International Women’s Day is on Wednesday March 8, and places are filling up fast for ‘Thrive’ events being held throughout the region.
Thrive events provide the opportunity to network, talk, and potentially collaborate with like-minded women who champion each other’s success. Dimity Smith from GRO events, who organises the local Thrive International Women’s Day events, acknowledges the progress made over the years.
“Change is definitely happening, and it still does have a long way to go. Organisations aren’t purposely doing anything to harm anyone, but with experience over time, and more events like International Women’s Day events, along with ongoing campaigning, change can happen.”
“We have already made such good progress and I think that should be celebrated,” Dimity said.
The very first Australian International Women’s Day was held in the year 1928 in the heart of Sydney and have seen our country progress in leaps and bounds since. While this is cause for celebration, there is much more work still to be done.
International Women’s Day gives opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The historical day stemmed from a need for change, beginning with equal pay for equal work, an 8-hour working day for shop girls and paid leave. Each year is an opportunity to reflect on progress and look towards the future on what more can be done.
Dimity has always been connected to rural communities and found that International Women’s Day Events were commonly held in the city. Since GRO held their first event in our area it has had a snowball effect, with GRO hosting three events this year in Tamworth, Gunnedah and Inverell.
“The positivity, inspiration and collaboration that came from doing these events has spurred it on more, and the outcomes and positive discussions from these events has driven us to continue on” she says.
In a world where women can often be pitted against one another, THRIVE events ask, “How can we encourage others particularly those in minority groups to do better and use their skills?… These events for us are about what we can achieve and who we can collaborate with instead of competing with.”
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’ surrounds all the opportunities innovation provides, such as, the way we do business, and pushing us to think outside the box.
“This concept in itself enables women to continue to develop and grow and have more opportunities in the future,” Dimity said.
Tickets are limited for all the events, and early booking is encouraged.
Tamworth – THRIVE IWD Breakfast
When: Wednesday 8th March – Powerhouse by Rydges
Tickets: $70
Guest Speakers:
- Kate Ivey – owner and founder of Kate Ivey Fitness and the online fitness community, DediKate.
- Kisani Upward – Student and Project Manager of the University of New England’s Medical Research Futures Fund – Bushfires Grant
- Alex Gawthorne – Co Founder of Gilay Estate and Talent Manager
- Charlotte Mortlock – broadcast journalist and founder of Hilma’s Network
Gunnedah – THRIVE IWD Cocktail Event
When: Thursday 9th March – Bitter Sweet Café
Tickets: $70
Guest Speakers
- Jacinta Manion – General Manager of Mannion Drilling and Co-Founder of Ultra Fleet
- Shay Baynton – Founder of EVRYBODY and Gunnedah Nurse
- Penny Crawford – Founder of Crawford Boots, Gunnedah Podiatrist
Inverell – THRIVE IWD Long Lunch
When: Saturday 11th March – Oban Estate
Tickets: $70
Guest Speakers:
- Kate Ivey – NZ Owner & Founder of Kate Ivey Fitness and online fitness community, DediKate.
- Tamara Miller – Gamilaraay Yinnar from Moree, Senior Vice-President of Product Development at Actinogen Medical
- Bec Devlin & Casey Grills – Owners & Founders of Clover & Co, Inverell
Other events in the region include a High Tea at Peterson’s Winery, and an event at the Glen Innes Library. Further events are expected to be announced throughout February.
Top Image: Last year’s Thrive event at the Powerhouse in Tamworth, with NFF President Fiona Simson as guest speaker.
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