International Women’s Day: what’s happening on the Surf Coast

IN the days leading up to International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March, community spaces across the Surf Coast will host gatherings that invite celebration and reflection.

Art exhibitions, a fashion parade, shared meals and keynote conversations are among the events planned.

At the centre of the local program is a headline conversation with broadcaster and author Jacinta Parsons, who will speak at the Torquay Multi Arts Centre on Wednesday, 4 March.

Parsons’ latest book, A Wisdom of Age, is built on conversations with older women around Australia and examines how ageing might be approached with curiosity rather than apprehension.

“It was one of the most rewarding projects of my entire career – creating a book where I needed to speak to women about their lives and their wisdom, where nothing was off the table,” Parsons said.

“I learnt that remaining curious about ourselves and the world around us is the key to a joyful life.”

In conversation with local author Chrissie Bellbrae, Parsons will share stories from the women she interviewed.

“I love to speak about the stories of the women in the book, and how they illustrate a huge body of wisdom that has been overlooked in our community,” Parsons said.

The event will begin at 1pm. It is free to attend, but registrations are required via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD

Hoop Gallery in Torquay will also launch a special group exhibition honouring the women artists who have shaped and supported the gallery community on 4 March.

Through painting, sculpture, mixed media and installation, the exhibition highlights a range of practices that push boundaries and invite new conversations.

It will run until 22 March, with an opening event to be held on 6 March from 6pm.

In Lorne, Great Ocean Road Health will mark IWD on Tuesday, 3 March with a fashion-themed gathering between 1.30pm and 3.30pm that celebrates empowerment across the generations.

Guests are invited to share their favourite accessories, shoes and items of clothing, and the stories behind them.

The event is free, but RSVPs are required. Contact reception via email [email protected] or phone 5289 4300.

The Moriac Community Network will celebrate the creativity and talent of local women on Tuesday, 3 March with an exhibition of works created by participants who have been attending art classes led by a talented local artist.

The exhibition will be held from 7pm at the Moriac and District Women’s Shed in Cape Otway Road. The event is free but RSVPs are required. Phone Lyn on 0419 500 353.

The Anglesea Golf Club, meanwhile, will celebrate IWD on Thursday, 5 March with a two-course meal, raffle in support of the Anglesea CFA and presentation by guest speaker and media personality Nicky Buckley.

The event will begin at 6pm and tickets can be purchased via trybooking.com/DJHHX

Nearby, the Anglesea Art Space is also exploring the lived experience, identity, memory and shared threads that connect women’s stories with a group exhibition featuring 13 artists from diverse visual art backgrounds.

The exhibition, titled Connections, is open daily from 11am to 4pm until 8 March.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the council was pleased to back a diverse program of events across the municipality.

“Get involved if you can to help celebrate women’s achievements past, present and future.”

For more local events, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD