Adelaide, [02 April 2025] – What started as a lunch for small group of local businesswomen in April 2000 has blossomed into a 25-year legacy of professional support, friendship, and empowerment. TAN: The Adelaide Network celebrated its 25th anniversary, bringing together members past and present to reflect on the connections forged over decades.

TAN’s founder, Tania Pradun, never imagined that the decision to form a professional women’s network would still be celebrated a quarter of a century later. “It’s quite amazing, really,” she said. “And we should all be proud – longer-term members, newer faces, and those who’ve returned over the years.”

Among those present were Susan Andrews, the only continuous member since TAN’s inception, and Tania Basheer (now Jarema-Norton) and Wendy Bromwich (now Kennedy), both founding members who have played instrumental roles in shaping the group.

Leila Henderson, an early member, reflected on the group’s beginnings. “I wasn’t at the very first gathering, but Susan invited me soon after. The warmth and camaraderie were undeniable.”

The event was a testament to the network’s evolution, welcoming newer members such as Michele Sutherland, Beth Parkin, and Meredith Hill. “You might not know everyone yet,” a speaker noted, “but you can feel the love.”

TAN has always been about more than just professional networking – it’s about meaningful, enduring connections. Andrea Nejedlik, who joined in the early 2000s, shared, “TAN is where I learned just how high women can lift each other up. It completely changed my perception of female relationships.” Now managing a national defence program, Andrea credited TAN for the supportive foundation that helped shape her career.

Many members who couldn’t attend sent heartfelt messages. Jodie Van Deventer, now Chief Operating Officer of the Australian Industry Group, remarked, “Tania, congratulations on building such a strong network of women. With what’s going on around the world, such networks are more important than ever.”

Anna Martaki, who moved to NSW, shared, “I miss the genuine embrace of the group. TAN made me feel like I had someone there for me in Adelaide, which was so important.”

The night also paid tribute to returning members, affectionately called “boomerangs,” such as Barbara Harkness, Charlie-Helen Robinson, and Yvette Braithwaite-Bragg.

Special recognition was given to Petra Churcher, who traveled from Noosa to be part of the celebration, and Liz Gibbs and Louise Spark, the event’s key organisers.

Despite the inevitable challenges of coordinating such a milestone event, the messages from those who couldn’t attend reaffirmed TAN’s lasting impact. Dana Bell, balancing caregiving responsibilities, expressed gratitude for the personal and professional connections she made through TAN. Viv Twelftree, now in East Gosford, reflected on her journey since leaving Adelaide, saying, “Wishing you all a wonderful celebration and lots of love to those who remember me.”

As the evening wrapped up, members were invited to share their own reflections – whether it was a memorable event, a special connection, or simply why they wanted to be part of the milestone gathering.

TAN has thrived for 25 years, not just because of its structure but because of the women who continue to uplift and support one another. As Tania Pradun noted, “This isn’t just about old times and old-timers – we’re still evolving, while providing a safe place for women to feel connected with a sense of belonging.”

TAN Contact:
Bunty Parsons

TAN Media Contact:
Charlie-Helen Robinson