Following a successful, uninterrupted year of networking in 2022, Hunter Young Professionals (hyp) has kickstarted 2023 with a new Board and a sold-out launch event.
The 2023 AGM, held at Fort Scratchley Function Centre last month saw 22 candidates run to be appointed a Non-Executive Board position for the coming 12 months.
There were eight positions to be appointed alongside the pre-elected Executive Board; President, Danielle O’Neill, Vice President, Rebecca Tighe, Treasurer, Daniel Drayton and Secretary, Skye Harvey.
President Danielle O’Neill said the Executive team were blown away with the record number of candidates who were wanting to join the Board and credited it to a successful 2022.
“This year we couldn’t believe the number of people who put their hand up to run for the Board,” Danielle said.
“Our theme in 2022 was ‘Reconnect’, following the tumultuous two years we had all experienced and it’s clear we made a strong impact on all the candidates who presented themselves at the AGM.”
Over 100 members attended the AGM to vote in the eight successful Non-Executive Directors: Ellie Bright, Jennifer Hanson, Jake Herington, Sarah Hovanyecz, Daniel Latter, Laura Reilly, Sheree Sharp and Ankit Sobti.
“We’re delighted to welcome the eight Non-Executive Directors to the board and have already been discussing big plans for 2023,” Danielle said.
In 2023, hyp will be celebrating 30 years as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to engaging young people in the local business environment through professional development and social networking opportunities.
The organisation held their 2023 Launch event at the end of February at Queens Wharf Hotel to a sold-out crowd.
There, the Board officially announced their 2023 charity partner, Dress for Success and the theme of the year, Thrive.
Vice President, Rebecca Tighe said that the Launch event is just the beginning of what will be a huge year for hyp.
“We’re so excited for what’s to come in 2023,” Rebecca said.
“On top of introducing our 2023 theme, Thrive, we’re looking forward to hosting a 30th birthday celebration in August.”
hyp has secured Newcastle Permanent as a returning sponsor for 2023 and are delighted to be introducing the University of Newcastle as a new sponsor from March onwards.
“Both Newcastle Permanent and the University of Newcastle are strong institutions in the Hunter and to have their sponsorship and support for 2023 is fantastic,” Rebecca said.
“We’re working with both sponsors to develop some great events that will help our members thrive in 2023 and raise as much money as possible for Dress for Success.
We’re hoping to raise a record amount for our charity partner, and hope to welcome more members to hyp than ever before.”
hyp will be continuing to help members thrive with their March event, ‘KEYS IN HAND – Expert tips on purchasing a home in the Hunter’ being held at 5:30pm on Wednesday 22 March at Peibri Place.
IMAGE | 2023 Hunter young Professionals Board of Directors. Photography by Kathleen Mackay
