The 26th Coffs Coast International Women's Day Breakfast

Date: Wednesday, 19th March 2025

Time: 6.30am - 8.40am (Networking time available after cessation of formalities)

Venue: Coffs Harbour Racing Club and Function Centre, 62 Howard St, Coffs Harbour

Food: Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet provided by The Spare Chef Catering

NOTE: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

A waitlist is available if any cancellations come up.

Theme: #MarchForward #IWD2025

Thirty years ago, the world committed to a bold vision for gender equality, the United Nations' Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Since then, we’ve seen women break barriers, reshape policies, and ignite global movements. Yet, despite these strides, the promises made remain largely unfulfilled for millions of women worldwide. We are simply not where we should be. It’s time to turn promises into progress.

MC: Blyde Neser

Performance by: Vanessa Hunter

Keynote Speaker: Michelle McFadyen

Michelle knows what it means to step boldly into the unknown, carve new trails, and push beyond the boundaries she and others have set. She’s been the first woman CEO of three Queensland local councils—leading in places where role models were scarce—and she continues to prove that real progress comes from turning lofty promises into tangible results.

Michelle’s journey spans the boardroom and the backcountry. She’s hiked the Kokoda Track six times, stood in awe at Everest Base Camp, faced the heart-pounding challenge of Mt Kilimanjaro, climbed Mt Kinabalu in Borneo, and walked 920 kilometres solo across Spain. She’s also a survivor of a massive Nepalese earthquake, emerging from chaos with resilience, perspective, and an unshakeable belief in what we can achieve once we trust ourselves. For Michelle, the toughest terrain often holds the greatest lessons, whether you’re forging your own leadership path or navigating life’s unexpected tremors.

With over 25 years’ experience in CEO and senior executive roles, Michelle’s insights reach far beyond policy documents and organisational charts. She’s mentored and coached countless emerging women leaders, guiding them to stand taller and speak louder in sectors that have historically kept them on the sidelines.

Her approach marries no-nonsense strategy with compassion, whole-being wellness, and a strengths-based mindset, ensuring her clients - individuals, teams, and entire organisations - don’t just talk about progress, but actually make it happen. A qualified counsellor, trained mediator, and accredited conflict coach, Michelle’s toolbox is packed with practical techniques to help others confidently move forward. Armed with qualifications in business management, leadership, and positive psychology, she brings academic rigour and real-world grit to everything she does. Her signature programs—like Elevate and Beyond Doubt—offer women the boost they need to step up, own their worth, and create their own brand of success.

ALSO

IWD Coffs Coast Woman of the Year Award 2025
Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award
BPW Coffs Coast Scholarship Winners
Southern Cross University IWD Scholarship

Booking Information:

This event sells quickly each year so it is advisable to book early.

Wanting to book a small group or a table of ten? Use the seating plan to choose your seat/s or table during the booking process, and book as many single seats as you need. Note that there are allocated tables reserved for sponsors, official guests, IWD Woman of the Year finalists, and school groups. These will be clearly marked. For general bookings, book a seat at one of the tables marked as "General". If you would like your own group of ten table to be easily identified on the seating plan, simply email your request to iwdcoffscoast@gmail.com

Dietary Requirements:

The hot and cold buffet will cover a variety of needs. If you have booked a table of ten, please advise the organisers of any allergies or specific food requirements that you or the guests on your table may have.

Accessibility:

The Racing Club venue has stairs at its entry point, however there is a lift available. If you have any mobility issues please advise us in the checkout questions.

Photography:

Photographs will be taken throughout the event by Renee Rossi of Mad Love Photography. Please let Renee know if you don't want your image on any of our social media platforms.

Lucky Draw:

We have some amazing Lucky Draw prizes for you:

Escape Room for 6 people from The Big Banana Fun Park
Axe Throwing for 8 people from The Big Banana Fun Park
1 x Family Pass (unlimited access to the Park) from The Big Banana Fun Park
A gift hamper of goodies from Saucy Spice Co
$50 voucher from Spotlight
Flauna (45 minute sauna and 60 minute float) valued at $109 from City Cave Wellness & Float Centre
Maggie Beer Large French Market Basket Gourmet Picnic Hamper from Colourworks Coffs Harbour

Proceeds from Lucky Draw ticket sales will support RISE Coffs Harbour.

A Lucky Draw ticket is included in the purchase of every Adult ticket (optional for Students). Extra Lucky Draw tickets can be purchased via the booking site. Lucky Draw tickets can only be purchased through Humanitix. There will not be Lucky Draw tickets available for purchase on the day.

Thank you to our wonderful event sponsors: