February 25th, 2025Paralympian to address Hepburn’s International Women’s Day event

The Hepburn Shire Council is preparing to celebrate International Women’s Day at a free community event on Wednesday March 5, featuring a keynote address by Australian Paralympian Shae Graham.

The event taking place from 6pm in the Trentham Mechanics centre, will also feature new inductions onto the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll and will mark the 20th anniversary of the Honour Roll.  

The keynote address will come from Australian Paralympian Shae Graham who was a passionate sportsperson throughout her teens when at age 18 she sustained a severe spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident and was told she would not walk again.

Instead Shae went on to become the first female to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby (a mixed gender sport) at the Paralympics in 2021. Her story is one of resilience and a passion to pave the way for women in male-dominated sports. 

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, said that the event would be a welcoming space for all to unite in support of equality and empowerment for women and girls.  

“This year’s event will reflect on the theme ‘For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ and will honour the remarkable achievements of local women,” Cr Henderson said.

“This is an opportunity to recognise women and their achievements, and the vital role women play in shaping our community.”

The event program will also feature presentations from the next generation of changemakers from Daylesford College. 

Attendance is free, but bookings are required. Free tickets can be booked online or by visiting any of the council’s community hubs. Return coach transport from Creswick and Daylesford will be provided if needed.

Seating must be pre-booked and the council is encouraging those needing transport to book early. A light supper will be served following the event. 

More details are available through the Hepburn Shire Council website.

Words: Eve Lamb. Image: Supplied