The WIN Entertainment Centre hosted the Illawarra’s annual International Women’s Day Luncheon today.
Over 900 people attended the event aimed at recognising the achievements and contributions of women from all around the Illawarra.
Australian of the Year and sexual abuse survivor Grace Tame was one of the guest speakers at the event.
Miss Tame received a standing ovation for her speech about her experience with sexual abuse and the importance of encouraging survivors of abuse to speak out.
“Any event like this, no matter how small, no matter how big, is equally important because it’s a step in the right direction,” Miss Tame said.
Retired Superintendent for NSW Police Deb Wallace and Australian icon and comedian Effie also took to the stage to talk about what it means to be a woman.
Effie on stage speaking at the Illawarra International Women’s Day Luncheon. Source: Shayla Carl
The event also celebrated the achievements of seven Illawarra women who received scholarships for their efforts, including UOW graduate Ashleigh Hope who was awarded the Dr Margaret Gardiner Scholarship for her career in cancer research and her revolutionary honors project.
“It is so inspiring to hear the stories of some incredible women who have been through some immense challenges,” Miss Hope said.
“It’s really motivating and really uplifting to see so many amazing women in one room.”
Recipient of the Dr Margaret Gardiner Scholarship for Medical Research Ashleigh Hope. Source: Mikayla McGuirk-Scolaro
UOW’s very own incoming Vice-Chancellor Patricia Davidson also attended the event.
UOWTV Journalist Shayla Carl has more in the video below:
Talking to Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace at the International Women’s Day Luncheon.
“You are a policewomen not a policeman so don’t compromise your integrity.” #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/f6VCWGJTMA
— UOWTV (@UOWTV) May 21, 2021
HAPPENING NOW: UOWTV is talking to Australian icon Effie about what it means to be a strong woman in today’s society at the International Women’s Day Luncheon. What a role model! @EffieGoodThanks #internationalwomensday pic.twitter.com/ziPTpSfCqa
— UOWTV (@UOWTV) May 21, 2021
Amazing to talk to Grace Tame (@TamePunk) at the Illawarra International Women’s Day Luncheon. #uowcreative #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/2L7bpLniGF
— UOWTV (@UOWTV) May 21, 2021
The amazing women of @SCARFRefugees and today’s major award recipients at the Illawarra Women’s Day Luncheon. pic.twitter.com/GBEnu8BK5L
— UOWTV (@UOWTV) May 21, 2021
Feature Image Source: Shayla Carl
Reporter: Shayla Carl
Camera and Editing: Mikayla McGuirk-Scolaro