A Look Back at Our First Ever Island Escape!
The 27th of October 2023 is a date we’ll never forget!
It marked the first-ever Ladies Who Long Lunch Island event, and what a day it was!
We whisked ourselves away to the stunning Wheelhouse Restaurant at Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island for a much-needed island escape—and the experience was nothing short of magical.
For the first time, our long lunch wasn’t just for the ladies! By popular demand, we welcomed men to join in the fun, which made the event even more special, and we even had our very first Male Empowerment Panelist. It was a perfect chance to share some island sunshine and self-care with friends, colleagues, business partners, and significant others. Whether people came for networking, relaxation, or just a fabulous day out on Moreton Island, they were in for a treat!
The Empowerment Panel (And Beach Cricket!)
Our day was packed with highlights, but one of the standouts was the Empowerment Panel, where we were joined by some incredible speakers. Todd Ferguson, a Moreton Island veteran from his childhood holidays, brought a bit of local flair and fun to the event—especially when he took to the beach with us for a spirited game of cricket. I don’t think any of us saw it coming when Kirsty bowled out Jo Sainsbury in an epic show of sportsmanship! Who knew our ladies were such cricket legends?
Todd wasn’t just about the fun though. As the General Manager for Queensland at Aviso Broking, he brought years of leadership wisdom to the panel. Alongside him were the wonderful Yvette D’Ath MP, Local Member for Redcliffe, and Katie Naprasnik, the visionary behind Orange Sherbet, one of Australia’s fastest-growing fashion boutiques. Our panelists shared their journeys, their business insights, and left us all feeling inspired to take on new challenges with passion and purpose.
Beachside BBQ Bliss
It wouldn’t be an island event without some beachside indulgence! Our BBQ buffet lunch, prepared by the chefs from Tangalooma Island Resort, was the perfect pairing for the stunning views from the Wheelhouse Restaurant. Picture this: waves lapping at pristine beaches, the sparkling bay stretching out to Redcliffe, and a warm sea breeze wafting in as we enjoyed a mouth-watering spread. It was the ultimate island-style feast!
A Not-So-Smooth Journey Home
Of course, every great adventure has a twist, and for some of our long lunch attendees, it came in the form of the return ferry trip. As the weather took a turn, the ride back to Brisbane was… well, let’s just say it was a bit of an adventure! The choppy waters turned our ferry ride into a bumpy journey, and those who didn’t stay the night at Tangalooma definitely wished they had! But hey, it wouldn’t be a true island escape without a little excitement, right?
Unforgettable Moments
Despite the wild ferry ride, everyone walked away from our Moreton Island Long Lunch with full hearts and new connections. It was a day filled with laughter, inspiration, conga lines, and the kind of conversations that linger long after the event ends. Many of our guests decided to extend their stay with Kirsty and Jo on the island, turning what was already a fabulous day into a weekend of relaxation.
Looking back, we can confidently say that our first island event was a smashing success! We’re already dreaming of our next adventure—and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us for the fun. Here’s to more lunches, more connections, and more magical moments together!
Until next time, ladies and gents!
Kirsty and Jo 🌴
Meet Our Empowerment Panel
Todd Ferguson
Todd Ferguson is the General Manager for Queensland at Aviso Broking. Todd is a career insurance professional of nearly 25 years, stepping into his leadership role with the formation of Aviso Broking. Todd is passionate about his amazing crew of 40-odd Brokers and Broking Managers across Queensland, having spent 13 years working his way through the ranks of a legacy brokerage.
Away from the office, Todd is married with two daughters, and they all love nothing more than camping on Moreton Island with family and friends. Todd spent many of his childhood holidays with his grandparents, who ran a business on the island.
Katie Naprasnik
Katie Naprasnik is the creator of Orange Sherbet, one of Australia’s fastest-growing fashion boutiques. Starting her business at just 16 years of age, Katie has grown her brand from its original tiny store to two brick-and-mortar stores and an ever-expanding online presence. She attributes this success to bringing joy and fun into the fashion world with a key ingredient: making women feel beautiful in their own skin.
Katie is passionate about making her customers feel special, and rather than just creating a shop, she strives to make Orange Sherbet a destination, building a community where women can connect and support each other.
Yvette D’Ath MP
Yvette D’Ath is passionate about the Redcliffe community. She attended Redcliffe State High School and lives locally with her family.
In 2007 and 2010, Yvette won the Federal Seat of Petrie. During her time in Federal Parliament, she tirelessly worked to represent the interests of her constituents and make a difference in their lives. Yvette was the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Industry, and Innovation in 2013.
After her election as the State Member for Redcliffe in 2014 and again in 2015, Yvette was appointed Queensland’s Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Training and Skills.
In October 2020, Yvette was appointed Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services during the critical period of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yvette is currently Queensland’s Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and has been the Leader of the House since 2017.
In February 2024, Yvette announced she is quitting politics after almost 17 years of serving the people of Queensland.
Kirsty and Jo had an unforgettable escape at the stunning Wheelhouse Restaurant at Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island—it was pure magic!
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We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Country across our region. We also acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kabi Kabi, Jinibara and Turrbal Traditional Custodians, and their elders past, present and emerging.
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