FCJ College’s annual International Women’s Day breakfast is just around the corner, and organisers are hoping for a full house.
The breakfast is open to the public and will be held at FCJs Marie Madeleine Centre on Arundel St in Benalla from 7.15am to 9am on Friday, March 8.
Regular Ensign readers will be aware of the special guest speaker for the event.
Clare Hanlon is a former student whose inspirational story will inspire and show students just how far a young person in Benalla can go.
Ms Hanlon is the Susan Alberti Women in Sport chair and co-chair of the Inclusion and Advisory Group of AusCycling.
She is known for breaking barriers and increasing opportunities for women and girls as leaders and players in sport.
Ms Hanlon said the purpose of her presentation at the breakfast is hopefully to inspire attendees, and not only the girls.
“It’s also women and men who attend the breakfast to talk about how they can build their support networks, grow their mental, social and physical health and have a purpose,” she said.
“Which can help them feel like they belong, have relevance and feel empowered to do what they want to do.”
The global theme of IWD 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.
The IWD website states that:
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.
Ms Hanlon said that the message will inform her of her presentation at the FCJ breakfast.
“Generally, I’ll be talking about life, challenges, how to feel empowered and moving forward.
“Then, specifically, I’ll be talking about my lived experience coming from a rural upbringing on a farm in the Benalla LGA and being an average-grade student.
“To being flown to the United States to be a keynote speaker at a global conference collaborating with Puma Global to encourage girls in sport and being an inaugural director at the Oceania Gymnastics Union. You can be what you can see, and I think that’s a big thing to note, and that’s what I want to inspire as well.”
Tickets for FCJ College’s IWD 2024 breakfast are still available and can be obtained via www.ticketebo.com.au/fcjcollegebenalla/