AGM 2026 - Reflecting on another incredible year at Ignite 💛

Our 2026 AGM was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate just how much Ignite has grown over the past twelve months.

A huge thank you to our wonderful member Kat and the team at Wild Acres Estate for hosting us in such a beautiful setting. The Christmas in July atmosphere, incredible food and warm hospitality made for the perfect backdrop to celebrate another year together.

We also loved kicking off the evening with Gillian’s fun “Get to Know You” bingo game, which had everyone chatting, laughing and making new connections before the formalities began. Gillian’s creativity and marketing work leading up to the AGM once again helped create a wonderful buzz around the event.

While we’ve shared some amazing events together, we also reflected on the important work happening behind the scenes to strengthen Ignite for the future.

From launching our new website and modernising our membership systems, to strengthening our strategic planning, growing our online community and reaching the largest membership in Ignite’s history, it’s been a year of steady growth and strong foundations.

A special thank you also goes to Theresa for the countless hours she dedicated to reviewing and preparing our Constitution amendments, ensuring every step of the process met the required guidelines. It was a significant piece of work and one that will benefit Ignite well into the future.

One of the biggest reflections of the night was just how naturally Ignite has evolved. While we’ll always proudly support women in business, we’ve become so much more than a networking group. Today, Ignite is a welcoming community where women connect, grow, learn, support one another and genuinely feel they belong.

We were also excited to welcome our committee for 2026–2027.

A warm welcome to Jules, Stephanie, Karen and Kristy as they join our committee, alongside Erica, Theresa, Gillian and myself. I’m incredibly grateful to have been re-elected as President and look forward to leading Ignite into another exciting chapter with this amazing team.

A special thank you to Steph as well, whose beautiful Christmas decorations helped create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the evening.

We also sincerely thanked Sam and Kat as they stepped down from committee roles, along with Jill, Renae and Annie, who stepped away earlier this year. Thank you all for your dedication, generosity and the many volunteer hours you’ve given to Ignite. Your contributions have helped shape the community we enjoy today.

A special congratulations also goes to our long-serving committee members – Erica beginning her fifth year, Gillian her fourth and Theresa her third. What an incredible group of women.

A special mention to our Erica, who very nearly stepped away this year due to work and family commitments. Thankfully for us, her love for Ignite, and the fulfilment she gets from being part of this committee, won out. Erica has been the driving force behind so much of Ignite’s growth behind the scenes, and her vision, ideas and countless hours have helped take Ignite to another level. We’re so grateful you chose to stay. Thank you, Erica

Finally, we took our annual trip down memory lane, reflecting on another year of connection, laughter, learning and friendship through every Ignite event.

To every member, volunteer, presenter and supporter – thank you.

Ignite continues to grow because of each and every one of you, and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings. 💛