Women out in force for key event

MORE than 80 South Gippsland locals came out to support International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8.

The Southern Women’s Business Network (SWBN) teamed up with South Gippsland Shire Council and South Gippsland Water to host an event in Meeniyan to celebrate and champion the role women play in the local community and businesses.

Featuring a panel of guest speakers discussing this year’s theme of ‘embracing equity’, were:

• Patrice Renee ‘Muthaymiles’ Mahoney - a proud mother of five children and one granddaughter and local to Bass Coast for over 20 years, Patrice is a powerful advocate for Aboriginal people and their cultures, and a talented, prolific artist who believes art and education are the basis of identity, self-determination and leadership.

• Chelsea Caple - Founder and Director at SUMMERSALT Gymnastics in Wonthaggi, Chelsea has has brought to life her philosophy and passion for childhood development – that the active, fun movement SUMMERSALT provides, really is the launchpad for all sports - and life.

• Louise Sparkes - The current CEO at Gippsland Southern Health Service, with over 30 years’ experience in public health care, Louise has demonstrated success in leadership, service development, clinical governance, team development and the delivery of health care that is of high quality, safe, sustainable, consumer focussed and responsive to the needs of the community it serves.

The event raised funds for the Women for Change initiative, which aims to improve the lives and wellbeing of women and girls and the community they live in by helping women access work, education, and community life.

In previous years, funds raised as part of International Women’s Day fundraising have benefited projects including:

• Inverloch Swell Mamas – funding a beginner surfing program to provide a safe and supportive environment for women to learn a new skill, gain self-confidence and build their social network;

• Phillip Island Kinship Carers Group - supporting women who are caring for their grandchildren, when parents for reasons ranging from death to illness, addiction and child protection orders, cannot care for their children;

• Wellness Warriors - funding an art therapy based wellbeing program focused on helping women improve their creative, self-care and mindfulness strategies; and

• Wonthaggi Neighbourhood House Women’s Driving Program - enabling five local women facing barriers preventing them from gaining a drivers licence, to participate in the program where they otherwise would have been ineligible due to their age.

All funds raised on the night went towards the Women for Change Grants program for 2023.

Donations can be received through the Bass Coast Community Foundation by credit or debit card at https://www.givenow.com.au/womenforchange

For more information about upcoming grant opportunities contact Sarah Bourke, Executive Officer 0493 110802.

The SBWN is a membership-based network, run by women for women.

For further information about the network Southern Business Women's Network - Home (sbwn.com.au)