Northern Rivers Women in Business: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025
Featuring:
Aslan Shand: Editorial | Jacinta McEwen: Om Healing | Tahlia Ward and Yasmina Cross: No Bones | Claire Harding: Barefruit Marketing | Janis Perkins: Principal and Licensee, Real Estate of Distinction Byron Bay | Justine Elliot: Your local MP and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence | Yasmin Dulley: Byron Family Law | Kate Reynolds: Marketing Manager Byron Writers Festival | The Echo: Some of the women who work at the Echo | The Women of MANA Real Estate
Celebrating our achievements by Aslan Shand
With three women standing for the upcoming federal election in the seat of Richmond it is important to recognise that women in Australia only gained the opportunity to vote and the right to stand for federal election in 1902.
International Women’s Day is a celebration of this and the many other achievements women have fought for – the opportunity to work, own land, inherit their own money and assets, vote, be paid an equal wage to men, have the right NOT to be beaten by their husbands or partners – these are just some of the changes that women have achieved in recent history. Many of these things I take for granted, others, like equal pay and equal representation across all areas of the workforce, or freedom from domestic abuse we are still fighting for.
It is easy to disregard many of the achievements we have made as women, but take a moment and reflect on what it would be like not to be able earn, and keep, your own money. What would it be like to not have a voice and vote in the upcoming election. What would it be like if your husband was legally able to rape and beat you and you had no way to either leave him or stop him?
Remember the freedom to be independent, to have our own opinions, to earn our own money, may be things we take for granted today – but they are just some of the amazing achievements we as women, often supported by men, have managed to achieve. Let’s keep fighting for the rights of all women and men to be equal together.
Jacinta McEwen: Om Healing
Jacinta McEwen ND has been practising the healing arts for over 35 years, working individually as well as facilitating workshops, lectures and healing circles in Australia and overseas. Initially trained as a nurse, she went on to become a naturopath, herbalist, massage therapist, yoga teacher and Ayurvedic consultant.
Jacinta is a founding partner in the thriving organic herbal dispensary, Mullumbimby Herbals. She now offers in person and online Ayurvedic and naturopathic consultations and treatments from her healing centre Om Healing in Goonengerry.
Using pulse, tongue, and eye assessment, Jacinta individualises a health programme just for you.
Jacinta runs workshops, and lectures, on a range of health-related topics including women’s health, Ayurveda, yoga, and natural first-aid. She has a passion for spiritual growth as well as for physical and mental wellbeing. As a mother and grandmother Jacinta keeps a fresh outlook on life and brings this inspiration into her practice.
02 6684 9422 • 0422 387 370
Tahlia Ward and Yasmina Cross: No Bones
Tahlia and Yasmina built No Bones from the ground up, transforming their vision of plant-based dining into one of Byron Bay’s most loved restaurants. Since 2018, they’ve been on a mission to prove that sustainability and indulgence can go hand-in-hand, creating dishes that excite vegans and non-vegans alike.
Running a business isn’t always easy, and as women in hospitality, they’ve faced their share of challenges. But through resilience, creativity, passion and an unshakable belief in what they do, they’ve built more than a restaurant - they’ve created a community. Balancing growth, motherhood, and their dream of a greener future, Tahlia and Yasmina continue to push boundaries, proving that small, conscious choices can create big change and plant-based dining is the future.
Claire Harding: Barefruit Marketing
Claire Harding is the co-founder of Barefruit Marketing (with hubby, Evan), a full-service creative agency delivering effective campaigns for brands across the Northern Rivers and beyond.
With a successful UK ad agency career behind her, Claire launched Barefruit 13 years ago, to work with people and brands that inspire, excite, and do good.
While paying clients keep the agency running, Barefruit prioritises pro-bono and charity work for causes that align with their values, whenever they can. As a mum, Claire champions a flexible, supportive workplace with a strong work/life balance: ‘culture and relationships matter most to me. ‘
‘When hiring a new team member or taking on a new client, my gut instinctually leads the way-and it’s usually spot on,’ she says. Claire is a founding board director of children’s charity Rafiki Mwema. When she’s not fundraising or crafting campaigns, you’ll find her at the gym or spending time with her family and friends.
