Award-winning musician, actor, author, and broadcaster Clare Bowditch will headline Baw Baw Shire Council and Women in Gippsland's International Women's Day event in Warragul on Thursday 9 March.
A prolific singer-songwriter, Clare has toured extensively with diverse artists such as Powderfinger, Leonard Cohen, and Paul Kelly; won an ARIA for best female artist; written a best-selling memoir; received a Logie nomination for her role in hit TV series Offspring; hosted 'Afternoons' on ABC Melbourne; trained as a life-coach; and launched Big Hearted Business, a movement to teach creative people about business, and business people about creativity.
Using stories from her own struggles and triumphs, Clare will talk about 'counting yourself in,' developing your own inner-champion, and living a life of purpose and joy.
Clare will be supported by a panel of inspiring local women who will share how they have counted themselves in.
The event will begin in the West Gippsland Arts Centre forecourt from 5pm, with music, market stalls, food trucks and entertainment, before moving into the theatre for the main event from 7pm.
Tickets are currently on sale at $39 for general admission and $20 for students and concession card holders. All proceeds will go to not-for-profit Women in Gippsland to support its advocacy and event work.
It is the fourth year Council and Women in Gippsland have partnered to deliver an International Women's Day event, with previous speakers including Jamila Rizvi, Sarah Davidson, and Em Rusciano.
Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe
"Vast reams of research show that women are far more likely to step aside or defer to men - to not apply for that job, to not speak up in the meeting, to be overlooked for promotion, or to abandon creative or athletic pursuits at a greater rate.
"I'd like to encourage all women to make 2023 the year they count themselves in; whatever that may look like for them.
"Council is making progress in the advancement of gender equity, but there is still much to do. I am proud that in 2024, Baw Baw Shire will host the Australian Local Government Women's Association conference for the first time, bringing together female Councillors and women in community leadership to celebrate successes, plan for the future and encourage women to count themselves in and consider running for Council."
Quote attributable to Cr Jazmin Tauru
"In August, Council reaffirmed its position as a signatory to the Victorian Local Government Association's Women's Charter and appointed me as Charter Champion. I'm proud to count myself in as a champion for women and an advocate for equality.
"International Women's Day is always an inspiring event and I know I feel energised after hearing the stories and experiences of women. I encourage everyone to buy a ticket and support gender equity in Gippsland.
Quote attributable to Cr Tricia Jones
"International Women's Day celebrates women and girls while highlighting the progress still required to achieve gender equity.
"I am looking forward to a fun night of networking, inspiration and connection."
Quote attributable to Women in Gippsland co-founder Kerry Wilson
"As women in Australia, we get paid less, do the lion's share of unpaid labour, and modify our behaviour to feel safer every day. Inequality is everywhere and it can feel overwhelming when there's still so much work to be done to change it.
That's why recognising and celebrating International Women's Day is still so important. While we can't change inequality in one night, what we can do is carve out space for care, joy and self-championing. Join us for a night of love, laughter, oversharing and possibly tears as we bring you another incredible, not to be missed event with our partners Baw Baw Shire."
