Your guide to International Women’s Day events in Geelong

FROM stadium breakfasts to long lunches and high tea, Geelong will mark International Women’s Day with a full calendar of events.

The City of Greater Geelong will hold its Women in Community Life celebration on 11 March at Geelong Arts Centre.

Now in its 11th year, the awards recognise women who have made a significant contribution to the Greater Geelong community, particularly in advancing gender equality.

Since launching in 2015, 52 recipients have been honoured and more than 200 local women nominated.

Cr Melissa Cadwell said the celebration 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

Earlier in the week, the Zonta Club of Geelong will celebrate women in engineering with a two-course dinner at Davidson Restaurant on 4 March.

The evening, which begins at 6.30pm, will include the presentation of the Zonta Geelong Women in Engineering Scholarships and a guest address from Dr Ellen Moon, a teaching and research academic in civil and environmental engineering at Deakin University.

 

Head to trybooking.com/DJCCM

Then on 6 March, 1915 Restaurant & Bar will celebrate Geelong’s women in business with a luncheon from 1pm to 3pm.

Guests will enjoy a three-course set menu, alongside guest speakers Emily Hamilton, founder of Coco & Eve and Sand & Sky, and Catherine Middlemiss, Barwon Health board member. Bookings can be made via 1915.com.au

Committee for Geelong will host its annual IWD breakfast on 6 March at GMHBA Stadium with special guest journalist and author Leigh Sales.

Best known for her work with the ABC, Sales has interviewed every living Australian prime minister as well as global leaders and celebrities such as Hillary Clinton, Paul McCartney and Elton John.

Sales will sign copies of her books from 6.30am, before the event begins at 7am.

For tickets, visit committeeforgeelong.com.au

On 7 March, The Retreat Restaurant & Bar in Newtown will host a bunch event from 11am to 1pm.

The event will feature a conversational panel exploring community involvement, women supporting women and “life on purpose”.

Host Nadine Kuc, co-founder and general manager of BAIE Wines, will be joined by Ali Waight, president of the Queenscliff Football Netball Club, and Kristi Davison, founder and chief executive of Offspring.

For tickets, head to theretreat.au

In North Geelong, The Paddock Bakery will present a high tea on 8 March.

Running from 3pm to 5pm, the afternoon will include handmade pastries and artisan sweets, while guest speaker Roxie Bennett, 2026 Medal of the Order of Australia recipient, and Barwon Health Foundation board member will address guests.

Tickets are $89, with $10 from each ticket donated to the Barwon Health Foundation.

Bookings can be made via geelong.paddockbakery.com

Meanwhile, at Woolstore Restaurant & Bar in Newtown, Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances will host a sensory masterclass between noon and 2pm.

The experience includes a guided perfume session, fragrance and cocktail pairing, and a two-course “trust the chef” menu curated by head chef Eli Grubb.

Visit woolstoregeelong.au