Our annual International Women's Day Breakfast was cancelled and we want to thank Anna Jackson, CEO of Unitywater, for agreeing to be our speaker, and we hope we can re-engage with her in another context in the future. Her story is amazing and inspiring. 

In summary, the theme this year was planned to showcase three main points. Firstly, to acknowledge and show gratitude for the many men, young men and boys who lift up their mothers, sisters, aunts and daughters. We are so grateful.

Secondly, an acknowledgement of those women, young women and girls who live in poverty, or live in some areas of poor or developing nations, in extremist or religious contexts or in war zones. We gather to remind ourselves that we have work to do on your behalf and we commit to never forgetting you. 

Lastly, we gather to recognise where women have come from as citizens in Australia, where we are currently, and where we hope to be in the future. It is not so much about gender, but more importantly, it is about gratitude and understanding that there is enough success to go around and we can all reach our potential and make our individual contributions without prejudice. International Women's Day is not about sexism, it is a day where difference is both valued and celebrated. 

In closing, a very special thank you to Zoe Kratzmann. She is a superstar businesswoman, an inspiring creative designer and a generous supporter of this cause. Her donation helped raise over $2,000, which will be directed to her chosen charity, The Forgotten Women—an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women. Congratulations also to Therese Playford, the lucky winner of our raffle!

Though the weather may have disrupted this year’s celebrations, the spirit of International Women’s Day remains strong. As we look ahead to 2025, let us all pause and reflect. A thriving community is one where all women are empowered with equal opportunities to learn, grow and lead.