International Women’s Day Dinner 2026

International Women’s Day is a powerful occasion to champion gender equality and advocate for the full participation of women in all aspects of life – economically, politically, and socially. Join us for an inspiring International Women’s Day Dinner, where thought-provoking conversation meets meaningful connection.

We invite you to bring a woman who has inspired, supported or shaped your journey.

Date: Thursday 12 March 2026
Time: 6.00–8.30pm
Location: Carey Baptist Grammar School
Price: Adult: $60 / Student: $45 (including a two-course buffet dinner and non-alcoholic drinks)
Dress code: semi-formal

All members of the Carey Community are welcome to attend.
There is no need to pre-arrange your table for this event. Buy your ticket and come along, the dining tables are set up for you to sit amongst your friends in any year level.

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This special evening will feature a special keynote with powerful mother and daughter duo sharing their leadership journeys across generations. We are excited to announce:

Melinda Crole (1986) - CEO Junior Adventures Group

After graduating from Carey in 1986, Melinda's career has spanned management, governance and operations roles in early and vocational education, community and the youth sectors. With 30+ years’ experience in the Not for profit and for purpose sectors. Melinda previously served as the National CEO of YMCA in Australia which enabled her to undertake youth and community services work nationally and internationally. Since 2021 Melinda has held the role of Australian CEO of Junior Adventures Group, a provider of out of school hours services to over 400 sites and 50,000 children in Australia, with a growing footprint in the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. Melinda is also dedicated to volunteering her time and is currently the Chair of AUSTSWIM (an industry leading provider of training for teachers of swimming and water safety) and is on the board of Edmund Rice Education Victorian Schools limited.

Melinda is most proud of her three daughters, Amanda, Emily and Samantha (all graduates of Carey) and is looking forward to her four granddaughters being Carey students and alumni in the future.

Amanda Rayner (2008) - Principal Lawyer, Department of Education

Amanda attended Carey from 2003-2008, and since graduating has built a career in commercial and government law spanning both private practice and the Victorian public sector. She is currently a Principal Lawyer and Manager leading a team of lawyers that provides advice to all Victorian government schools, early learning centres and the Department of Education on a broad range of commercial law matters.

Beyond her legal career, Amanda is mum to two young girls, and remains a keen runner since leaving school but in a much more social capacity these days. 

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We will also hear from:

Kellie Lyneham - Deputy Principal – Quality and Innovation

Kellie joined Carey in 2021 as Head of Senior School and in the last four years has initiated improvement measures in the Senior School and, more recently, in school strategy as Head of Senior School Transformation. Kellie will lead a whole-school focus on teaching excellence, risk and compliance, signature student celebration events and immersive experiences.

Bonnie - 2026 School Captain

Bonnie is a current Year 12 student and one of Carey's School Captains this year. We are excited to welcome her as the Master of Ceremonies for this event.

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This year we are excited to be supporting Dress for Success, an organisation helping underemployed women achieve economic independence by providing them with work-appropriate outfits and accessories to attend interviews and the workplace. Please support our clothing drive by bringing along gently used, nearly-new professional attire.

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International Women’s Day Dinner – FAQ

Who can I bring?
You can bring anyone who inspires you – a mother, grandmother, daughter, aunty, friend, or relative.

Can males attend?
Yes! We encourage male members of our community to attend and join in celebrating the women who inspire us.

Is there an age limit?
As this is a seated event with a keynote and formalities, we encourage guests over the age of 12 to attend.

I have dietary restrictions – what should I do?
Please let us know when you register, and we will ensure your needs are catered for.

Will alcohol be served?
No. This is an all-ages event, so no alcohol will be served. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

What is the dress code?
The dress code is semi-formal – a little dressier than casual, but please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Parking
Plenty of parking is available on campus. We recommend entering via Barkers Road or Daniell Place.

What is the last day to register?
Please book your tickets by Sunday 8 March.

What is the International Women's Day Theme?
"Balance the Scales is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. Yet in 2026, too many across Australia and the world are still denied that fair go. Discriminatory laws, policies, and practices persist. Gender-based violence remains widespread, and structural barriers block too many from seeking or receiving justice.

These barriers are not inevitable. They are built – and they can be dismantled.

Equality is not about advantage for some; it's about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.

When women and girls stand equal, families are stronger, workplaces are fairer, communities thrive, and society becomes safer for everyone.

This International Women’s Day let's Balance the Scales together."

Please contact Community Engagement (communityengagement@carey.com.au) if you have any questions.

Please note that photographs and footage may be taken at this event. These will be used by the school for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website and in social media or in any third party publication. If you do not wish to be filmed, please let a staff member know.