International Women's Day was 8 March and what better way to celebrate than to invite women from across Western Sydney to mark the occasion? Coleman Greig hosted its first Women in Business event with Lucy Turnbull AO on Friday 18 March with resounding success.

Nearly 400 people attended the lunch at Western Sydney University's Rydalmere campus to hear Lucy's insights on feminism, urban planning and the importance of strategically developing Western Sydney - particularly growing Parramatta as a second CBD.

An urbanist, businesswoman, philanthropist, mother, grandmother and former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Lucy has recently been appointed Chief Commissioner of the new Greater Sydney Commission, tasked by the NSW State Government to assist in delivering strong and effective strategic planning for the whole of metropolitan Sydney.

Lucy said, "There has never been a more important time to advocate for and to champion women."

"Everyone needs to be a feminist - that means husbands, sons, our daughters - and it needs to be embedded."

Discussing her life lessons, Lucy emphasised the importance of emotional intelligence and the ability to work well as part of a team.

She also said that linear careers are less important than they once were, citing her own varied career as a powerful example of why it's critical to be open to opportunities.

In referring to her current role as Chief Commissioner of the new Greater Sydney Commission, tasked by the NSW State Government to assist in delivering strong and effective strategic planning for the whole of metropolitan Sydney, Lucy explained that at the heart of the Commission there was a focus on "making sure strategic planning for Parramatta and Western Sydney is successful."

Coleman Greig was proud to host this event in conjunction with Western Sydney University's Women of the West Awards. Winners of the 2016 Awards were announced on the day from an outstanding field women who are contributing to and strengthening their local communities.

In addition, guests raised over $7,000 for the Autism Advisory Support Service (AASS), founded by last year's winner of the Women of the West Awards, Grace Fava. AASS is a not-for-profit charity run exclusively by volunteers to support both children with Autism and their families.

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