Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network Launch

On Wednesday 3 December, Ballina RSL came alive with the energy of the next wave of leaders from across the region at the inaugural Northern Rivers Young Professionals Network hosted by Business NSW Northern Rivers.

This first-of-its-kind event brought together emerging leaders from across industries who are choosing to build their careers here, not just pass through. The energy in the room made one thing clear - the next generation of regional leadership is already here and ready.

what we covered

Jane Laverty, Regional Director of Business NSW Northern Rivers, opened the afternoon.

Jane is the driving force behind the Young Professional initiative and her passion for 'growing our grass greener' is no secret. She spoke about building a region where talented young NorRiveans don’t feel like they have to leave to “make it”. Where opportunity isn’t something you chase in a capital city, but something we deliberately create here. 

Ben Roche, Pro Vice Chancellor, Southern Cross University shared his take on 'networking'. 
Drawing on systems theory, Ben unpacked the idea that networking isn’t about collecting contacts - it’s about understanding interconnectedness. Businesses, people, industries and communities operate as systems. When one part strengthens, the whole network benefits.

The takeaway? Be intentional. Invest in relationships. Think long term. The strongest professional ecosystems are built on reciprocity, not business cards.

Ange Davies, Founder, Mind Your Grit spoke about values-based leadership - the idea that clarity around what matters to you is the foundation for confident decision-making, stronger boundaries and long-term career momentum. In a world that moves fast and rewards noise, she encouraged young professionals to anchor themselves in what they stand for.

When you know your values, you lead with consistency. You choose roles more wisely. You navigate pressure without losing yourself.

To support that journey, Ange generously shared a free Values Guide for attendees to download and use as a practical tool in shaping their professional direction:

Download Your Free Values Guide

As the formalities wrapped up, the conversations kept flowing.

With the Richmond River turning gold behind us, the social time at the Anchorage Bar created exactly what this network was designed for - easy, genuine connection. People swapped stories, compared career paths, made introductions and, in more than a few cases, realised they had been working in the same region for years without ever crossing paths.

There’s something about a Northern Rivers sunset that puts things in perspective. River views, good company and friendly  conversation - not a bad combination for the beginning of a new professional community.

This was the beginning of a structured, intentional community for young professionals aged 20 to 39 who want to:

• Build meaningful cross-industry connections

• Develop leadership capability

• Influence the future direction of the Northern Rivers

• Stay and thrive locally

Conversations flowed well beyond the formalities, with new collaborations already being discussed before the night even wrapped.

If this launch proved anything, it’s this: The Northern Rivers doesn’t just have talent, it has heart.

With this next generation stepping up, the future of our region looks genuinely bright.

Find out about our upcoming Young Professionals and other Business NSW Northern Rivers events here.

Thank you to our partners and speakers

Business NSW does not build programs in isolation. The Regional Leaders program grows because serious organisations step up and invest in the region’s future.

Thank you to our Presenting Partners Southern Cross University and TURSA, and to our Event Partner Ballina RSL. Your support is not symbolic, it is practical. It strengthens leadership capability, builds connection across sectors and backs the next generation of NorRiveans.

And most importantly, thank you to every Regional Leader who encouraged someone from their team to attend, and to all Regional Leaders across the network. You invest more than membership fees. You invest your time, your perspective and your influence. That collective input shapes priorities that impact the entire Northern Rivers.

presenting PARTNERS

eVENT PARTNER