Youth-focused IWD Breakfast to debut in Glenelg

A youth-led event dedicated to celebrating and showcasing women – from the organisers to the catering team, musicians and barista – will mark International Women’s Day in Glenelg for the first time.

The Rise & Lead: Youth International Women’s Day Breakfast will be held on the back lawns of Patridge House on Thursday 5 March, from 8am to 10.30am.

The idea for a youth-focused event was sparked by a group of four young local women who were supported by the City of Holdfast Bay to attend last year’s Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast.

While they found the experience inspiring and valued the celebration of women’s achievements, they recognised a gap in programming specifically aimed at young women – an opportunity they were eager to explore.

In response, the group has volunteered to create their own youth-led, youth-focused International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration, supported by the City of Holdfast Bay.

Rise & Lead committee member Amrita Sandhu, a graduate of Brighton Secondary School, said being involved in the event has been really meaningful.

“Being part of creating the Youth International Women’s Day event with this incredible group of young women has meant so much to me,” Amrita said.

“It’s about creating a space where everyone feels truly seen, supported and celebrated. I hope each person who attends leaves feeling inspired to rise, confident to lead, and empowered to elevate themselves and those around them.”

Also on the Rise & Lead committee are Haera Guarino, Hayley Walladge and Thea Economos.

ALL-FEMALE PANEL AND SPEED MENTORING SESSIONS

Eventgoers will enjoy a grazing table breakfast by Basics To Brilliance and live acoustic music from duo Junelee before hearing from an all-female panel of trailblazers and taking part in speed mentoring sessions. Coffee will also be available for purchase from on-site van Golden Years Co.

The panel discussion will be emceed by Fiona Goodsite, co-founder and CEO of Tutbob, an award-winning AI-powered tutoring platform. Guest presenters and mentors will include 2024 Young Citizen of the Year Alexandra Seal; Sarah Smelt, director of local business Finance Society; Jemma Lee, founder and director of creative collective No Idea Agency; and local women’s health dietitian Emma Krieg.

The uplifting morning is designed for women aged 17 to 25, particularly those who live, work, study or socialise in the City of Holdfast Bay.

Rise & Lead committee member Hayley Walladge, currently in Year 12, said the event will focus on fostering connection and community.

“I am so honoured to have had this opportunity to work with some wonderful people to create an amazing community event for young women,” Hayley said.

“It was important to me to participate so we could help young people find an event where they are uplifted and represented. I’m so proud of everything our team has done and I’m so excited to celebrate the achievements of the women participating on the day.”

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and a call to action to accelerate gender equality.

The 2026 theme, Balance the Scales, highlights a commitment to ensuring every woman and girl, regardless of their background or identity, is safe, heard and free to shape her own future.

Tickets to the Partridge House event are $20 each, including breakfast.