The woman in the bright pink ute
She’s the lady in pink shouting the success stories of regional women from the rooftops. Meet Rebecca Saunders.
When Rebecca Saunders made the tree change to Mudgee, NSW two years ago, she made a point of entrenching herself in the community.
And with her bright pink ute and clothes to match, you can’t miss her down the main street.
It’s all part of Rebecca’s effort to be present, to connect, and to spread skills among regional business women.
“I’m about connecting with, supporting, and celebrating regional business women,” Rebecca, 35, said.
Wearing multiple hats, Rebecca runs a business women’s networking group and operates a local magazine, which shares stories of local businesses and the women who run them.
During the Covid pandemic, Rebecca and her husband made the move from Sydney to Mudgee, and “fell in love with it the moment we visited”.
She wasted no time in getting involved with the community, and is now dedicated to the economic success not only of the township, but the women who live there.
“I’m big on community and people, and I figured we were walking distance to town so I pounded the pavement, I took the dogs for walks, I met the people and I fell into the mesh of the town,” Rebecca said.
Rebecca runs the Champagne Lounge, a virtual business networking group where women from across regional Australia can jump in for conversations and support from not only Rebecca, but other women.
With more than 100 members across the country, Rebecca is working towards the goal of 1000 members by the end of 2025.
“Over the next 12 months, we aim to create a ripple effect, not only will individual members see the benefits of increased business success and confidence, but local communities and economies will also feel the positive impact of more empowered, successful businesswomen.”
Recent successes include helping to organise a long lunch event, with more than 80 people attending and about half of those visiting Mudgee from across NSW and Queensland.
“Putting on events like these was something that hadn’t been done to that scale in town before,” Rebecca said.
“I’ve been fortunate, I’ve brought a fresh perspective and it’s been very welcoming.”
She has also revitalised Mid-Western Living magazine, a publication that was run by the business chamber in town.
“As part of my quest to be a part of community, I went and met with people to see if they wanted help writing it. I was given the opportunity to take it and run with it,” Rebecca said.
“We publish and promote the businesses in town, but mainly the people behind them.”
There are many strings to Rebecca’s bow, but they are unified by an overarching passion for connectivity and community.
“I’m a very extroverted person and I’ll happily talk to most people. I drive a bright pink ute, and almost deliberately wear things that people are going to talk about,” Rebecca said.
“I can get up every day and know what I’m doing is having an impact.”
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