1/144 River Street (Riverwalk Arcade), Ballina
Janis Perkins: Principal and Licensee, Real Estate of Distinction Byron Bay
A distinguished name in Byron Bay’s luxury property market, Janis Perkins has spent over two decades representing the region’s finest rural and residential real estate - beachfront estates, waterfront retreats, and high-end apartments. Her reputation for delivering exceptional results and an elevated client experience has earned her a place among the industry’s top performers, along with award-winning recognition.
Beyond real estate, Janis is a passionate advocate for gender equality, championing equal decision-making opportunities and closing the gender pay, earnings, and pension gaps - critical steps in the fight against women’s poverty.
Renowned for her integrity, expertise, and unwavering dedication to her clients, Janis approaches every transaction with a commitment to thoughtful consultation, ensuring premium outcomes and long-lasting relationships.
0438 841 122 • [email protected]
Justine Elliot: Your local MP and the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence
The Albanese Labor Government has kept up the momentum to make women’s lives safer and more equal. We’ve expanded paid parental leave to 26 weeks and we’re paying superannuation on it too. We’re also making childcare cheaper and delivering a three-day universal childcare guarantee. We’re delivering over $500 million for women’s health, including PBS listings for oral contraceptives and menopause hormone therapies, more bulk billing for IUDs, and opening new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. We’ve invested over $4 billion towards our goal of ending violence against women and children, as well as introducing ten days’ paid family and domestic leave and building more places of refuge for women and children, including right here on the North Coast. I’m proud to part of the first federal government in history that’s majority women, and with your support I can continue to accelerate action for the women of Australia.
07 5523 4371 • www.justineelliot.com.au
107 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South
Yasmin Dulley: Byron Family Law
‘International Women’s Day honours the remarkable achievements of women who have overcome barriers and defied expectations. Let us honour the progress we have made and recommit ourselves to the work that remains to be done. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.’
Principal Solicitor and Director of Byron Family Law, Yasmin is proud to be part of this legacy. She is among the countless women inspiring the next generation of female leaders making a positive impact in our community by breaking-down barriers across every discipline and advocating for social justice.
Yasmin is the newly appointed President of the Far North Coast Law Society. She is the proud mother of three young children, has a business in fashion archiving, a pilot’s licence, and is a member of the Australian Army Reserves.
18 Parkes Avenue, Byron Bay
Kate Reynolds: Marketing Manager Byron Writers Festival
Kate Reynolds is the Marketing Manager for Byron Writers Festival and the host of Book Club on Paradise FM, a weekly on-air book club presented by the festival.
Originally from Melbourne, Kate moved to Ballina with her family, pursuing her freelance voice acting and writing work, but when an opportunity arose to join Australia’s largest regional literary festival, Kate couldn’t resist. She is proud to be part of an inspiring all-women team, and finds great motivation in the incredible work they do together. Kate also values the family-friendly work environment, which allows her to balance her professional role with being a mum to a (very active!) toddler.
She’s excited about the upcoming Byron Writers Festival authors visiting in August, and sharing their stories and conversations. With a deep passion for literature, Kate is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the festival’s mission while working in such a supportive and dynamic environment.
The Echo
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to acknowledge the incredible women who contribute to our community in countless ways. At the Echo, women play a pivotal role, from investigative reporting to editing, design, sales and beyond. Their dedication ensures that the Echo is published with integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the local community.
The women of the Echo offer resilience, creativity and leadership to the organisation. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in their communities, women shape the future through their actions, big and small.
For International Women’s Day 2025, the Echo stands in solidarity with women around the world, advocating for equality, justice, and opportunity for all. The journey toward gender equity is ongoing, but with each step forward, we grow stronger together. Let’s continue to uplift, support, and amplify women every day.
