The Aunties is the brainchild of Phoebe Sloane, Creative at Special and brought to life by

the eleven women of the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC) committee. The

Aunties is a program that aims to inspire, protect, connect and champion women of all

ages and backgrounds across Melbourne’s creative industries, through tailored

mentorships, seminars and networking opportunities. The Aunties is for industry women

at all stages of their careers and lives. Offering mentorships to women entering the industry,

levelling up those in mid-senior roles, a ‘future founders/leaders’ category that will connect

women at an executive level and for the first time, matching up mums with other mums.

The name pays tribute to and is inspired by legendary advertising mentor, Esther Clerehan,

who often refers to herself as an “auntie” to the countless number of women she’s

mentored over the years. As Phoebe says, ‘We hope that by having an Auntie, they’ll have

an objective person they can confide in and establish a deeper connection with.”