International Women's Day 2024 First Nations Breakfast and Panel

This International Women's Day, we invite you to join us for an event that celebrates and amplifies the voices of First Nations women.

As part of the oldest continuous culture in the world, First Nations women have been at the forefront of change for tens of thousands of years. Their wisdom, resilience and leadership have played a crucial role in shaping our nation. In light of recent setbacks, their contribution is now more important than ever.

Reflecting on the International Women’s Day theme: "Count Her In," we acknowledge the significant progress made both domestically and internationally. However, women still encounter substantial obstacles in achieving equal participation in the economy.

Join us for this unmissable sit-down breakfast and panel discussion on Friday, March 8, starting at 7:00 am. The event will take place at the Four Seasons on beautiful Gadigal Country.

See our incredible lineup of speakers below, featuring prominent First Nations voices. They will share their stories, experiences and insights, as we move the conversation around advancing equality and fostering understanding forward. 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an important discussion. Secure your spot today.

This event is made possible with the support of our Major Partner, Witchery, who is partnering with us for the fourth time on this flagship FW event.

Artwork by proud Samsep woman, @alyshamenzel

Date: Friday, 8 March, 2024

Time: 7:00 - 9:00am

Venue: Four Seasons Sydney, 199 George St, The Rocks | Gadigal Country 



Tickets: $150 for individuals and $1,500 for tables of 10 (inc. GST and excluding booking fee), includes breakfast. Tickets also include a Future Women Red yearly membership (value $49).

HOST

GABRIELLE EBSWORTH

Gabrielle Ebsworth is a proud Wangkumara and Barkindji woman from Narromine, New South Wales. Gabrielle now lives and works in Naarm (Melbourne) on the lands of the Wurundjeri Peoples of the Kulin Nations. She is a proud Australian Indigenous Education Foundation alumna.
Gabrielle's works in Indigenous health, policy and education and is a strong public healthcare advocate for emergency medicine, stroke care and culturally safe education. She is passionate about bringing her culture and lived experience to work to transform healthcare systems to be culturally safe and responsive places for Aboriginal peoples and their families

PANEL

TANYA HOSCH

Tanya Hosch, the Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy at the Australian Football League, is a distinguished leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, advocacy and governance. In 2021, she was honoured as the South Australian Australian of the Year and the 6th most influential Australian cultural figure by the Australian Financial Review.

Since 2016, as the first Indigenous person and second woman in the AFL's Executive ranks, Hosch oversees portfolios including Indigenous issues, Gender Equality, Sexuality and Gender Diversity, racism, and sexism. She plays a pivotal role in implementing the AFL’s enhanced Indigenous strategy, advising the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council, and shaping key policies. 

MUNDANARA BAYLES

Mundanara Bayles, a proud advocate for Indigenous communities, embodies a rich heritage from the Wonnarua, Bunjalung, Birri-Gubba, and Gungalu peoples. Raised amidst activism in Redfern NSW, she transitioned to her father's land in the 90s, fuelled by her family's legacy in the Aboriginal movement. With over 20 years of diverse experience across NSW and QLD, including roles at QUT and the Salvation Army, Bayles champions Indigenous empowerment.

Honoured as Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year in 2023, she hosts the groundbreaking podcast "Black Magic Woman" and holds esteemed positions internationally. Currently pursuing a Masters in Indigenous Business Leadership, Bayles co-founded BlackCard Pty Ltd, fostering cultural understanding and empowerment within organisations.

RACHAEL SARRA

Rachael Sarra’s vibrant creative practice embodies her experience as a proud mixed race, First Nations woman from Goreng Goreng Country. Driven by a belief that art and design are vital to communication, connection and culture, Sarra invites us to see the world through her eyes with bold colours and dynamic contours. Her distinct contemporary style is resonating around the world, and challenging societal perceptions of Aboriginal art and identity.

Sarra is a change-maker, redesigning how First Nations businesswomen navigate success while anchoring their business in culture. Building a business bigger than herself, she is committed to significant charitable donations and pro-bono work that has a tangible impact back into the community.

JARIN BAIGENT

Jarin Baigent is a Wiradjuri woman, dedicated consultant and the visionary founder of the Indigenous retail collective, Trading Blak. She owns the renowned activewear brand, Jarin Street, celebrated for its beautiful, functional designs showcasing indigenous artists. In 2020, she pioneered the first Aboriginal-owned fashion store in a Westfield center, Jarin Street x Trading Blak.

With 13 years as a police officer, Baigent uniquely understands systemic issues in Aboriginal communities within the criminal justice system. Currently, as of 2023, Baigent serves as the CEO of Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care, delivering culturally safe, high-quality care to elders in inner-Sydney. A devoted mother of three, Baigent passionately pursues grassroots, community-led and self-determined pathways, impacting diverse areas within her Aboriginal community.

ALICIA VEASEY

Dr. Alicia Veasey is a proud Torres Strait Islander, obstetrician and gynaecologist specialising in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she's committed to fighting against unfair treatment and racism in healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Apart from her medical work, she plays a crucial role in advocating for cultural safety and improving the health system in Queensland. Recognised internationally, she's a Global Atlantic Fellow focusing on social equity. A mom of three, Dr. Veasey lives on Bundjalung Country and is an amateur surfer.

TIMING

Doors will open for guest arrivals and drinks service from 7:00am

Breakfast will be served from 7:30am

Event formalities will commence at 8:00am

Event concludes 9:00am

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Dietaries must be included in the event booking notes. Unfortunately the venue will not be able to accommodate any last minute requests from 48 hours prior or on the day of the event.

Photos will be taken at the event. If you do not agree to your photo being used by Future Women in promotional material covering the event, please email hello@futurewomen.com

Exclusive 20% Future Women member discounts apply. Become a Future Women member today to receive your discount code and a years worth of membership benefits! 

Discount available for First Nations individuals and businesses. Please contact hello@futurewomen.com for more information.

10% of ticket sales will be donated to Future Women's charity partner Australian Indigenous Education Fund (AIEF)

With thanks to our Presenting Partner Witchery 

Our Partner Westpac

And our Supporting Partners Blakcast, Winya & Nine 

Future Women acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this event will take place, the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.