International Women's Day: The Power of Partnerships

Event Overview
Theme: The Power of Partnerships: Driving Change in Domestic Violence Prevention

At Philanthropy Australia and Sydney Women’s Fund, we understand the challenges facing women and families in Sydney and the critical role partnerships play in driving change. This International Women’s Day, we invite you to a special event showcasing how collaboration has made a tangible difference in tackling domestic violence. We’re proud to present a diverse panel featuring leaders from foundations and charities, along with a powerful personal story from a campaign beneficiary, illustrating the life-changing effects of collective support.

When

Friday, 14 March 2024
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm AEDT

Location

Blue Gum Hall, Yirranma Place
262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010

RSVP

Please RSVP below by 5 March to secure your spot.

Audience

This event is open to individuals and organisations funding (or interested in funding) the areas of women and girls. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at membership@philanthropy.org.au.

Moderator 

Lucinda Brogden AM
Founder and Patron of Sydney Women’s Fund
Lucinda has over 30 years' experience with Macquarie Group and Ernst & Young, advising leading CEOs, Managing Partners, Ministers, and Chairs. She is committed to addressing issues affecting women, girls, and mental health and well-being, using an evidence-based approach to problem-solving and social investment.

Panelists

Katy Tyrrell
Executive Officer, Wilson Foundation
Katy oversees the operational management, research, and partnerships of the Wilson Foundation. She brings a wealth of experience in grantmaking, having worked with organisations such as the National Justice Project, Balnaves Foundation, Philanthropy Australia, and Artsupport Australia. Her expertise spans medical research, mental health, arts, education, and Indigenous Australians.

Melissa Abu-Gazaleh
Founder and Managing Director of Top Blokes Foundation

Melissa founded the Top Blokes Foundation at 19 to address challenges facing young Australian males. Today, the foundation supports over 4,000 young males aged 10-24 years through long term mentoring programs that build their empathy, resilience and skills to form healthier relationships. Under her leadership, the organisation has earned national recognition, including awards such as Charity of the Year (2022) and EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2017).

Renuka Fernando
Co-founder of ReLove

Renuka is Co-Founder of ReLove, a charity which addresses a social problem with an environmental solution. ReLove supports women and children escaping domestic violence, youth at risk and people experiencing homelessness or coming out of incarceration, by providing them with great quality pre-loved and excess furniture and household items otherwise destined for landfill.

Nadine Taylor
Founder and CEO of Hope + Heal 
Nadine, a Clinical Nurse with 30 years of experience, founded Hope + Heal to empower women recovering from domestic violence and trauma. A certified Mental Health First Aider and meditation facilitator, Nadine combines her medical expertise with lived experience to guide healing and recovery. As a survivor and advocate, her work includes public speaking, policy reform, and trauma-responsive care.

Special Inclusion

We’re honoured to feature a powerful firsthand story from a participant of Hope + Heal, sharing how collective support, access to trauma-informed care, and community-driven initiatives have transformed their life and empowered their recovery.