Via Appia is a dynamic West Australian business led by a young entrepreneur, who brings to the market fresh, energetic, and unique approaches to the professional networking arena. Via Appia is based upon a distinctive concept, the value of networking, and building strong ongoing professional relationships.

Key Contacts

Rebecca Cole – Director

Rebecca’s professional background

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Entrepreneurship, Rebecca Cole, a co-founder of Via Appia Networking WA, entered the retail world taking on a management position. She was then enticed by the promises of a London life, taking on a position managing and developing an online recruitment site. After three years working with this firm, developing a number of online businesses, and taking on the role of Group Director, Rebecca then decided to return to her home town of Perth, Western Australia.

Upon return to Australia, Rebecca worked with a Western Australian Business Publication to develop and market their online site. Now director of Via Appia, a professional networking service, Rebecca aspires to achieve outstanding outcomes, building a business which allows professional networking on a social level.

Rebecca is also a Director of OM Strategies, an online marketing business.

Via Appia event you are most likely to find Rebecca at?

Rebecca enjoys building her networks on a social level and is looking forward to attending the speed networking events as well as the series of lifestyle events.

Favourite Conversation Starter

Following the company slogan of ‘It’s who you know’ Rebecca meets many of her contacts through referrals. Her favourite conversation starter usually starts something like this ‘I was just chatting to ____ and they recommended I speak to you’.

Lucy Gaisford – Events and Marketing Manager

Lucy’s Professional Background

Lucy has always had a passion for events she loves the planning and execution of them and of course the ‘buzz’ of it all.  She welcomes the opportunity to meet new people and generate new relationships, highly supporting Via Appia’s company slogan ‘It’s Who You Know.’

Lucy first felt the ‘buzz’ and excitement for events whilst completing her Diploma at Central, since then her passion and skills have grew and she very much enjoys all the parts which make up the event.

In her spare time she enjoys going out for coastal walks, yoga and catching up with friends and family.

Via Appia event you would most likely find Lucy at?

Lucy will go to every event that she can as she loved getting out there, meeting new people and experiencing different types of events.

Lucy welcomes the opportunity to meet new people and therefore likes to attend an array of Via Appia events. It’s all about putting yourself out there.

Favourite conversation starter?

A big smile and one of the following;

- Is this your first time (insert event)?

- Hi, I’m Lucy from Networking WA how are you liking the event.

Madeleine Long- Business Development Manager

Madeleine’s Professional Background

Madeleine has an extensive and varied professional background spending time in Melbourne and the United Kingdom working in the Fashion Industry in various roles as a buyer, manager and bespoke stylist. While working with designer Gresham Blake she had the opportunity to style some of Britain’s household names, including Tom Felton and several other cast members from the Harry Potter movies.

She has also spent time travelling and working as a flight attendant with QANTAS, flying all over Australia and through out Asia. After returning from the UK in 2010 Madeleine started a Commerce degree at Curtin University majoring in Marketing and PR and joined the Via Appia team as an intern in August 2011. Madeleine is now part of the team at Via Appia as our Business Development Manager.

Via Appia event you would most likely find Maddy at?

Maddy is most likely to be found at events with interesting speakers, great food and wine. She enjoys networking with interesting people who have plenty of life experience and can tell a great story.

Favourite conversation starter?

“Hi I’m Maddy, so what brings you to the event?” or maybe ” How was your working day? …(regardless of reply) well it’s time for a glass of wine then!”

Tess Edwards- Project Manager

Tess’ Professional Background

Tess worked for the Town of Cambridge as a customer service attendant at the Boulevard Centre and at Marie Claire Shoes whilst completing her degree at Curtin University of Technology in a Bachelor of commerce, majoring in Public Relations and Marketing.

Tess joined Via Appia Networking WA in the middle of 2011, after completing an internship with the company. Tess is currently the Project Manager, managing the team’s busy schedules.

Tess enjoys spending time and having fun with friends and family as well as keeping fit having a laugh with her fellow colleagues.

Via Appia event you would most likely find Tess at?

An event in which the speaker has an intriguing story to tell and there is a chance to network with the speaker and other attendees, giving Tess the ability to gain more knowledge on the given topic over a glass of champers.

Favourite conversation starter?

Hi I’m Tess (Shake hand) nice to meet you :)

More information coming soon…

Most of the Networking WA team at the Fashion Icon High Tea