Balance the Scales: Buxton celebrates International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate progress, talk about the challenges that remain, and encourage meaningful conversations about equality and opportunity. This year, we flipped the script - asking our team to come with open minds and encouraging a more interactive session designed to spark curiosity and drive tangible outcomes.  

On 5th March, over 180 Buxton team members gathered at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club to mark the occasion, reflecting on this year’s Australian theme, Balance the Scales. Women and men from across the network shared their perspectives for real conversations that were as thoughtful as they were candid.  

Hosted by Holly Longmuir (Director, Mornington Peninsula), Halli Moore (Director, Brighton) and Gill McPhee (Group Marketing Manager, Buxton Corporate), the morning provided a space for open discussion on leadership, equality, and opportunity - reminding everyone that progress happens when every voice is heard. 

A room built on conversation 

Set against Port Phillip Bay as a backdrop, the room quickly filled with discussion. Guests shared perspectives, challenged assumptions and contributed to dialogue that encouraged deeper thinking about equality and opportunity within our industry. 

Conversation cards at each table helped guide the morning, creating space for quiet reflection as well as open discussion between colleagues and peers. 

Stories that move the industry forward 

Several speakers shared insights shaped by their own experience in the property industry. 

Janine Ballantyne, one of the contributing founders of the Women in Nelson Alexander (WINA) program, spoke about launching the initiative within Nelson Alexander. Her story highlighted that meaningful progress often begins with someone prepared to support change internally and see it through. 

Our Buxton panel shared their own perspectives: 

Melissa Hetherington, Sales Consultant at Buxton Bentleigh, spoke about the discipline required for sustained growth and the realities of balancing career ambition with life outside of work.  

Matt Hunt, Director at Buxton Highton, reflected on equality and tenacity, sharing how passion and energy helped him challenge perceptions early in his career. 

Meanwhile, Natalie McAsey, Senior Sales Consultant at Buxton St Kilda, spoke about resilience in practice. While we cannot control the external environment, backing yourself and continuing to move forward is what creates opportunity. She also reinforced the importance of strong leadership and surrounding yourself with good people. 

Leadership collaboration in action 

Directors, Zoe Cherrie and David Seeber from Buxton Elwood shared their experience of leading together. Opening their office approximately a year ago, they shared an honest look at what it’s like to transition from an individual sales career to becoming co-directors of a real estate office. Their reflections focused on building camaraderie within a close team, how they navigate perceived prejudices, staying self-aware and playing to each other’s strengths. 

Change is in the air  

A sincere thank you to Holly Longmuir and Halli Moore for guiding the morning and encouraging attendees to share a range of perspectives in the room. 

By taking the time to connect, question and learn together, we recognised the intent of International Women’s Day while acknowledging the progress already made and the work still ahead. 

The insights shared at the event are helping fuel a growing movement known as Buxton Insight Exchange (BIX). This equality initiative is gaining momentum across the network, as we continue to share knowledge, challenge thinking, and shape the support it will deliver to our team and by extension, the communities we serve.