By Clyde Mooney, editor Australian Hotelier
The Australian Hotels Association NSW last week hosted a networking party at its Macquarie St offices in recognition of International Women's Day.
Master of Ceremonies for the event was Angela Gallagher, wife of Patrick Gallagher and partner in Gallaghers Hotel Management.
Guest speaker was Katie Lahey, CEO of global recruiting company Korn Ferry, and former CEO of The Business Council of Australia (BCA) and Sydney City Council.
An invited crowd of professional women from business and hospitality enjoyed and participated in Lahey’s discussion, largely centring around the historic and ongoing challenges that have confronted women in male-dominated industries and in the modern context.
Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO, Paul Nicolaou, told Australian Hotelier the AHA was honoured to participate in the international event.
"Women are the backbone of the hotel industry – particularly in rural and regional areas. It is only appropriate that we acknowledge that during International Women's Day.
"This year our function acknowledged the work of a very special lady – 91-year-old Lil Miles. Lil is still pulling beers at the family-owned Bells Hotel in Woolloomooloo.
"Her hard work and dedication epitomises the spirit of women in our industry."