Celebrate International Women’s Day across the shire

Published on 20 February 2025

A grassroots discussion led by a gender-based violence author and advocate, an exhibition showcasing female artists, and a community-led networking event – Surf Coast Shire Council invites people to celebrate 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) in various ways.

TEDx Talk speaker and author Jane Gilmore is the guest speaker at a free event on Wednesday 5 March at Council Chambers in Torquay at 10.30am. Jane will share her important work towards gender equality, headlined by her decade-long FixedIt campaign which continues to change how media reports on men’s violence against women.

“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 Surf Coast Shire.”

The Torquay event – which aligns with this year’s IWD theme ‘accelerate action’ – includes question time and a shared lunch.

Council will play a supporting role in International Women’s Day events in Anglesea and Winchelsea.

Community members are invited to attend the Resilience exhibition at Anglesea Art Space from 19 February to 9 March. Featuring solely women artists, the exhibition explores personal and significant topics, highlighting the challenges and strength of resilient women in everyday life.

The exhibition – which will be launched on Friday 21 February at 6pm – is open Thursdays to Mondays between 10am and 4pm. An art therapy workshop for women is being held alongside the exhibition.

Meanwhile, Growing Winchelsea will utilise a Council grant to help deliver an event for women in business, part of a broader project to develop a women’s business network in Winchelsea.

More than 60 businesswomen are expected to come together on 18 March at the Winchelsea and District Women's Brunch to share information and advice, increase community connections and build business success.

“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, healthy community.”

For more information on the IWD events including booking details, visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD or call 5261 0600.