In the lead up to International Women’s Day on Friday, there’s a flurry of events and activity around the New England, including a big announcement in Armidale tomorrow.
NSW Women’s Week is a weeklong celebration to honour the women in our lives and their vast and varied contributions to our society. This is an annual week of recognition, this year running from March 4th – 10th, culminating in the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday 8th March. Many New England communities have taken the opportunity to host events during this week, to celebrate achievements by local women as well as facilitating conversation about closing the gender gap by improving equal access to earn, learn and lead.
The spotlight will be shining on Armidale on Monday 4th March, with NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison MP, attending as the keynote speaker at the Armidale International Women’s Day event. The Minister will use this event to make the much-anticipated announcement of host of the 2024 Rural Women’s Gathering.
The NSW Rural Women’s Gathering is an annual event for women from regional, rural and remote areas of NSW to come together to celebrate, connect, network and learn. 2023 was the 30th anniversary of the Rural Women’s Gathering. A history book compiled in celebration of this achievement, entitled ‘The NSW Rural Women’s Network: 30 Years Strong’, will also be launched at this event.
Armidale Zonta, Healthwise and Guyra Evening CWA have collaborated to host the event, which will include a panel discussion, lunch and access to health checks and local service providers. This is a free event for women of Armidale and surrounds, held in the Armidale City Bowling Club from 10.00am – 2.30pm. Tickets can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-armidale-event-tickets-836912697407
In Tamworth, the Northern Inland Academy of Sport (NIAS) will use IWD to kick start a new funding initiative for girls in sport. The ‘Girls in Sport’ bursary will help promote, develop and support talented young women across our region to realise their sporting aspirations. NIAS will host their inaugural IWD event, ‘Girls & Goalposts’, at the Tamworth Jockey Club on Thursday 7th March. This event is after school hours from 4.00 – 6.00pm to encourage Schools and sporting organisations to attend.
Special guest speakers include Kezie Apps (NRLW Player for Wests Tigers and NSW Dairy Ambassador); Casey Dellacqua (Olympian, Former number 1 ranked Tennis player and Tennis broadcaster); Dr. Rachel Horton (International Rugby Referee and Principal of The Armidale School); and emcee of the event Eloise Sohier (Journalist, Fox Sports Presenter and marathon runner). These inspirational women will share their triumphs, challenges, and success stories from both on and off the field.
Tickets for ‘Girls & Goalposts’ are available at https://events.humanitix.com/niasgirlsandgoalposts2024
Narrabri Shire Council, in collaboration with The Exchange, will celebrate IWD with a dinner event on Wednesday 6th March, from 6.00pm at the Exchange centre. Guests will be enlightened by a panel of speakers including Bec Artis (former Australian Golf Pro); Jane Lampe (owner of Sydney Florist Business ‘Floreat’); Shona Gawel (CEO of Grain Growers); and local netball legend Mackenzie Knox. Popular local podcasters Katie Watson and Ali Smith from the Bush Wanderlust Podcast series will be hosts for the night. Find more information at https://www.123tix.com.au/events/42556/international-womens-day-dinner-2024
UNE SMART Regional Incubator will host an IWD breakfast gathering on Friday 8th March, bringing together a panel of inspiring women including Steph Wanless (Co-founder and Editorial Director of FOUND Regional); Emily McOrist(Director of Development at The Armidale School); and Charlotte Murray(Strategy and Transformation Expert). Host for the morning is NERAM Director, Rachael Parsons.
Held in the NOVA building in Faulkner Street Armidale from 7.30 – 9.00am, breakfast will be provided by Cafe Patisserie. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/international-womens-day-breakfast-tickets-837105032687
The Glen Innes Business Chamber, in conjunction with Glen Innes Services Club and The New England Club, will host an IWD Long Lunch on Saturday 9th March. Starting from 12.00pm on the lawns of the New England Club, the Long Lunch will be addressed by guest speakers Holly Goodman (Peter Bill clothing); Ellen Mulligan (Moveology New England) and Community Health Nurse, Zannita Burgess. Tickets for this event can be found at https://events.humanitix.com/international-womens-day-long-lunch
Keep an eye on local Council pages and social media groups to find other IWD events happening in your area.
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