For the past 10 years, Frankston North, Mt Eliza and Frankston Clubs have held a breakfast function with inspirational speakers who told their stories of war and conflict, poverty, professional career challenges, courage, growth in their professions and learning through their mistakes. Our loyal supporters have continued to support the event with an average of 250 guests arriving at 6.50am, eager to hear stories that highlight the impact of leadership, motivation, adequacy of resources, and showcase successful strategies for overcoming obstacles. It is evident that these stories are powerful tools for understanding the complex challenges in workplace development and humane issues.

We are proud of the number of local public and private students who support the event. Over 50 students now attend the breakfast. When students learn about International Women’s Day, they realize how important it is to be brave, determined, and unwavering in their beliefs. Our speakers:

Professor Melanie Bahlo GAICD AM FAHMS is a Theme Leader ‘Healthy Development and Ageing’ – Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Melanie is a research scientist who works on our understanding of the genetic risk factors of neurological and retinal disorders, which aids diagnostics and the development of therapies.

Hayley Cull, Deputy CEO of Plan International Australia, a leading humanitarian organisation focused on child rights and girls’ equality. Hayley has worked internationally with the United Nations and various non-profit organisations, where she has partnered with governments, philanthropists, businesses, researchers, and children to drive change.

Both are remarkable people and spoke very eloquently about their organisations and challenges for the future.

Taylah Corkery, President of McClelland College Interact Club gave an impressive presentation about her experience a member of her Club and encouraged others to think about how to engage and contribute to making the community a better place. We are incredibly fortunate to be living in an era where significant progress has been made towards equality and inclusion for women and girls.

However, there are still some countries where women’s access to civil rights and liberties need reform. There remain excessive levels of poverty and high rates of infant and maternal poverty. There are wars that destroy people’s homes and livelihoods. There is little protection for women and girls threatened by violence. We know that even in Australia there is much to be done to curb the level of domestic violence, poverty and of homelessness.

All families, including immigrants and refugees living in our country need to feel safe, and need our support to cope with loss, separation and/or trauma and the challenges to everyone’ cultural way of life. We all seek a life of dignity, freedom, and security.

We are fortunate to be able to make a small but significant contribution to organisations who are committed to providing services to those most in need. Our profit for this year was $5,000 and it was the Committee’s pleasure to donate these funds to Plan International Australia, a leading humanitarian organisation focused on child rights and girls’ equality, and Fusion, a grass roots organisation supporting youth at risk or experiencing homelessness on the Mornington Peninsula.