Local organisation, Big Yellow Umbrella, has been selected as Camden Council's International Women's Day Gala's main beneficiary.
Big Yellow Umbrella, based in Narellan, provides services, programs and activities to meet the needs of all sectors of the local community. The organisation is committed to strengthening and enriching the community by connecting people with local services, community activities and each other.
Big Yellow Umbrella has indicated the funds will go towards providing local women with volunteering opportunities, accredited work placements through Registered Training Organisation (RTO) partnerships and connections to pathways that build confidence, independence, and long term opportunity.
Big Yellow Umbrella CEO, Kim Landouw, said she was proud to partner with Council to celebrate International Women's Day and recognise the achievements, leadership and strength of local women.
"At Big Yellow Umbrella, supporting and empowering women is at the heart of everything we do," she said.
"This commitment begins within our own organisation, where women are encouraged to pursue further study, training, and employment opportunities to achieve their professional goals. Our organisation is led by a passionate female manager and supported by a governance board comprised of 80 per cent women, demonstrating strong female leadership and representation.
"Our work is grounded in the principles of self-determination and self-worth, empowering women to recognise their value and importance at every stage of life. A key focus of the program [receiving funding from this event] is the delivery of practical, hands-on workshops that equip women with skills for everyday life and future employment. By providing accessible and empowering learning opportunities, the program actively contributes to raising awareness of gender equality and reducing barriers to participation."
The organisation was selected as part of Council's expression of interest process, which invited local charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply to receive the funds raised from ticket sales of the event.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, said the local organisation did incredible work for the community.
"Big Yellow Umbrella provide services, programs and activities and work closely with women focused services to focus on empowerment, self-development, opportunity and building skills," Cr Fedeli said.
"Their work makes an incredible and tangible difference to women and all people in our community. I'm incredibly happy to be supporting them and to see the funds go back into helping our community."
The sixth annual Camden Council's International Women's Day Gala will be held on Thursday 5 March, 5.30-9pm, at Camden Civic Centre. The event will celebrate local women's achievements, raise awareness of women's equality and contribute to the gender parity journey.
While tickets have now sold out, there's plenty of exciting news and updates to enjoy - with even more coming soon. You can also join the waitlist if you'd still like the chance to attend. For all this and more, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/whats-on/major-events/international-womens-day-gala/
