International Women’s Day – Game On, Girls event

EACH year, the Ballina Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day event brings together the energy, ambition and heart of our local female business community, and this year it returns on Friday 6 March. It has become one of Ballina’s most anticipated gatherings, a space where ideas are championed, stories are shared and meaningful support is generated for women and girls across the Ballina Shire.

As Platinum Sponsor, Ballina RSL Club is proud to stand behind an event that so powerfully reflects the spirit of Ballina. This is not simply an event. It is a platform. A launchpad. A celebration of business women in action, united this year by a powerful call to action: #GiveToGain.

At the centre of this year’s program is Prawn Tank. A distinctly local take on the classic pitch concept, Prawn Tank invites women from across our shire to step forward and present their business idea to a live audience and judging panel. It is a bold concept that promises to be deeply inspiring.

What makes Prawn Tank special is not just the competition element. It is the courage in the room. Women backing themselves. Sharing ideas that address real community needs. Building businesses. Creating programs. Solving problems. The atmosphere is electric as each pitch unfolds, and the audience becomes part of the journey. It is #GiveToGain in motion. When women give their ideas, their vulnerability and their ambition, the community gains innovation, connection and momentum.

In a regional community, visibility matters. Opportunity matters. Backing local women matters. Prawn Tank sends a clear message that innovation does not only belong in capital cities. It belongs right here in Ballina.

Adding depth and perspective to the day is guest speaker Sophia Partland. Sophia brings lived experience, professional insight and an authenticity that resonates far beyond the stage. Her address is both grounding and galvanising.

Sophia speaks about resilience, leadership and the responsibility we share in creating environments where women feel valued and empowered. Her message aligns seamlessly with #GiveToGain. When we give our time, our mentorship and our advocacy, we gain stronger businesses, healthier workplaces and more confident leaders. In a room filled with local business owners, professionals and community advocates, her message lands with clarity. Empowerment is not theoretical. It is built through partnership and everyday action.

Then comes one of the most uplifting moments of the event, the Chamber’s collaboration with the Club Choir. When voices rise together, something shifts. The room softens. Smiles spread. Strangers become teammates for a song or two.

The Club Choir embodies inclusion, participation and joy. It reminds us that leadership also looks like connection. That progress can be powerful and playful at the same time. When individuals give their voice to something bigger than themselves, what we gain is unity. It is another beautiful expression of #GiveToGain and a fitting reflection of what International Women’s Day represents, unity, courage and collective momentum.

Importantly, this event also delivers tangible impact. Funds raised support Women Up North and the Love Bites Program, ensuring that the celebration translates into practical support for women and young people in our region. By giving generously, our community gains lasting social impact.

And because this year’s theme is all about action and energy, and includes some sporty activations, we are inviting guests to embrace a more relaxed and playful dress code. Think your best Wimbledon whites, charity golf day chic, pickleball polish or the most fabulous sporty ensemble you can muster. Leotards and leg warmers are highly acceptable. Smart casual will absolutely fit the bill too. It is bold, it is fun, and it captures the team spirit perfectly.

The Ballina Chamber of Commerce continues to lead with vision in creating events that are both purposeful and practical. As Platinum Sponsor, Ballina RSL is honoured to play a role in amplifying that work. When females in business, community and advocacy come together with shared intent, powerful things happen.

It’s Game On, Girls!