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2024 Women to Watch

This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.


I am the Founder and Director of Local Heart Community PTY LTD, a compassionate initiative providing mentorship for teens and young adults facing disabilities or at risk due to personal, family, or economic challenges. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, I envision a community where everyone feels valued and equipped to overcome obstacles. I focus on providing unwavering support and guidance, recognizing the unique journey of each individual.

// Favourite inspirational quote
This is the true joy in life: Being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. By George Bernard Shaw

// Let’s get to know you
In my early university days, I started as a mentor in a First Nations program, aiming to support young First Nations teens and address educational gaps. At the same time, I was a swimming instructor, finding joy in working with individuals facing disabilities or challenging behaviors. Navigating through my academic journey, I completed studies in Public Relations and World Politics. It was a choice fueled by a simple desire to one day have a career that allowed me to make a positive impact in the community. However, I knew my literacy level and learning disabilities would impact any career I chose. So I picked a degree that would force me to improve an area that I felt was my weakness. I was dealing with severe dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia as well as depression.

Starting university with a literacy level akin to a middle school student, I faced my fair share of challenges. I decided to be open about my learning disabilities and my battle with clinical depression. Surprisingly, the support I received was overwhelming. The journey was marked by both frustration and joy. My persistence paid off with my first distinction and the elation of achieving a high distinction. Post-graduation, I explored roles in politics and education, gaining experiences, including overseas work supporting young people. Yet, I realised I wanted to engage in work that allowed me to make more of a direct impact, pushing me into roles in schools and later as a supervisor in boarding schools. Alongside my career, I was running my disability mentoring business on the side—a passion project born out of wanting to make a difference to locals in my community. The turning point came when I decided to fully commit. I hired a team, shared the skills of mentorship, and made it a mission to reach more young people, changing lives one step at a time.

Local Heart Community is not just a business; it’s a simple story of resilience, embracing vulnerabilities, and a commitment to making a genuine difference in the lives of those we touch.

// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I’ve always been a quiet achiever. I find satisfaction in letting my actions and results do the talking rather than boasting about what I’m up to. Currently, I’m immersed in the process of bringing to life a community-focused coffee shop in the northeast suburbs of Adelaide. This venture is my way of contributing to the community, specifically to those facing challenges such as disabilities or being at risk due to trauma, socio-economic factors, and other hurdles.

In my vision, this coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee; it’s a haven. It’s dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable working environment for individuals in our community with a disability or at risk. I firmly believe in the transformative power of employment, which goes far beyond financial gains. It’s about instilling a profound sense of empowerment, fostering independence, building a stronger community, and providing a sense of purpose.

So, as I navigate the exciting journey of opening the doors to this coffee shop, I’m driven by a simple yet powerful belief – that every cup poured here contributes not just to the caffeine fix but to a positive change in the lives of staff and those we serve.

// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
We plan to open the coffee shop doors at the start of April 2024. I hope that by the end of the year, we will have successfully employed at least 12 staff members with a disability, supported them through our program, and given them a sense of belonging and purpose.

Alongside this, my vision for the coffee shop is locals supporting locals and having as much of the community involved as possible. I hope to have at least 10 businesses donate and 30 individuals or families contribute to the coffee shop. In return, businesses will be advertised in the coffee shop, and families and individuals donating will be showcased in the coffee shop as a community family album of the faces of those supporting the community-minded initiative.

// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
Being awarded ‘Woman to Watch in 2024’ is more than a recognition of my past efforts; it is an opportunity to connect and inspire others to join in what I am creating. This accolade amplifies the mission behind the coffee shop, encouraging more people to consider donating, sponsoring, or simply coming for a coffee to show support. Additionally, it may inspire businesses across various industries to contemplate hiring staff members with disabilities. I eagerly anticipate the day when someone says, ‘Fern, I love what you are doing. What can I do to make my workplace a safe and supportive environment for someone with a disability?’ This way, I can lead by example and, hopefully, contribute to dismantling the stigma surrounding the hiring of individuals with disabilities.

// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
In envisioning the future for South Australian women and girls, my aspiration is to witness a community marked by increased support and compassion for one another. As women, we often find ourselves navigating diverse roles – whether as career women, those managing a household and family, entrepreneurial spirits, or a combination of these roles. Each journey is unique, with its own set of highs, lows, and valuable experiences.

Regrettably, instead of celebrating the diversity of these paths, we still witness judgment within our community. Some women face criticism for choosing to balance work and motherhood, while others who opt to focus on raising their children encounter scrutiny. It often feels like a no-win situation, especially when the criticism comes from other women. Rather than being celebrated, some responses lean towards judgment, jealousy, or criticism. It’s crucial to foster safer spaces where future generations feel empowered to choose the path that best aligns with their individual aspirations as women. Recognizing and respecting these diverse journeys can contribute to a more supportive and inclusive community.


Get in touch with Fern:

LinkedIn: Fern Lawson
Website: www.localheartcommunity.com

Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.

To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.

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