Community
6 March, 2026
Celebrating the shire’s women
A STRONG crowd filled the Killara Centre on Wednesday as Corangamite Shire Council marked International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day is a global day aiming to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while calling for greater gender equality.
While the official date is March 8, council hosted a morning tea event with keynote speaker Alison Watkins AM.
Mrs Watkins AM said she was proud to be a part of celebrations.
“I feel very pleased and honoured because we get so much from being a part of this amazing Corangamite community so it’s just lovely to be able to put something back and hopefully make a few remarks which are helpful for everyone here,” she said.
“I hope they’ll find some encouragement to have a go, take a risk, back someone, find someone who will back them and push themselves a little bit hard.
“I hope they will reach out and recognise we can all make a difference in our own way every day.”
Attendees had the opportunity to ask Mrs Watkins questions about her time serving as a member of a variety of boards before the event concluded with a morning tea of sweets and tea and coffee.
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said she was pleased with the turnout for the day, which included a variety of age groups.
“It’s a great day to celebrate what women do in our community – whether it’s being a volunteer on a local board or in business,” she said.
“It’s just great to see these people come together and celebrate what women do together.
“I think everyone took away something a little bit different to their unique situations.
“I took away the fact that finding that work-life balance can be tricky but we can do it, to find the champion in our lives and to be the champion for someone else in the workforce going forward.
“It was great to have Alison here with us and understanding her life and how she got to where she is today.
“Having someone of her calibre living right here in Corangamite and loving Corangamite is amazing.”
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