Benalla students inspired at FCJ College International Women’s Day breakfast

Between students, their guests and community members, every table was full.

Former student and guest speaker Professor Claire Hanlon said it was great to see so many girls, women, boys and men at the breakfast.

“This is a real community,” Prof Hanlon said.

“It goes to show how good it is to champion International Women’s Day.

“And it shouldn't just be a day. It should be a week. It should be every day.”

Professor Hanlon said each student bringing a special person along was an important element of the event.

“To have role models and mentors is key to young people achieving their goals,” she said.

“That is who is going to give them that feedback, reassurance and help them build up that resistance.”

Professor Hanlon said that knowing they have support can help a young person deal with knockbacks or hurdles in life.

“Then they can move forward,” she said.

“Everyone needs that. I need it. You need it. For the students to bring and celebrate that supportive person in their lives is so important.”

Speaking just before the breakfast, FCJ College Principal Shaun Mason said getting Professor Hanlon to speak was phenomenal for the school.

“She's really keen to talk about her research and to talk about being a woman in academia,” Mr Mason said.

“She’ll also talk about women and girl’s participation in sport.”

Mr Mason said Professor Hanlon was a fantastic role model for students.

“You can't be what you can't see,” he said.

“We want our young people, especially those students here today, to be able to reach for the stars and see people who have done that over many years.

“To have someone from our school succeeding on the world stage is truly remarkable.”

Mr Mason said that maybe one of the students attending the IWD breakfast will find themselves returning one day to inspire the next generation.