Around the region, many opportunities to celebrate the contributions and lives of women are planned this International Women’s Day.
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International Women’s Day is marked on March 8 annually, and has been celebrated in Australia since 1928.
The United Nations’ theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘March Forward: It’s Time to Turn Promises into Progress’.
Women’s Health Loddon Murray is encouraging people to observe the day and reflect on the theme.
“Unite to dismantle the ongoing barriers to gender equality, particularly for those considered to be more marginalised,” WHLM chief executive Kellie Dunn said.
“The 2025 theme brings the momentum we need as communities to keep learning, amplify the voices and experiences of diverse women, and mobilise actions towards achieving equality for all women and gender diverse people.
“To meaningfully turn promises into progress, we must first acknowledge that past efforts have not been equal. We must ensure that future progress and decision-making includes, and is led by, women from diverse backgrounds and experiences.”
Committee for Echuca Moama
Committee for Echuca Moama is among the local organisations recognising the day, launching its ‘Rural Women Inspiring Rural Women — A Snapshot in Time’ project at an International Women’s Day lunch.
The lunch will be hosted at Moama Bowling Club’s The Venue on Sunday, March 2 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
C4EM’s project celebrates the contributions of 100 inspirational Echuca-Moama women, sharing their stories, influence, leadership and resilience.
The event will be hosted by C4EM chair Catherine Lees and feature a panel discussion led by Fleur Ferris, with guest speakers Penny Silver, Nicole Aquino, Olivia Batchelor, Nina O’Brien and Jamiah Clarke.
“The event will serve as a launch to our new 12-month project, which will pay tribute to 100 inspiring women of Echuca Moama, aiming to celebrate their stories, contributions and influence and serve as a ‘snapshot in time’ of the women who make up our community in 2025,” Dr Lees said.
“Our event on March 2 will include the details on how to nominate a woman to feature in our project, which will culminate in a book profiling 100 women from the district.”
Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for concession, and include a drink, light lunch, lucky door prizes and giveaways.
To purchase a ticket, head to tinyurl.com/4uk8a5we
Murray River Council
Murray River Council is hosting a lunch at Riverside Park in Barham on Friday, March 7.
The event will give women in the community a chance to connect and hear from guest speaker, social media personality and ‘first-time farmer’ Kaitie Nash.
“It will be a fun and relaxed event where attendees can enjoy great company, amazing food and be inspired by stories from our special guest, Kaitie,” Murray River Council acting chief executive Sarah Ryan said.
“It’s also a great opportunity for community members to come together, meet new people and mark the achievements of the remarkable women in our lives.”
Tickets are $40 and include non-alcoholic drinks, and a lunch catered by Koondrook’s Long Paddock Food Store.
Bookings can be made via trybooking.com/events/landing/1348663
Campaspe Shire Council
Campaspe Shire Council is holding an International Women’s Day dinner at Rochester Town Hall on Thursday, March 6.
The panel of speakers includes Campaspe Cohuna LLEN executive officer Jane Reid, The Holistic Care Collective founder and chief executive and nurse practitioner Rebecca East and Njernda Aboriginal Corporation regional Aboriginal development officer Aunty Vicki Walker.
Master of ceremonies will be 2QN and Edge FM Deniliquin and Echuca general manager Angela Parker, while local singer Jessica Lorraine will perform.
Tickets are $39 per person, or $20 for students, and include a meal, welcome drink and the chance to hear from a wonderful panel of speakers.
To secure a spot, head to trybooking.com/events/landing/1348442
Ticket bookings close Friday, February 28.
Customs House Art Gallery
Over eight weeks, Echuca’s Customs House Art Gallery is showing its Inspirational Women exhibition.
The display has been running since Friday, February 7 and will be open until Monday, April 7.
It features paintings and sculptures by local artists to showcase the strengths and achievements of women.
More than 30 works will be available to purchase by 15 artists, with 10 per cent of sales to be donated to a local domestic violence aid charity.
An official opening exhibition launch is set for Saturday, March 8 at 2pm.
Raffle tickets are also available to buy.
Prizes include original artworks and prints from Customs House Art Gallery, and the raffle will be drawn on Friday, April 4.
The gallery is open from 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday, and is located at 2 Leslie St in the Port of Echuca.
Cadet Journalist