IWD | Today our College community gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with a powerful College Assembly and Q&A panel exploring this year’s themes: “Balance the Scales” and “Give to Gain.”
Students had the opportunity to hear inspiring insights and perspectives from an incredible panel of guest speakers:
Dr Helen Clunas – Neuroscientist, University of Wollongong lecturer, former Australian Army Major and UN peacekeeper
Bella Leone – i98FM Breakfast Show host and advocate for women’s voices in media
Evie Anastovski – St Mary Star of the Sea College Dux of 2024 and UOW Bachelor of Pre-Medicine student
Sarah Ryan OAM – Three-time Olympian, motivational speaker and advocate for disability inclusion
Kelly McCrohon – Schools & Youth Engagement Officer, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW
Erin Chisholm – Year 12 Legal Studies student and National Schools Constitution Convention 2026 delegate
We were also honoured to welcome Kay Proudlove, Wollongong indie-folk singer-songwriter, who shared a special live performance with our community. A special thank you to the student leaders from Edmund Rice College who joined us and contributed to the important conversations around gender equality, leadership and respect.
The discussion challenged us to think critically about the barriers women still face, the importance of representation, and the role all of us, girls and boys play in creating a more equal future.
Thank you to our panellists, staff and students who made this meaningful event possible. Together we continue to work towards a world where every girl and woman can thrive.
#InternationalWomensDay #BalanceTheScales #GiveToGain #StMarys
