Speakers promising a bold approach

Local women from diverse backgrounds and professions will share their stories at the “Be Bold for Change Conference” in Warragul on Friday, March 3 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The women from across Gippsland will give short and powerful presentations that highlight their determination, community commitment, budding business brilliance, support for social justice, creativity, environmental passion, and work to overcome obstacles, in a bid to inspire others.

The presentations will be in “Pecha Kucha” style, a format developed in Japan that involves speakers talking to 20 images for exactly 20 seconds – so the woman will have just six minutes and forty seconds each to tell their story.

Local women taking part include former Baw Baw Shire mayor and leadership coach Ruth McGowan, Trafalgar-based international author, songwriter and humanitarian Kerryn Vaughan, AGL Loy Yang civil engineer Sally Neenan, Crossover visual artist Kerrie Warren, Trafalgar East personal trainer and wellness coach Bonnie Grylls-Graham, counsellor and mentor Candy Daniels and teacher Janene Williames.

Event organiser and Women In Gippsland community group co-founder Kerry Irwin said the speakers were chosen to represent a wide cross-section of the community.

“Our aim is to bring together a group of diverse and inspiring women to share their stories in a powerful, concise and honest way that empowers others,” said Ms Irwin. “We are really excited about the line-up of speakers we have and can’t wait to hear what they have to say.”

In addition to the Pecha Kucha session, the conference will feature longer-form presentations and networking opportunities, with a keynote address from Oxfam Australia CEO Dr Helen Szoke.

Commbank finance expert Emma McDonald and AllBiz Financial Brokers managing director Kathryn Bordonaro will also run sessions, while Leah Mether from Methmac Communications will deliver a mini-workshop on how to overcome self-doubt.

The day will be topped off by a special performance by Lucy Holmes from 100 per cent Kylie Show.

The Gippsland International Women’s Day Be Bold for Change Conference is being held from 10am to 5pm on Friday, March 3 at the Warragul Railway Station tearooms.

The event is being organised by Women In Gippsland with Baw Baw Shire Council the major sponsor.

Tickets are just $30, including the full-day program, lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and the 100 per cent Kylie Show.

Tickets are on sale www.trybooking.com/OKXI.

For further information about the event, visit the Women in Gippsland Facebook page. now at