Surf Coast Shire Council invites you to join us for a FREE community event and afternoon tea celebrating International Women's Day from 1pm - 3pm Wednesday 4th March at The MAC Multi Arts Centre in Torquay.

This International Women’s Day, Surf Coast Shire is delighted to welcome you to 'A Wisdom of Age: In conversation with Jacinta Parsons'. Jacinta is an Australian broadcaster, writer and public speaker, and is widely recognised for her work with ABC Radio, where she has hosted programs including The Friday Revue and Saturday Mornings, and previously Afternoons on ABC Radio Melbourne. She began her broadcasting career at community radio station Triple R, hosting a range of programs before moving to the ABC.

Alongside her broadcasting career, Jacinta is a passionate advocate for people living with chronic illness. Having lived with Crohn’s disease for over two decades, she is an ambassador for Crohn’s and regularly speaks and writes about the lived experience and impacts of chronic illness.

Her most recent book, A Wisdom of Age, explores ageing through the voices of older women and challenges common narratives that frame growing older as something to fear or conceal. Drawing on conversations with women from across Australia, the book celebrates those redefining ageing with courage, confidence, insight and joy. Through this inspiring and thoughtful work, Jacinta continues to challenge ageism and champion the rich wisdom and lived experience of older women.

A Wisdom of Age will be available for purchase on the day. Alternatively, if you already have a copy, you are welcome to bring it along for Jacinta to sign.

Following the presentation, you are invited to join a shared afternoon tea at Hoop Gallery and explore their latest exhibition at your leisure.

This event is inclusive to all across the community, we invite women, men and gender diverse people of all ages to join us as we celebrate International Women's Day 2026.

The venue is accessible for wheelchairs, hearing loops and noise cancelling headphones are also available upon request.

If you have any access or support needs to participate fully, please let us know when you RSVP.

If you require any assistance registering for this event, please contact Council staff on 5261 0600 or drop into Customer Service located at 1 Merijig Drive, Torquay.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and adheres to all Child Safe Standards.

Contact the host of A Wisdom of Age: In conversation with Jacinta Parsons