Shine bright on International Women’s Day in Warragul

Published on 05 February 2024

A night of celebration, connection, inspiration and hope: that’s what you’ll get at Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland’s annual International Women’s Day event in Warragul on Friday 8 March.

This year’s keynote speaker is bestselling author, journalist and broadcaster, Julia Baird. Julia’s book, ‘Phosphorescence: A memoir of finding joy when your world goes dark’ was awarded Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards in 2021. Her 2023 release ‘Bright Shining: How grace changes everything’ is another international bestseller and explores the human quality of grace; how we recognise it, nurture ourselves, and express it even in the darkest of times.

The night will also feature a panel discussion with inspiring Gippsland women from diverse backgrounds, including Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll recipient, Arfa Khan and Gippsland Women’s Health CEO, Kate Graham. Producer, podcaster and author, Aleisha McCormack will moderate the panel, while local Jules Cole will bring the energy as MC.  

Ticketholders are invited to get the party started in the West Gippsland Art Centre forecourt from 5pm, with a festival vibe of music, food, market stalls, networking, and fun before moving into the theatre for the main event from 7.30pm.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said that since first partnering to deliver the event in 2020, Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland had celebrated the achievements of women, advocated for progress, and heard from speakers including Jamila Rizvi, Sarah Davidson, Em Rusciano, and Clare Bowditch.

“International Women’s Day promises to deliver a night of inspiration and connection, where we can celebrate the achievements of women and take stock of what still needs to be done to achieve an equitable future.

“This event is for everyone – no matter your gender or background, you are welcome.”

Women in Gippsland co-founder Kerry Wilson said the night aimed to be a bright light for attendees, while also shining a light on the challenges women in the Gippsland community and further afield still face:

“There is so much to celebrate on International Women’s Day but there is still such a long way to go when it comes to achieving gender equality in our region and in Australia more broadly.

“We always strive to strike the balance between a night of fun, while highlighting the important work that still needs to be done to achieve a more just, safe and equitable future where people of all genders, backgrounds, ethnicities and abilities can thrive.”

International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for gender equity and an end to gender-based discrimination and violence.

Tickets are $30 for general admission and $18 for under-18s and concession cardholders. All proceeds go to not-for-profit Women in Gippsland to continue its advocacy work.

To purchase tickets for this year’s event, head to the West Gippsland Arts Centre website at West Gippsland Arts Centre (wgac.com.au) or phone the Arts Centre on 5624 2456.

For Women in Gippsland enquiries, please contact Kerry on 0438 637 732.