IWD2026
Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:30am – 2:30pm AEDT
Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal
SELL OUT EVENT THE LAST 4 YEARS
Women in Business Mornington Peninsula is thrilled to be kicking off another year of celebrating, supporting and inspiring women with our fifth International Women’s Day event.
This annual flagship event gathers our most influential and innovative community women for a few hours to hear visionary speakers, enjoy local food and drink, music, goodie bags, and a fundraising auction that showcases incredible local gifts with proceeds being shared between two local female-focused charities – Women’s Spirit Project and Moonah House – Mornington Peninsula Women’s Shelter.
Our location will be the beautiful Peppers Moonah Links Resort; one of Australia’s premier golf and lifestyle destinations, located on the Mornington Peninsula.
So clear your calendar and lock in your plans for our 2026 IWD event…set aside some precious time to think about what you and we can be doing to elevate those around us and #GiveToGain to speed up the rate of gender parity progress worldwide.
This event sells out and tickets are limited so jump in early to grab your spot. Bring your crew and get a group discount!
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International Women’s Day 2026 | #GiveToGain
For International Women’s Day 2026, we rally under the global theme #GiveToGain – a powerful reminder that progress for women is accelerated through generosity, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive — where difference is valued and celebrated.
The theme Give To Gain centres on a simple but transformative idea: when we give, we all gain. Whether it’s time, resources, knowledge, advocacy, visibility, or support — intentional giving creates opportunity. And when women thrive, communities, businesses, and future generations rise with them.
International Women’s Day has been marked for over a century. Since 1911, it has belonged to everyone who cares about gender equality. While progress has been made, many of the barriers women face – in leadership, business, safety, health, and economic security – still persist. Achieving true gender parity requires collective action, not just from women, but from allies across social, economic, cultural, and political spaces.
#GiveToGain encourages us to shift from scarcity to abundance – recognising that giving is not a subtraction, but an intentional multiplication of impact. When individuals, organisations, and communities contribute generously, the conditions for equality strengthen.
Giving can take many forms:
Calling out stereotypes and challenging discrimination
Sharing skills, mentorship, and knowledge
Investing in women-led initiatives and businesses
Advocating for policy change and fair representation
Supporting organisations doing critical work on the ground
As part of International Women’s Day 2026, we invite our community to consider:
What will you Give to Gain gender equality?
In alignment with the global call to action, our IWD event will once again include a women-focused fundraising element. Through our silent auction and community support, funds raised will go directly to our charity partners – Women’s Spirit Project and Moonah House – Mornington Peninsula Women’s Shelter – supporting vital work for women and girls in our local region.
Together, let’s make International Women’s Day one of the most meaningful giving days of the year.
When we give with purpose, from the heart, we create ripples of change that extend far beyond one day.
Give to Gain. Support the supporters. Advance equality – together.
Take a couple of hours out of your day to be a catalyst for change. Secure your tickets for International Women’s Day now, as we come together to #GiveToGain and shape a brighter, more equitable future.Â
we’re excited to announce
Jillian West
Owner of Nomuckerlener Indigenous Training, Consulting & MentoringÂ
A little about Jillian….
Meet Jill, a proud Palawa woman hailing from the Islands of Bass Strait and a Bunurong woman from Point Nepean, Victoria. Born with a deep connection to her heritage, Jill has dedicated her extensive career to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals in their work, education, and life journeys.
READ MORE
For two decades, Jill, representing Nomuckerlener, has immersed herself in the Indigenous space. Committed to working alongside community organisations, she focuses on developing partnerships and building cultural capacity. Jill’s mission is clear – to amplify the voices of Aboriginal people through mentoring in employment and education, contributing to the goal of closing the gap.
Beyond titles of Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunty, and Grandmother, Jill proudly identifies as a strong Aboriginal woman. Her ultimate desire is to witness the success of her people in employment and education, showcasing the incredible resilience and brilliance within the Aboriginal community, proving that harmoniously living in two worlds is not only achievable but empowering.
Jill’s unwavering passion is deeply rooted in her familial ties. Inspired by her parents, especially her father Japanangka Errol West, an esteemed figure in Aboriginal education known as the “education warrior,” Jill follows in his footsteps. Every day, she feels his presence walking alongside her in the Dreamtime. Quoting from his thesis, Jill emphasises, “I acknowledge the motivation to write is the obligation I have to all my beautiful children.” She carries on his legacy, aiming for her work to enrich the lives of those around her.
As Jill attests, being Aboriginal brings richness, tangible and intangible, in both worlds. Drawing inspiration from her father’s words, she strives to make her contribution a dedication to the prosperity of her people, believing that the most profound journey one can embark upon is the journey of self within culture.
Our
Master of Ceremonies
we’re excited to announce
Candice Taylor
will be our MC
A little about Candice …
Your MC on the day is Candice Taylor—a proud Mornington Peninsula local, businesswoman, and performer. For over 20 years, she has run the award-winning Vogue Entertainment Agency, booking some of Australia’s biggest celebrities and bringing unforgettable events to life across the country.
Candice is also a seasoned singer and actor, having performed on stages nationwide. She often lends her voice as an MC to causes close to her heart, supporting fundraising events for initiatives such as assisting breastfeeding mothers in Papua New Guinea and raising awareness for domestic violence survivors.
Beyond her career, Candice and her husband Jeremy are raising three passionate daughters and is deeply committed to community, resilience, and storytelling. She is thrilled to be part of this special event and looks forward to celebrating the incredible women who inspire change.
