Women acknowledged and celebrated across the Bellarine

THE Northern Bellarine’s 10th International Women’s Day Celebration attracted a sold-out crowd at its afternoon tea event last week.

Held at Scotchamns Hill Winery, the annual celebration also presented this year’s Monica Hayes Award, established to honour the community contribution and legacy of the late role model who passed away in 2016.

Prue Drever received the 2025 award, acknowledging her tireless leadership in the community.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker presented Ms Drever with the award, recognisng her work as president of Food Assist 3223 where she leads a team of 40 volunteers in providing an accessible and essential service.

Anita Ekberg, Chris Layley, Pammi Pryor and the late Hazel Ingram were also nominated.

As part of the day’s celebrations, Jenny Taing Sheehy took on the role guest speaker, sharing her journey as the child of non-English speaking refugee parents and the importance of her education.

Ms Taing Sheehy was the first in her family to go to university and now as a mother of two is a partner at KHQ lawyers, leading the financial services department and was recognised for her contributions in 2020 with an OAM.

St Leonards held their International Women’s Day morning tea on March 7 where Bec Olver from Local 2 Community was the guest speaker.

Supported by generous sponsors, there were a range of door prizes handed out, plenty of food to be shared around, and live entertainment from Shedding the Blues.