30 Years of Women Leading Together. And Making Room for More.
COLEMANS PRINTING | BPW DARWIN 30TH ANNIVERSARY | 2 NOVEMBER 2026
Leadership is not measured simply by personal achievement, but by the opportunities we create for others.
As Business and Professional Women (BPW) Darwin celebrates its 30th anniversary at Parliament House on 2 November 2026, the occasion is more than a recognition of three decades of advocacy, professional connections and progress for women across the Northern Territory.
It is a celebration of the women who have opened doors, shared knowledge and created opportunities for others to succeed.
Among those attending are three women from one of Darwin’s longstanding family businesses, Colemans Printing: Chief Executive Officer Magdaline Coleman, Head of Creative Michelle Honeybun and Projects & Print Solutions team member Amberley Vegter.
Their attendance demonstrates a leadership philosophy that Magdaline believes should be practised, not simply discussed.
Lengthen the table.
Throughout her career, Magdaline has recognised that building a successful business is not simply about developing products, investing in technology or achieving commercial results. It is equally about investing in the people who contribute to that success and creating an environment where they remain challenged, valued and inspired.
Her philosophy is captured in a simple statement:
“Leadership isn’t about how many people know your name. It’s about how many people you help make a name for themselves.”
Three print innovators. One opportunity to make connections count.
Rather than arrive at the celebration with ordinary business cards, Magdaline, Michelle and Amberley put their thinking into practice. Each created an individual business card inviting the recipient to meet for coffee. The invitation gave every introduction a purpose: a chance to continue the conversation, exchange ideas and explore how people and projects might connect.
They also created purpose-designed notepads to share with guests. Each page featured an innovative, technology-inspired Territory woman, connecting the design to the occasion and the women it celebrates. The notepads were produced using recycled paper offcuts, turning material that might otherwise go unused into a practical and thoughtful printed item.
The result was more than a giveaway. It was a demonstration of how three women working across leadership, creative and print solutions could move from an idea to a finished product, and use that product to start a relationship.
“Use print to sell print.”
That is how Magdaline describes the principle behind the initiative. People do not always appreciate how powerful and meaningful print can be until they can hold it, use it and experience the thought behind it. A business card can open a conversation. A notepad can keep an idea in front of someone. Together, they give a creative concept a practical business purpose.
The initiative also shows why professional networks matter to Colemans. Michelle and Amberley can meet people from other industries, hear different perspectives and bring back relationships, ideas and potential projects that keep their work interesting and contribute to the business. Growing their networks is an investment in their development and in retaining talented people at Colemans.
It is about giving people room to grow within the organisation, while encouraging them to become known for their own skills, ideas and contribution.
For 30 years, BPW Darwin has demonstrated the power of women connecting across generations, professions and industries to support one another.
That legacy remains as relevant today as it was three decades ago.
As the Northern Territory looks to its next generation of business and community leaders, established leaders have an important role to play in connecting people, sharing experience and encouraging collaboration.
Helping Michelle and Amberley develop their own professional networks, ideas and influence is not separate from building Colemans. It is part of building a stronger, more innovative and enduring business.
BPW Darwin’s 30th anniversary is a fitting reminder that strong networks create lasting opportunities, particularly when those connections are shared with the next generation.
Congratulations to Amanda, Mary, Frieda, Michelle, and all past and founding members of BPW Darwin on this remarkable 30-year milestone.
Thank you for continuing to include us in your conversations, networks and celebrations, and for creating an environment where women can share ideas, build meaningful relationships and support one another’s professional growth.
Your commitment to opening doors and making room for others is a wonderful example of what leadership should look like.
We are proud to be part of your journey and look forward to contributing to the next chapter of women leading together in the Northern Territory.
Same Purpose. Bolder Tomorrows.
Colemans Printing. Investing in our people, expanding our connections and creating opportunities to grow together.
