SWAN Chamber of Commerce’s Hour of Power is back in March with two guest speakers from Mundaring who will be presenting on the power of community in amplifying people’s voices and effecting change.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said her presentation would focus on the power of community and keeping hope alive.

“I’ll be exploring the paradox of progress,” she said.

“We live in interesting times, where in the developed world we are arguably the safest and most prosperous than ever before, yet the rates of stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness continue to rise.

“Can the power of community help to build and maintain hope and a vision for our future?”

Mundaring Community Bank executive officer Andrea Southam said her talk would take a more personal edge but still offer insight on her way of fostering connections.

“My talk will focus on my personal journey, the twists and turns life has thrown my way, and the importance of resilience, community, and networking in shaping who I am today,” she said.

“From growing up in a challenging environment to navigating various career and personal experiences, I’ll share how these moments have empowered me to embrace change and stay true to my values.

“I’ll also touch on the importance of connecting with others, learning from every interaction, and how these connections can foster growth and success.”

Ms McNeil, who has a history of advocacy and bringing community matters to those who hold power, said the power of community came from collaboration.

“When we work together, we embrace diversity of thought and skills, we reduce duplication and maximize our opportunity for success,” she said.

“Together we can achieve extraordinary outcomes and have some fun along the way.”

Ms Southam said she also hopes others can see networking beyond just the surface meet and greet, but a chance to build a genuine relationship for shared success.

“Networking isn’t just about professional growth – it’s about building a supportive community, learning from others, and embracing new perspectives,” she said.

“I’ve always believed in the importance of human connections, and through my work, I’ve been able to focus on these relationships and give back to the community in meaningful ways.

“I hope attendees leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of genuine connection.

“Most importantly, I hope they feel empowered to take action and start connecting in more meaningful ways.”