Chamber of Commerce CEO to inspire Launceston women

One of Tasmania’s most prominent business leaders, Alina Bain, will share insights into how the influential women in her life have shaped her journey to success at Collective’s Inspiring Women in Business Launceston event this month.

As CEO of Launceston’s Chamber of Commerce, Alina brings over 25 years of experience to her role, characterised by a passion for visionary leadership and diplomacy. Born in Papua New Guinea to Malaysian and Australian parents, Alina’s upbringing in a strong matriarchal family and early exposure to multiculturalism set the stage for her diverse career path. One of the few children with immigrant parents in her Tasmanian school, she pursued higher education fervently, earning an Economics Law degree from University of Tasmania.

Her professional journey took her to the United States, where she worked for a mid-tier law firm in Ohio during the presidencies of Bush and Clinton. Upon returning to Australia, she joined Blake Dawson Waldron (now known as Ashurst), where she cultivated a keen interest in policy and advocacy within the media, advertising, and marketing sectors.

Alina’s leadership skills were further recognised when she was appointed to lead the Australian Services Roundtable and the Export Council of Australia. In 2021, Alina returned to Tasmania and briefly worked in the disability sector before joining Regional Development Australia Tasmania. There, she was instrumental in developing and implementing a Strategic Regional Plan for the region. She assumed her current position at the Chamber in February, where she continues to advocate vigorously for business interests in northern Tasmania.

“From PNG to Hobart, the US to Sydney, I’ve navigated new beginnings and diverse roles—from lawyer to lobbyist, and single mum to CEO. Along the way, I discovered my superpower: a forensic mind that sees people and influences change. Embracing challenges, from litigating while pregnant to advocating for gender equality, I’ve learned to wield my experiences as tools for empowerment and leadership,” Alina said.

Collective, powered by the IntoWork Group, has grown to be a national program of events and mentoring. It was founded in Tasmania to empower and support women at various stages of their careers through networking events, mentoring and professional development. Each event features an inspirational guest speaker and opportunities to sign up to their free mentoring program – Collective Mentoring, while proceeds from the events are donated to a local female-focused charity.

Collective State Lead Kim Taylor announced Magnolia Place Launceston Women Shelter (LWS) as the chosen charity, “Magnolia Place works closely with women and children who have been affected by domestic violence and/or homelessness and we are extremely dedicated to raising awareness for this important cause,” Ms Taylor said.

To date, Collective has raised over $82,000 for charities across Australia through regular networking events.

Before and after the event, women will have the opportunity to network with other like-minded women, and to sign up for Collective’s free Mentoring program, which is open to all women in business across Australia. The event will be held at Cataract on Paterson (135 Paterson St, Launceston TAS 7250) on Thursday June 6 from noon to 1.30pm.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/join-us-for-our-collective-launceston-event-thursday-6th-june-2024-tickets-907969831207)