13 March 2026 

Business Illawarra’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) will kick off its 2026 events calendar with an inspiring and practical session designed to help emerging professionals build confidence, credibility and presence in their careers.

The event will feature respected WIN News presenter, journalist, and professional MC Bruce Roberts, who will share insights from his decades-long media career, including the realities of working in the public spotlight and the communication skills required to perform under pressure.

Roberts has anchored more than 22,000 primetime news bulletins across NSW, the ACT, Tasmania and Victoria, bringing extensive experience in journalism, professional speaking, workplace training and acting.

“This first YPN event of 2026 is about helping young professionals build the confidence to show up in their careers,” said Coralie McCarthy, Director, Business Illawarra.

“Bruce brings decades of experience learning how to speak with confidence, and we’re excited for our YPN community to learn practical insights they can apply in their own careers,” Ms McCarthy said.

During the session, Roberts will share actionable guidance on building a strong personal brand, communicating with clarity, and developing the kind of professional presence that builds trust and credibility. Attendees will also hear about Roberts’ career journey, from early acting roles, including appearances on Home & Away, to becoming one of regional Australia’s most recognised television news presenters.

Ms McCarthy said the event reflects Business Illawarra’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals across the Illawarra.

“Providing safe and friendly networking events for our up-and-coming leaders to connect with each other and hear from our region’s leaders was something several young professionals approached Business Illawarra about when I joined the organisation a year ago,” she said.

“Developing confident and capable young professionals is essential to the future strength of our region. Through YPN, we’re creating opportunities for emerging leaders to connect, learn from experienced professionals, and build the skills that will shape their careers and the future of the Illawarra.”

The event has also been welcomed by Elise Sinclair, Media and Strategy Lead at Illawarra marketing and media agency Waples, and one of the first young leaders who encouraged Business Illawarra to establish more networking opportunities for the region’s younger workforce.

“Early in your career, leadership and networking moments can feel daunting, whether you’re presenting to a client, speaking up in a meeting, or being put on the spot by the boss,” Ms Sinclair said.

“Bruce brings decades of experience performing under pressure, and I’m excited for the YPN community to learn practical insights they can apply in their own careers” she said.

The Young Professionals Network event will be held Thursday, 19 March 2026, from 7:00am–9:00am at The Sage Hotel, Wollongong. For full event details and registration, visit the Business Illawarra website.

________________________________________________________________________

Media Contact

Coralie McCarthy

Director, Business Illawarra

M: 0417 431 564

E Coralie.McCarthy@businessnsw.com

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About Business Illawarra

Business Illawarra is the region’s peak business organisation; a not-for-profit advocacy group dedicated to the economic development of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands. On behalf of our members, we develop policy and are the leading voice representing business across the region.

Business Illawarra is owned and supported by Business NSW, the state's leading advocacy voice for business across NSW. Of the few enduring, independent, not-for-profit organisations in Australia, Business NSW is the only one focused on the wellbeing of the business community. Our purpose has always been to provide a strong advocate to all levels of 

government on issues affecting businesses, undertake research to guide greater public and private sector investment in economic infrastructure, and support the development of workforce capacity and skills in our region.

About Business Illawarra’s Young Professionals Network

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) is an initiative of Business Illawarra, developed in collaboration with our local young professionals in the region, proudly supported by Waples.

YPN provides young professionals across the Illawarra with opportunities for networking, career development, connection, and leadership, helping them build networks and engage in the conversations shaping the region’s future.