation. Working closely alongside the President and committee, she assists with governance, decision-making, member engagement, and representing the network within the wider community.Outside of HBWN, Tarym is the Business Development Manager at Lifestyle Group, where she is recognised for her professionalism, organisation, and strong relationship management skills. With more than a decade of industry experience, she brings a calm, reliable, and solutions-focused approach to her role, helping foster strong connections between the committee, members, and local business community.
Phone: 0414 501 313
Email: hbwnvicepresident@gmail.com -

Julia Kraemer
TREASURER
Julia is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience supporting small to medium-sized businesses across a wide range of industries. Julia is the founder of Not Just Beans Accounting, where she combines her technical expertise with a practical client-focused approach to provide tailored tax and business advisory services to her clients to help them achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.As HBWN Treasurer, Julia brings her passion for numbers, strong financial knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to helping others succeed to the table to fulfil her responsibilities for all aspects of the organisationβs finances.
Phone: 0432 515 657
Email: hbwntreasurer@gmail.com -

Bronte Best
SECRETARY
Bronte Best is excited to serve as Secretary for the Hastings Business Womenβs Network, drawn to its strong community of women supporting women and the opportunity to make a positive difference locally. With a background in finance, she combines strong organisational skills and attention to detail with a genuine passion for building relationships and helping people reach their goals - qualities that make her a natural fit for the role.Outside of work, Bronte is deeply involved in community sport, creating opportunities for women and girls to get involved and thrive. She is the founder of LeadHer Movement, a growing network that nurtures leadership, builds connections and fosters learning across sporting codes.
Passionate about advocating for women in all areas of life, Bronte is committed to supporting HBWNβs mission to encourage, educate and empower women whilst embracing the "tall poppy" philosophy.
Phone: 0431 457 454
Email: hbwnsecretary@gmail.com -

Maddie Wilson
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Maddie Wilson is the owner of award-winning Mid North Coast businesses Letz Get Lit 2444 and Any Occasion Cakes & Party Food. Known for her creativity, innovation, and ability to bring people together, Maddie has built a strong reputation within the local events and business community.With a background in finance and extensive experience in event styling, catering, business development, and customer service, she combines organisation, strategy, and creativity to deliver memorable events, personalised celebrations, workshops, and bespoke experiences.
Passionate about supporting local women in business, Maddie is dedicated to creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth within the community. Outside of work, she is a proud mum of four and an active community contributor, regularly supporting local initiatives through sponsorships, fundraising, and volunteer involvement.
Phone: 0458 728 857
Email: hbwnevents1@gmail.com -

Abby Koch
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
Abby is a lifelong Port Macquarie local with deep roots in the community and a genuine passion for people. By day, she is a Licensed Real Estate Agent at Laing+Simmons Port Macquarie, known for her approachable nature, strong communication skills, and commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences.As Membership Coordinator for the Hastings Business Womenβs Network, Abby brings energy, warmth, and a people-first approach to the role. She loves creating opportunities for members to connect, building strong networks, and helping people feel welcomed and supported within the HBWN community.
Abby is also passionate about championing local businesses, makers, and creatives, and enjoys fostering collaboration through community-focused initiatives and events. Her enthusiasm and strong local connections make her a valued part of the HBWN committee.
Phone: 0488 762 600
Email: hbwnmembership1gmail.com -

Sue Fitzgerald
SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR
Sue Fitzgerald is a Media Sales Consultant with Australian Community Media, representing The Port News. Bringing a wealth of experience in building strong client relationships, Sue specialises in crafting impactful multi-channel advertising solutions tailored to help women in business grow, scale, and connect with their target audience.As a proud Hastings Business Womenβs Network committee member, Sue loves collaborating to support local women. If you want to elevate your business's visibility, she is your go-to contact for HBWN event sponsorship opportunities.
A Port Macquarie local for 13 years and mum to two daughters, Sue is also an active Port Pacers running club member and parkrun enthusiast. She loves the community connection that running brings. Deeply inspired by HBWNβs spirit of collaboration, Sue is thrilled to use her media expertise to help fellow members achieve brilliant things together.
Phone: 0408 261 864
Email: hbwnsponsorship@gmail.com -

Bianca Moore
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Bianca Moore is the owner of The Witchy Nook and a passionate advocate for creating connection through business, community, and authentic experiences. What began as a small passion project selling crystals online has grown into an award-winning retail and workshop space that brings together people from all walks of life through creativity, education, and community-focused events.Known for her honest, energetic, and down-to-earth approach, Bianca has built a business that blends retail with meaningful experiences, from workshops and sound healings to collaborations with local businesses and charities. Alongside running The Witchy Nook, she is actively involved in community initiatives, volunteering, fundraising, and supporting other small businesses throughout the region.
As part of the Hastings Business Womenβs Network Committee, Bianca is passionate about helping create opportunities for women in business to connect, grow, and feel supported while bringing a little personality and realness to the table along the way.
Phone: 0436 535 058
Email: hbwncommunications@gmail.com -

Professional Development Coordinator
POSITION VACANT
This role is currently vacant, presenting an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about business growth, education, and supporting women in business. Perfect for an organised and proactive communicator, the role involves coordinating workshops, presentations, mentoring opportunities, and professional development events that inspire connection, confidence, and growth within the local business community.Experience in business coaching, facilitation, event coordination, or delivering professional development programs would be highly valued, along with confidence in public speaking, relationship building, and working collaboratively with external organisations and networks.
If you would like to make a meaningful impact within Hastings Business Womenβs Network, please contact Sharon at hbwnpresident@gmail.com for more information or to express your interest.
Get Involved with HBWN
Passionate about supporting women in business and making a positive impact in the Port Macquarie community? We'd love to welcome you. Whether you're looking to become a member, attend our events, or apply for an open committee position, there are plenty of ways to get involved and connect with our growing network.
Get in touch to learn more about current opportunities.