Camden International Women’s Day Gala evening has been hailed a success with more than $16,000 raised for Blue Wren House – Camden Women’s Shelter.

The inaugural event saw Council partner with Blue Wren House – Camden Women’s Shelter to celebrate women’s achievements, held at Gledswood Homestead and Winery last week.

Award-winning journalist and keynote, Tracey Spicer, shared her experiences in the media industry, shedding light on how far gender equality has come, and how much further it needs to go.

“International Women's Day is always a powerful opportunity to 'take the temperature' on the movement towards equal rights,” Ms Spicer said.

“But this year, the event has a very special significance. The pandemic has created new challenges, especially for women taking on even more of the unpaid caring responsibilities at home.

“We've achieved great strides in recent decades, and continue to move forward, with the assistance of wonderful male allies, so there's certainly cause for celebration.

“I'm a firm believer that change has to come from the grassroots. Equality begins in the lounge room before the boardroom, one conversation at a time.”

Ms Spicer was joined by panel members including community leader and Australia Day Awards Local Hero 2021, Rosemary Kariuki-Fyfe; Western Sydney-based lawyer and founder of Bankstown Poetry Slam, Sara Mansour and Blue Wren Chair, Scott Taylor at the event.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said the event was a fantastic way to highlight the achievements of so many amazing women in the Camden community.

“Council is committed to supporting everyone in our community and we are very happy to have helped raise much needed funds for Blue Wren House - Camden Women’s Shelter,” Cr Fedeli said.

“It was fantastic to hear from our keynote speaker Tracey Spicer as well as our amazing panel members as we make strides to make changes in the Camden community.

“I thank everyone for attending as well as those who donated to the cause.”

Council would also like to acknowledge the following sponsors of the Gala, including:

• The Greater Narellan Business Chamber – Silver Sponsor;
• McDonalds Camden – Silver Sponsor; and
• Sweet Treats by Rhi – Bronze Sponsor.

Council also celebrated International Women’s Day with a full program of events last week including BreastScreen NSW in Camden, a movie night, free yoga session, free women’s self-defence classes and Free WILMA Women’s How To Relax and Sleep Well online course.