Empowered And Investing Women’s Wealth Creation Workshop Kicks Off In Mackay

It was raw. It was real. And it was the start of something powerful.

Earlier this month, the first Women’s Wealth Creation Workshop launched in Mackay, bringing together a roomful of women ready to reshape their futures, reclaim financial independence, and talk about money – the good, the bad, and the transformational.

The event, hosted by Shirlz Russell and Robyn Agius from Area Specialist, was created to encourage and support women to build independent wealth, and to show that investing in property might be closer than many think.

Behind the conversations were some sobering statistics. According to the 2021 Census, 7,325 women aged over 55 were experiencing homelessness – a 6.6 per cent increase since 2016, when older women were already the fastest-growing group facing homelessness in Australia. Many of these women had never been homeless before. For some, the shift came suddenly, triggered by divorce, the death of a partner, or illness.

“These are our mums, our sisters, our neighbours,” said Shirlz.

“This isn’t a niche problem. It’s happening right here, and it’s something we can change.”

As Chair of the Chances House committee – Mackay’s key homelessness organisation supporting people without a permanent address and those doing it tough – Shirlz sees firsthand how fragile a woman’s housing security can be. Her passion for preventing homelessness is one of the driving forces behind the workshop.

The workshop combined practical financial knowledge with deeper mindset work, because, as the hosts believe, building wealth isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about undoing the conditioning that tells women they have to be caregivers, not asset-holders.

Guest speaker Maria Roney, a healer and intuitive guide, explored the emotional side of money.

“We’ve been conditioned to give and nurture,” she said.

“Many women can barely take a compliment – so how do we expect ourselves to receive wealth?”

Maria encouraged attendees to examine their financial behaviours, confront inherited beliefs, and actively ask for abundance.

“Dream your greatest dream – and take the steps to get there.”

Next, mortgage broker and property investor Kara Johnson of Yellow Brick Road Mackay shared practical insights from her own investment journey – one that started in negative equity. Now with 18 years in finance and a thriving property portfolio, Kara helped participants understand how to get ‘finance ready’, even if they’re starting from behind.

“There’s always a lender out there, even for applicants with poor credit or small deposits,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s about knowing how to present yourself, streamlining debts, and taking advantage of first home buyer grants, particularly with new builds where instant equity can be created.”

Kara stressed that the first step is just having the conversation.

“Even if you’re not ready now, a good broker can give you a tailored plan to get there.”

The energy in the room was electric and deeply emotional. Women shared their own stories, asked bold questions, and walked away with more than just inspiration: they had practical tools and a roadmap for action.

“Our WWC Workshop has certainly been a game-changer for many already,” Shirlz said.

“We had real talk, raw honesty, and powerful mindset shifts. We’ve had so many women say this was exactly what they needed – and we’re just getting started.”

The workshop was the first in a four-part series. The second session took place on May 22, diving into budgeting and decluttering your financial life.

Women can still join the remaining two sessions – and by attending three of the four, attendees will remain in the running to win the $12,000+ Wealth Prize Pack, drawn at next year’s International Women’s Day high tea hosted by Zonta.

Book your seat: https://bit.ly/WealthWorkshop1

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