The Aunties hosts first IRL event with 150 industry women of Melbourne

Generously sponsored by Peach and The Producers, Aunties and mentees gathered at Top Paddock on Thursday evening.

The Aunties, a support-system for women and marginalised genders, launched in Melbourne late last year and started the program with their first phase of mentoring, welcoming graduates and women with three years or less experience. Pairing them up with an Auntie of their own, mentees were connected with someone to help guide them through their early years and to help them build up a network of support after two years working from home.

Thursday night’s event was the first time all participants of the program could come together and connect across creative, production, client management, strategy, PR and design disciplines.

Special guest, the original Auntie, Esther Clerehan, delivered a powerful address to the inaugural Aunties as well as introducing the ‘Auntini’ cocktail: a glorious mix of cherry and cheekiness, commissioned by Esther in collaboration with SoHi Spirits.

Says Clerehan: “The positive energy was palpable…150 incredible women in a room to celebrate an unstoppable force for good. Many meeting IRL for the first time. It was joyous to see Aunties and mentees connecting and embracing the Auntie spirit.”

The first advertising event for many of the mentees, the event encouraged Aunties and mentees to come together in a safe and familiar environment.

Says Katarina Matic, founding Auntie: “Industry events can be daunting when you’ve started your career. There’s a pressure to network and a general ‘unapproachable-ness’ to senior leaders in the industry. I loved how Aunties and their mentees were texting each other before the event and connecting earnestly when they got there.”

Says Ellie Laffner, creative copywriter at Willow & Blake: “I started my career during the pandemic, so this was my first real industry event. It was a warm reminder of how many amazing women I am yet to meet and be inspired by. What a genuine pleasure; I have been buzzing ever since.”

Supported by the MADC, The Aunties will continue to run more events and programs throughout the year including a collaboration with Youngbloods, a speed-dating event, educational talks and new mentoring programs for women who aspire to senior management or who wish to own their own business, and new mothers returning to the industry from parental leave.

Says Sarah McGregor, founding Auntie: “We are much more than a mentoring organisation. We are here to inspire, protect and champion women. We will be hosting many more programs, events and catch ups over the next year to continue these aims.”

To find out more about The Aunties follow them on Instagram at @theaunties_gram

Photos by Linda Oliveri

Video filmed by Ainsley Halbmeijer
Video edited + designed by Lily Lazzarotti

The Aunties is proudly brought to life by:
Phoebe Sloane, Special
Sarah McGregor, Communicado
Huei Yin Wong, Clemenger BBDO
Nat Taylor, Sherpa
Lauren Eddy, Bullfrog
Katarina Matic, Bullfrog
Jess van Roosendaal, Fin Design + Effects
Edwina Gilbert, Filmgraphics
Polly McGregor, Bang Bang Studios
Regina Stroombergen, Thinkerbell
Robyn Bergmann, VMLY&R
Romanca Mundrea, The Monkeys, part of Accenture Interactive
Sive Buckley, Essence Global