Our
Special Guest
we’re excited to announce
Cherie Clonan
Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic
A little about Cherie …
Cherie is a proud Autistic woman, and the Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, a digital marketing agency and education platform built on a simple belief: that you can build high-performing businesses without burning people out.
This simple philosophy has seen Cherie scale her own company into a multi-seven-figure business, but – more importantly than the numbers – it’s seen Cherie and her team win the kind of awards that matter, like;
- “women breaking through glass ceilings” and
- “woman of the year”,
- as well as a plethora of leadership-based awards for Cherie and her team’s achievements within the neuroinclusive workplace design space.
And this same philosophy—often referred to as Kind Genius™—champions kindness, creativity and commercial excellence in equal measure.
With over 17 years in content and digital strategy, Cherie and her team have helped thousands of business owners and marketers grow their brands—from global brands like McDonald’s, Uber, Amazon, PepsiCo, and more… through to family-run ‘mum and dad’ businesses.
Our
SpeakersÂ
we’re excited to announce
Suzanne Murphy
Managing Director, Women’s Spirit ProjectÂ
A little about Suzanne …
Suzanne is a global brand and leadership strategist with more than 25 years’ experience leading high-performing teams across the UK, US and Australia, including serving as Chief Marketing Officer of a $450m international business. Today, as Founder of Exhale Moments and Principal of The Executive Hub Victoria, Suzanne coaches CEOs and senior leaders to build purposeful brands, strong cultures and sustainable growth.
Alongside Suzanne’s corporate and advisory work, she is the Managing Director of Women’s Spirit Project, a not-for-profit supporting women to rebuild confidence, connection and wellbeing through trauma-informed programs. This role brings together both Suzanne’s professional expertise and lived experience — reinforcing her belief that leadership is not just about performance, but about courage, resilience and community.
Suzanne is passionate about supporting women in business, encouraging women to step into their influence with clarity and confidence, whether that’s through executive coaching, leadership roundtables or community impact initiatives..
READ MORE
As a sponsored underwater photographer for Olympus AU, Josie captures the beauty of marine life to inspire conservation and awareness. Her breathtaking imagery not only showcases the wonders of the underwater world but also serves as a powerful tool for education and advocacy.
Josie’s expertise has led to collaborations with leading organisations, including Commisioner for Sustainabilty, Keep Australia Beautiful, government sustainability committees, and environmental NGOs. She has played a pivotal role in reshaping waste management strategies and advocating for low-impact coastal solutions, by proving Mechanical raking was not only ineffective, but is contributing to macroplastics found on our coastlines.
Beyond her environmental work, Josie is a public speaker and educator, inspiring communities to embrace responsible stewardship of their natural surroundings. Whether through citizen science initiatives, policy advocacy, or hands-on conservation projects, her commitment to protecting the ocean remains unwavering.
She currently resides in Rye, Victoria, where she continues to drive change through local governance, grassroots action, and creative problem-solving.
We’re excited to announce
Sophie Panigirakis
Service Development Manager at Women’s Community Shelters
A little about Sophie …
Sophie Panigirakis is the Service Development Manager at Women’s Community Shelters, where she works with local communities, sector, Government and corporate partners to establish crisis accommodation for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.Â
Based on the Mornington Peninsula, she has supported the development of Moonah House, the region’s first dedicated community led crisis shelter. A not-for-profit leader and internationally accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation, Sophie brings values led leadership and strong governance capability to community programs.
She is now working on the establishment of a new community led women’s shelter in Hume, continuing to foster local partnerships and grassroots leadership to address housing insecurity and family violence.
With over eight years’ experience as a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of Bayside Women’s Shelter in NSW, she brings strategic, community driven governance and leadership to strengthening responses to homelessness and domestic and family violence across Victoria.Â
We’re excited to announce
Mick Simmons
Founder and Director of Mental Health Safety Net
A little about Mick …
Mick Simmons is the Founder and Director of Mental Health Safety Net, a Victorian-based charity focused on suicide prevention and early intervention education. Following a significant workplace incident seven years ago, Mick became deeply committed to strengthening mental health awareness and ensuring people have the confidence to act when someone is struggling.
Since establishing the organisation in 2021, he has led the delivery of the nationally recognised safeTALK program to more than 3,500 students, workplaces, and community members. Mick is passionate about building suicide-safer schools, workplaces, and communities through practical education, connection, and courageous conversations.
Our
Musician
we’re excited to announce
Heidi Luckhurst
Feelings of Folk, Rock & Country
A little about Heidi …
Australian singer/songwriter HEIDI has enjoyed 22 years penning her poetry and 10 years writing songs. HEIDI has inherited success with her heart felt melodies and ‘straight out of the horse’s mouth’ lyrics, drawing many humble and down-to-earth lovers of music and story. Every song has its haunting notes, honest lyrics and melisma, combining together to bring an enormous energy and charisma to the stage.
EARLY BIRDS NOW ON SALE | LIMITED NUMBERS
Early Bird Price: $74.95* non-member | $64.95* members
Price: $94.95* non-member | $74.95* members
Bring your Crew | Group Tickets $79.95* (5+ tickets purchased)
(member discount code is pinned in our member private facebook group)
Prices include unlimited drinks (wine, beer, cocktails and soft drink), food, live music, and well-known, groundbreaking female speakers.
All ticket sales are final, your ticket can be transferred or donated but unfortunately, refunds are not available.
* Plus booking fee
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our event sponsors
PLATIMUM SPONSOR
book your ticket
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Date/Time: Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 11:30am – 2:30pm AEDT
Location: Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Fingal VIC
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