Campaspe Shire Council is proud to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) 2026 with a diverse two‑week program designed to empower community members through learning, connection, and new experiences. This year's global theme, "Give to Gain," underpins the program-encouraging community members to build confidence, skills, and community through participation.
Running from 2-13 March 2026, the program features a mix of active, creative, cultural and educational experiences happening across Campaspe Shire. The activities will be open to everyone, celebrating the rich diversity of cultures, identities and communities across Campaspe Shire, and honouring the strength and contribution of all people in building an inclusive and connected shire.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell is encouraging community members to embrace not only International Women's Day on 8 March, but the shire's whole two-week program of International Women's Day celebrations.
"Our community thrives when everyone feels welcome to learn, share, and grow," Cr Mackrell said.
"Over these two weeks of International Women's Day celebrations, I encourage people of all genders to get together, explore new activities, and celebrate the strength, creativity, and potential that exists within all of us."
The program will be bookended by two flagship events led by local organisations:
- C4EM Gain to Give event at Rich River Golf Club on Sunday, 1 March; and
- EmpowHER Connecting Women event in Kyabram on Friday, 13 March.
Throughout the two weeks, participants can also take part in a wide range of free activities designed to spark creativity, improve wellbeing, and support the learning of new skills, including:
- Body Balance: Strength, Flexibility and Calm classes in Kyabram and Rochester, delivered by the Campaspe Aquatics team;
- Personal Safety & Self‑Defence class in Echuca delivered at Wickhams Martial Arts;
- Barista Skills for Workforce Readiness training delivered in Rochester and Rushworth;
- Abstract Reflections: A Journey Within Art Class, held at Nanneella Town Hall;
- Ngala Yapaneyepuk 'We Make Together' Cultural Craft workshop in Echuca facilitated by Neva Atkinson;
- Hidden Heroines: Researching the Women in your Family Tree, offered in Echuca, Rochester, and Kyabram, delivered by Campaspe Libraries; and
- River Currents: String Quartet by the Murray - two one-hour concerts by Cedar Collective String Quartet in Echuca as part of the Wonderland on the Murray program.
The 2026 program has been designed so that community members-regardless of gender-feel welcome to participate, learn and connect. The focus on "Give to Gain" aims to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones, try new activities and build connections.
The list of events scheduled for International Women's Day celebrations can be found on Council's website at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/nowopen including the booking links. All events are free, but bookings are essential as numbers are limited for most events.
