International Women’s Day Breakfast with Meredith Gaston

Internationally acclaimed Australian artist, best-selling author and passionate wellness advocate Meredith Gaston will be our guest speaker at the Maroondah International Women’s Day breakfast on Friday 8 March, 2019.

Maroondah Mayor, Cr Rob Steane said supporting International Women’s Day (IWD) was one of the many ways in which Council actively encouraged and promoted equality.

“Maroondah is a strong supporter of women in business and leadership and we are very excited to have inspirational guest speaker Meredith Gaston at this year’s IWD breakfast,” he said.

Meredith Gaston is a passionate wellness advocate, health coach and keynote speaker on the topics of communication, self-care and personal development. She is regularly called upon as a spokesperson on topics of wellness in both corporate and educational spheres.

Celebrating the release of her seventh book, The Art of Kindness – Caring for Ourselves, Each Other and Our Earth, Meredith continues to grow her prolific and diverse creative practise, and through her illustrations has helped raise more than $1.5 million in support of women around Australia affected by breast cancer.

“With this year’s IWD theme being #BalanceforBetter, it’s only fitting that we have Meredith speak about the challenges of balancing all elements of our lives to achieve a healthy mind, body and spirit,” Cr Steane said.

“Meredith delivers spirited presentations about integrative wellbeing in daily life, based on her various bestselling titles.

“In keeping with this theme, breakfast will also include a sample of delicious plant-based dishes from her book The Art of Wellbeing,” he said.

International Women’s Day, held annually on March 8, unites millions of women across the world. Ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences are put aside to celebrate this important date, which represents equality, justice, peace, development and participation in political and economic processes.

“Our IWD breakfast is an opportunity for women, men, residents, business owners and entrepreneurs to celebrate the significant contribution women make to our community and to hear some inspiring words from Meredith, whose life and career is grounded in the philosophy of joyous, mindful and inspired living,” Cr Steane said.

“Bring a friend, make up a table, or simply come along to hear our inspiring speaker and enjoy a breakfast amongst friends,” he said.

A selection of Meredith’s books will be available for purchase following the event.

Please note bookings have now closed as the event is at capacity.

Date: Friday 8 March 2019 Time: 7.15am to 8.30am, with networking from 8.30am to 9am Location: Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood East (free parking is available in the grounds of the centre. Parking for disabled is available adjacent to the upper entrance off Wilson Street). Cost: $22

Meredith believes that there is no kindness or positive change too small. It’s with this mindset that she has carved out a career as an author, illustrator and wellness coach.

Her whimsical and playfully sophisticated signature style and inspirational words bring comfort and joy to many of her followers, among them Kylie Minogue. Her lovingly illustrated books are translated into foreign languages, her original artworks and limited edition prints collected worldwide.

“A joyous and fulfilling life is built on a foundation of health, self-care and living in line with nature”, writes Meredith in her book, The Art of Wellbeing. 

As a wellness coach, Meredith understands better than most when you’re not functioning at your optimum level; a combination of autoimmune disease and kidney problems having plagued her early years.

“My own health journey is what catapulted me to where I am today. In primary school I experienced various health issues due to kidney problems, which then led onto other complications.

“I’ve literally picked myself up from ground zero and took my health into my own hands. I spent my early 20s reading and researching various ways of how we’re able to regain our vitality naturally.”

Meredith has taken this knowledge and in her private coaching capacity now works one-on-one with clients who are seeking to enhance their health and wellbeing. She also facilitates small group ‘Women’s Wellbeing Workshops’. Participants are inspired to support and nourish themselves through cultivating joyous self-care practices in daily life.

“When we nurture and nourish ourselves we are able to be of loving service to other people. It’s about infusing your daily life with positive thoughts and changing your mindset that puts you on higher ground and in a better place,” she says.

She continues to fundraise for the BCNA (Breast Cancer Network Australia) in support of women affected by breast cancer. Partnering with fashion label Sussan she has helped to raise over $1.5 million for the cause from the sale of her signature collection of sleep and giftware – a career defining moment for Meredith.

To date, she has written and illustrated seven joyful, uplifting books. Her latest book, The Art of Kindness – Caring for Ourselves, Each Other and Our Earth, is designed as a guide to help readers practice just that.

Meredith Gaston graduated from The University of Sydney, majoring in Art History and Theory and Gender and Cultural Studies. Continuing her education as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, she frequently features in the media and public discussing wellbeing and creativity in daily life.