Where to celebrate International Women’s Day on the Bellarine

FROM Drysdale to St Leonards, the Bellarine will mark International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March with a week of events spotlighting leadership, generosity and the collective power of women in the community.

Award presentations, keynote addresses and shared gatherings will offer different ways to engage with this year’s theme.

The presentation of the Monica Hayes Award will take place on 5 March from 2pm at Scotchmans Hill Winery.

The annual award recognises local leadership and impact.

Guest speaker Mary Crooks, who served as executive director of the Victorian Women’s Trust from 1996 to 2025, will reflect on her decades in public policy and community engagement.

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St Leonards Community Care will then host its third annual IWD celebration on 6 March, bringing together local community groups, sporting organisations and service providers to recognise the achievements of women and girls.

Guest speaker Dianne Bennett, chair of Sustainable Housing for Older Women Bellarine, will share insights into the organisation’s work addressing housing stress and poverty among women over 55.

The event will be held at the St Leonards Bowling Club between 10am and noon and is free to attend.

In Barwon Heads, local leadership coach Sally Phelan of Light Works Coaching will host a breakfast on 10 March at At The Heads from 7.30am.

The event will feature guest speakers and networking opportunities, with proceeds supporting Yellow Ladybugs, an organisation advocating for autistic girls and gender diverse young people.

Tickets are available from Eventbrite.

The City of Greater Geelong, meanwhile, will hold its annual Women in Community Life Awards on 11 March at Geelong Arts Centre.

Since launching in 2015, the awards have recognised 52 recipients and attracted more than 200 nominations for women advancing gender equality across the region.

Cr Melissa Cadwell said the celebration, which is this year marking 11 years, would be a significant occasion, offering a chance to reflect on the lasting influence these past award recipients and nominees have had in shaping the region.

“International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women who have advanced gender equality in employment, disability advocacy, arts, volunteering and beyond,” she said.

Keynote speaker Dr Emma Fulu, founder and executive director of The Equality Institute, will address the celebration and lead a broader conversation about equality and leadership.

The event is free, but registrations are recommended. Head to tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/event/iwd2026