Women in Project Management - International Women's Day 2026

Women in Project Management leading the way on the Sunshine Coast’s project management community through shared knowledge and experiences.

Join the Next Generation, Sunshine Coast PM Community of Practice, as we discuss 'Women in Project Management on the Sunshine Coast.

This event qualifies for Project Management CPD Points.

Parking is included with your event ticket.

Lucky Door Prize valued at $100

Agenda:

• 7 :00 to 7:30 Networking and breakfast
• 7 :30 to 9:20 Welcome and speaker presentations
• 9 :20 to 9:30 Wrap up including event sponsor's closing remarks

Guest Speakers

Mia Barnard, Industry Director, GHD

A seasoned strategic leader with over 24 years of experience spanning market sector leadership, operational management, major project delivery, and industry advocacy across multiple sectors. Recognised in the industry for a pragmatic, driven, and relational approach that fosters enduring partnerships with clients, stakeholders, and communities. Known for the ability to distil complex issues into clear, actionable insights.

Combines high-level strategic planning with disciplined execution, comfortable at navigating, sometimes competing, commercial and strategic imperatives. Demonstrated success in developing and delivering market strategies that drive year-on-year growth and measurable improvements across client satisfaction, team performance, and commercial outcomes. A trusted advisor and internal consultant, with deep experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping enterprise-wide initiatives.

A passionate coach and mentor, committed to empowering people and building high-performing, inclusive teams. Brings extensive experience working with global and geographically dispersed teams since 2007 and celebrates the strength of diversity. Lived and worked in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and South Africa, contributing to a global perspective and adaptive leadership style.

Serving as Project Director since 2010, with mature commercial acumen and deep expertise in procurement strategies, contract negotiation, partnerships and delivery across multiple jurisdictions. Proven ability to lead strategic engagements, shape commercial models, and deliver outcomes that align with both enterprise goals and stakeholder expectations.

Danielle Kirby, Transport Lead & Associate Director, AECOM

Danielle Kirby is an MBA-qualified engineer and project management professional with a strong passion for delivering transport projects that achieve meaningful social outcomes.

As an Associate Director – Rail at AECOM, Danielle focuses on the early stages of transport projects, including inception, definition, and design. She thrives on developing compelling business cases and fostering creativity within project teams.

Danielle also leads AECOM’s transport work on the Sunshine Coast and is enthusiastic about contributing to the region’s rapidly evolving transport landscape.

A strong advocate for diversity in engineering, Danielle is committed to attracting and retaining more women in the profession.

Loren Ogston, Manager Growth and Planning, Unitywater

Loren is a people‑centred infrastructure leader who cares deeply about how growing communities live, move and thrive. As Manager of Unitywater’s Growth & Planning Team, Loren guides the long‑term planning and strategic direction of essential water and wastewater services across some of Queensland’s fastest growing communities.

Loren’s career spans major project environments across the utilities and energy sectors, with experience at Santos, Powerlink Queensland, Brisbane City Council and Hatch. Across every chapter, the constant thread has been a commitment to work that matters: strengthening essential services, supporting sustainable growth and with a passion for travel and overseas adventures she has been lucky enough to live in some amazing locations.

Beyond the technical work, Loren is a working mother to two daughters and deeply values balance — the kind that allows a career to grow without crowding out the moments that matter most. Living on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Loren thrives in a lifestyle that blends meaningful work with family, community and the natural environment.

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Spotlight Charity for this event is Wildlife SEQ Inc.

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Thank you to our Event Sponsor, GHD and thank you to our Corporate Partners:

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Special thanks to our Event Partner, University of the Sunshine Coast: