We’re Here For You
Your PSWIB Committee is dedicated to providing a friendly environment to connect, inspire and support.
Word Cloud designed at PSWIB Speed Networking event.
More About Port Stephens Women in Business
Since 2009, Port Stephens Women in Business (PSWIB) has been a thriving community of like-minded businesswomen who uplift and empower each other throughout the Port Stephens region. With a robust membership of over 65 dedicated professionals, our primary goal is to provide a supportive environment where women can connect, network, and foster meaningful friendships.
Our regular events take place at diverse venues across Port Stephens, offering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. At PSWIB, we take pride in cultivating an environment that encourages sharing, warmth, and a sense of enjoyment.
Our commitment to delivering exceptional value extends beyond our events. We strive to go the extra mile in supporting both our members and first-time guests, assisting them in achieving growth and success in their professional and personal lives.
President, Ana Hall
Ana has spent 15 solid years in the banking, lending and finance industry. However, she has always had an interest in natural health, especially since the birth of her first child. This has led to studies in homeobotanicals, naturopathy and endless hours of research into potentially harmful ingredients found in products and foods. It quickly became evident that optimal health and wellbeing is a journey of balancing the body, mind and spirit – they work together to make, and keep us happy and healthy.
As such, Ana studied to become certified as a Reiki Master in 2016, using energetic healing to help people on their healing journey. In 2020, Ana qualified as a Lomi Lomi practitioner and now combines the two modalities in her treatments.
Writing is also one of Ana’s many passions, and she became a published author; contributing articles to the Elephant Journal and a number of Amazon International Best Sellers.
In her continuing journey to help people heal, Ana is currently studying MLD or “manual lymphatic drainage” form of massage which can be incredibly beneficial to everyone, but people touched by cancer in particular.
Vice President,
Ruth Affleck
I moved to the region with my husband and 2 /3 adult children from Sydney mid 2021.
Bringing with me a well established digital printing business that I co own with my husband.
We have owned many businesses over the years but my newest and most fun pursuit has been the birth of Moet To Monet. A paint and sip event that thrives on being more of a fun, than a fine art experience. Employing now 5 staff , we incorporate all the senses to deliver the ultimate paint and sip event in the Bay. I particularly have enjoyed collaborating with local venues such as wineries, cellar doors, restaurants, gardens and cafes to incorporate the local cuisine and deliver a unique experience in gorgeous surroundings.
My career is diverse, beginning with corporate high management roles to switching out for the ultimate career change to Grief and Loss Counsellor, and family mediation. Adding to that with spending my time mentoring troubled teens in large Sydney High Schools, volunteer work on crisis telephone lines, which developed into me being trainer, volunteer recruiter and a member of the advisory board. My interest and passion for healing sent me on a path to become a Reiki Master then on to publish a book. I even find time to moderate a 700 member support Facebook group for Australian families. I believe in giving back and have always held some volunteer role – I currently am a carer for the Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
If you had of asked me 10 years ago, where do you see yourself in 2023?
I would have not in a million years, have predicted I would be caring, medicating and picking up koalas, chain sawing trees, identifying the different eucalyptus leaf, painting for a job, living a mere 4 minute walk from the water and meeting new inspiring people on a regular basis.
Isn't life amazing how things turn out?
Secretary, Bronwyn Johns
Bronwyn is the author of, “My Circle of Life”. I take great pleasure and am passionate about providing informative talks to empower and educate people on the importance of having their affairs in order for their last wishes whilst writing and recording their life experiences.
Having been a Funeral Director/ Arranger as well as a Funeral Celebrant, I have seen so many families struggle at this most difficult time. My passion is to, “open the conversation” and I find when I conduct a seminar, most people have their own questions where there is no platform to ask. I like to think I can answer any questions you may have as well as sharing your own experiences.
“My Circle of Life” book is a sensational, fun and powerful way to provide your family with unlimited information about your life and wishes for the future. It will give you, “peace of mind” whilst showcasing just how “unique” you really are.
I like to think your grandchildren and great grandchildren will enjoy reading your beautiful story and achievements whilst seeing and feeling your hand written messages.
I love being able to “make a difference’ every day in the community and have just made a commitment to volunteer to write down people’s life stories for Hammond Care.
My second home is the beach where I find the most peace in my life and I feel priviledged to be a part of this wonderful womens’ group.
Treasurer, Elechia Jones
Elechia is the Regional Director of Northern NSW at the CFO Centre Australia, a worldwide organisation helping business owners and entrepreneurs understand the numbers that really matter and allowing them to live the life they really want to live.
Elechia is an experienced CFO with over 15 years of experience. She is CPA qualified, and works with business owners and entrepreneurs, assisting them with planning, implementing, managing, and running all finance activities, including growth, budgeting, forecasting and strategy.
She is currently studying a Master of Business Administration and Professional Accounting.
Elechia has lived in Fern Bay for the past nine years and can 100% say the move from Sydney was well worth it. She lives with her husband of 20 years and her two fur babies, Chuck and Gidget. Elechia likes to keep busy on the weekends, swimming, riding and running and sometimes puts them together to compete in triathlons both 70.3 and full ironman distances.
Committee Member,
Kristina Wills