The Women of MANA Real Estate
These six remarkable women From MANA Real Estate share how they’re breaking barriers and accelerating progress for women in real estate, proving that when supportive environments meet determined action, transformation follows.
Julie-Ann Manahan: Founder and CEO
Leaving a national franchise to start my own brand was bold, but was largely driven by a desire to create a more inclusive environment for women in real estate. This rewarding journey has allowed me to build a value-aligned brand while mentoring other women, reinforcing my belief in taking risks for meaningful change.
My advice to young women entering real estate: believe in yourself. The industry is challenging, but persistence and confidence are essential. Find inspiring mentors, ask questions, and stay adaptable in this evolving landscape. Those open to new approaches will thrive. Remember to support other women - together we’ll create a more inclusive environment.
I envision an industry that fosters inclusively where women feel empowered to lead through mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and encouragement to step into influential positions.
Julie-Ann • 0411 081 118
Wendy Rosenbaum: Licensee-in-Charge MANA Murwillumbah
Accelerating positive change for women in property starts with collaboration rather than competition. I believe that when women support each other and agents work together instead of viewing each other as competitors, we create a stronger industry that better serves our clients.
This perspective was particularly valuable during my years running a commercial franchise, where I was often the only woman. While there were initial surprised looks at conferences and client meetings, I found that once I demonstrated my expertise in commercial real estate, many male clients actually preferred working with me.
For young women considering this career today, I understand it can feel intimidating - especially in such a public-facing industry. My advice is to find a mentor whose values align with yours. Having someone who can guide you through the industry from the inside out not only builds your knowledge but, importantly, helps develop the confidence to succeed.
Wendy R • 0437 709 993
Simone de Beer: Marketing Manager
In my experience, accelerating positive change for women in the property industry starts with visibility and opportunity. It’s about championing women as leaders, whether that’s seeing more female auctioneers, sales agents, or property managers taking centre stage.
At MANA, we actively celebrate women’s achievements and ensure we’re creating pathways for growth, like mentoring younger women entering the field. I’ve found that women’s groups and networking play a big role in this. I attend a women’s business group focused on building relationships, sharing experiences, and discussing workplace challenges. It’s inspiring to hear how women in other industries handle similar situations.
Simone • 02 6680 5000
Nicki Rein: Office Administrator
In my experience, making positive change for women in real estate starts with the basics - how we’re treated and respected in the workplace. While I’m lucky at MANA, I’ve worked in places where people assumed a man could do the job better, especially when it came to handling complex situations. But here’s the thing about real estate - it’s all about people and emotions, from the nervous first-home buyer to the stressed-out seller.
I tell young women thinking about joining real estate to definitely go for it. You learn so much about the whole buying and selling process, and working at MANA has shown me how different things can be when a company truly values its people, regardless of who they are.
Nicki • 02 6680 5000
Debra Stoker: Reception/Sales Administration
Making the switch from hospitality to real estate opened up so many doors for me to learn and grow. The best part is being surrounded by such a supportive team at MANA - they really encourage me to aim higher and push myself. Our director Julie-Ann shows us how to balance work and life while still giving our best to clients, and she’s always looking for ways to improve how we do things.
What I love most is that everyone brings their own unique skills to the team. So, for anyone thinking about joining real estate, I say go for it! If I can make the change and thrive, what’s stopping you? Sometimes all it takes is that positive push to take on a new challenge.
Debra • 02 6672 4477
Tayla Hunter: Property Manager
Working in property management has shown me that accelerating change for women in real estate happens when supportive environments meet determined action. At MANA, I’ve experienced first hand how mentorship and equal opportunities create momentum for professional growth. Rather than facing the barriers many women encounter in this industry, I’ve been encouraged to take the lead on challenging projects and develop my expertise with confidence.
What makes a difference is having both experienced agents and successful colleagues who actively champion my progress rather than just passively supporting it. For young women entering real estate, finding a team that actively dismantles traditional barriers while providing genuine guidance can transform your career trajectory.
Tayla • 0428 883 815
