For anyone who missed Vincentia Connections IWD Morning Tea on Friday 7 March, here are the highlights:
The vibrant event was opened by Megan Jobson from Vincentia Matters.
“As individuals, we all play a role in advancing women’s progress by calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, and questioning bias. But perhaps the most impactful thing we can do is celebrate women’s successes and share our knowledge and encouragement. Today, we take a moment to acknowledge the women who have shaped our journeys—our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, colleagues, and friends.
“We also celebrate three extraordinary women from our community who have dedicated their lives to making a difference: Sam Tannous of Jervis Bay Weekend, Diana Lorenz, Director of the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, and Dr Pia Winberg, founder of PhycoHealth and Venus Shell Systems. These women embody resilience, innovation, and a commitment to community building.”
Sam Tannous: A Passion for Journalism and Community Storytelling
From a young age, Sam Tannous knew she wanted to be a journalist. As a child, she created her own newspapers, using a typewriter to craft headlines and stories. She pursued her dream by gaining experience at local community newspapers, where she eagerly took on any writing assignment.
Her passion for storytelling led her to a career in magazine publishing. Today, she runs her own publishing company, Jervis Bay Weekend, which allows her to create content that reflects the vibrancy of her local community. Sam believes that regional publishing plays a crucial role in keeping communities connected, particularly as many local newspapers have disappeared due to digital disruption.
“I was speaking to someone the other day who said, ‘I don’t necessarily want to socialise more, but I love reading your magazine every week because I know what everyone else is doing.’ That melts my heart. To make people feel connected, even without leaving their homes—that’s a worthwhile thing to do.”
Through Jervis Bay Weekend, Sam publishes three to five new stories every week, covering local events, people, and places. She champions live music, the arts, and community festivals, ensuring that both locals and visitors can experience the unique culture of the region.
Sam’s Advice for Women in Journalism and Business:
- Start small and embrace every opportunity. “I was happy to be the copy kid in the back room, writing obits and news briefs. I thought it was fantastic.”
- Build your own opportunities. “With so many local newspapers disappearing, it’s up to us to create new models of community publishing.”
- Create a sense of belonging. “People crave connection. Whether through print or digital, storytelling is a way to keep communities together.”
Dr Pia Winberg: Revolutionising Sustainability with Seaweed
Dr Pia Winberg never expected to be running a seaweed farm in Jervis Bay. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, she grew up with an ingrained sense of equality, something she carried with her to Australia.
“In Sweden, we had paid parental leave for a year. It was just expected. When I moved to Australia, I was confused—why don’t we support parents staying home to care for their children? It just made sense.”
Pia’s journey began with a love for the ocean. After studying marine science at Stockholm University, she realised that the world needed environmental solutions more than it needed more ceramic pottery—a passion she once considered pursuing. Her research led her to Sri Lanka, where she studied the environmental impact of tiger prawn farms. She discovered that cultivating seaweed could help clean up coastal pollution, but soon realised that while the science was sound, the economic model wasn’t.
“People don’t pay to clean up the environment. If I wanted to make a difference, I had to do more than write research papers—I had to create solutions that worked within the economic system.”
This realisation led Pia to found PhycoHealth and Venus Shell Systems, companies that develop innovative ways to use seaweed for environmental and health benefits. Her work connects science, business, and community, breaking down traditional barriers between these sectors.
Pia’s Advice for Women in Science and Sustainability:
- Expect equality. “In Sweden, it’s ingrained. In Australia, I had to insist on it.”
- Think beyond research. “Science alone doesn’t change the world. You need business, sustainability, and real-world application.”
- Be prepared to ruffle feathers. “I’m considered ‘difficult’ by some, but I embrace that. It means I’m pushing boundaries.”
Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things
The stories of Sam, Diana, and Pia remind us that there is no single path to success. Each of these women has taken unique, winding journeys, overcoming challenges and redefining their industries along the way.
At its core, their work is about connection—connecting people through stories, preserving history, and linking science to real-world solutions. They exemplify the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: taking action and making an impact.
We often think of extraordinary women as distant figures in history or leaders on a global stage. But today, we celebrate the extraordinary women among us—our friends, mentors, and colleagues—who quietly and powerfully shape our communities every day.
To those who wish to be part of this movement of support, encouragement, and progress, we invite you to get involved. Join community initiatives, support local businesses, share knowledge, and uplift the women around you.
Thank you to Sam, Diana, and Pia for sharing their journeys. Your contributions inspire us all to embrace our potential and create meaningful change in our own unique ways.
