Surf Coast to celebrate International Women’s Day

THE Surf Coast will mark International Women’s Day on March 8 with a wide range of events inspiring the community to “march forward” together for a gender equal future.

Set by the United Nations, this year’s theme has been chosen to commemorate 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, a global blueprint for realising gender equality that was adopted in 1995 by 189 countries and has been described as a “watershed moment” for women’s rights.

The Surf Coast Shire will kick of this year’s festivities with a free event at its council chambers on Wednesday, March 5 between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

The event will feature author and award-winning journalist Jane Gilmore, who will speak about her work in the gender equality space, including her decade long FixedIt campaign which has helped to change how men’s violence against women is reported by media.

“Jane has made an incredible difference throughout her career,” Cr Liz Pattison said.

“I’m looking forward to being in a room with people from across our communities, gaining insights and sharing ideas on how we can advance gender equality in [the] Surf Coast Shire.”

Head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD or call 5261 0600 to book.

On Thursday, March 6, the Anglesea Golf Club will host a two-course dinner featuring Australian radio announcer and television personality Myf Warhurst as guest speaker, with all proceeds to be donated to the local Food Link.

Warhurst is best-known for her appearances on ABC’s music-themed quiz show Spicks and Specks, her voice work on popular animated series Bluey and for her work with Triple J.

Visit, trybooking.com/CYYNO

Meanwhile, Anglesea Art Space will house a multi-disciplinary showcase of artworks exploring the challenges and strength of resilient women in everyday life.

Resilience will be on display until March 9 at 2/103 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea.

Then, on March 18 Growing Winchelsea will bring together more than 60 businesswomen for the Winchelsea and District Women’s Brunch, where attendees will share information and advice and build their networks.

Growing Winchelsea secretary Elaine Atkinson said women typically have less access to social networks due to the pressures of balancing home, work and family.

“Networks are responsible for a large percentage of career progression and business growth, so limited access could be a barrier to women’s opportunities,” she said.

“It’s important that we, together, develop a business network that meets the personal and professional needs of our local women.”

The event is part of a broader project to develop a women’s business network in Winchelsea and is supported by a grant from the shire.

For more information, email Ms Atkinson at [email protected] or phone 0458 009 616.

“It’s fantastic to see the community taking the lead on International Women’s Day events across the shire, and no doubt there will be plenty more that people can attend throughout March,” Cr Pattison said.

“They all support our goal to foster a thriving, connected and healthy community.”