Conference to inspire and empower women
A regional conference to inspire, empower and celebrate Gippsland women will be held at Lardner Park on Wednesday, November 25.
The inaugural Connecting Women Across Gippsland conference also aims to provide an opportunity to form connections and develop leadership skills.
The conference coincides with national White Ribbon Day and will raise awareness of the campaign to end men’s violence against women.
It will feature a day of workshops, presentations and networking opportunities followed by an evening dinner.
Journalist Tracey Spicer is the MC and will give a keynote speech titled “Claiming our Share of the Sandpit”.
Local women from a range of backgrounds and professions will also share their stories of budding business brilliance, determination, community commitment, social justice, creativity and environmental passion throughout the day in short and powerful visual presentations.
Keynote speaker at the dinner event is Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan who will talk about gender inequality in the police force.
She will be followed by comedian, presenter and author Gretel Killeen.
Women In Gippsland co-founder Kerry Irwin said the conference aimed to celebrate and connect women from across the region, as studies show an inherent link between empowering women through social connection and re- ducing the prevalence of violence in the community.
“This conference has been created for women, by women, and is about women. It’s a celebration,” said Ms Irwin. “We want to bring a diverse range of women together to inspire, educate, nourish and empower them, challenge them, build their capacity, provide them with a place to laugh, and create opportunities to form new connections and friendships. It’s for all types of women – whether you’re working, not working; have children or don’t have children; are young or older; well-connected or not connected at all.”
Agencies and community groups from across Gippsland are combining for the first time to stage the conference. They include Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault, Relationships Australia Victoria, Gippsland Women’s Health, Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House Inc, Rural Access Gippsland, Department of Health and Human Services, Gippsland Community Legal Service, Women in Gippsland and Latrobe Women in Business.
“The event is costing more than $150,000 to stage, most of which has been donated through inkind support and corporate sponsorship,” said Ms Irwin. “It’s going to be amazing.”
It is hoped the conference, which will also feature a community market, will sell out its 480 tickets and go on to become an annual event.
Tickets are $150 for the conference and dinner, $100 for the conference only or $70 for the dinner only.
Tickets are available at www.connectingwomenacrossgippsland.com.au.
For further information about the event or being a stallholder, visit the website or Facebook page.