International Women's Day 2026 celebrated
Published on 06 March 2026
Residents of all ages from across the Gannawarra gathered on Thursday, 5 March for the municipality’s annual International Women’s Day celebrations.
More than 80 people attended the breakfast event, held at The Glasshouse, Kerang.
Attendees enjoyed a free breakfast before hearing from the day’s guest speakers - The Fiit Space’s Belinda Batchelor, Murray Mind and Wellness’s Rianna Matuch and 16-year-old student cadet and peacekeeper, Lucy Pilgrim - who shared their stories of leadership, resilience and community impact.
Hosted by Gannawarra Shire Councillor Lisa Farrant, the event encouraged women and girls to be bold and courageous in challenging the systems that continue to impact the lives of women and girls worldwide.
“This was the eighth annual International Women’s Day celebration for Gannawarra, and it was wonderful to see so many people from across our Gannawarra communities come together for such an inclusive and inspiring occasion,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
“International Women’s Day, held globally on 8 March, provides the opportunity for local women and girls to share their experiences of community leadership, business development, professional growth and future aspirations in a safe and supportive environment.
“This year’s theme, Balance the Scales, highlights the urgent need for fair, inclusive, and accessible justice for every woman and girl. Attendees were inspired by the ways Belinda, Rianna and Lucy encourage others to overcome barriers, prioritise self-care, and continue striving towards their goals.”
ABOVE: More than 80 people attended the Gannawarra's International Women's Day Breakfast.
International Women’s Day, first held in 1911, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while calling for accelerated progress towards global gender equality.
Cr Farrant highlighted as part of the event that despite decades of progress, barriers remain entrenched in society that continue to impact on equality for women and girls globally, including:
- One in three women worldwide experience violence, yet fear, stigma, financial dependence and inadequate legal systems prevent women from seeking or receiving justice.
- Women continue to face pay gaps, unequal care-giving responsibilities, and limited access to resources, reducing financial independence and opportunity.
- Despite making up 50 per cent of the population, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, limiting influence over policies and systems that shape their lives.
These barriers are a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.
Council partnered with Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Health, Cohuna District Hospital, Mallee District Aboriginal Service, and Vic Police to make this year’s event possible. The breakfast was supported through a National Centre for Farmer Health ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ grant, funded by Agriculture Victoria under the Victorian Government’s 2025 Drought Support Package.
TOP: International Women's Day Breakfast guest speakers Rianna Matuch (left), Lucy Pilgrim and Belinda Batchelor with Cr Lisa Farrant.