International Womens Day 2025

Celebrating Women’s Empowerment

 

A Night of Recognition and Hope

We’re excited to share highlights from Saturday’s International Women’s Day Celebration, hosted by Port Stephens Council and the Rotary Club of Salamander Bay. The event, themed with a touch of pink, raised funds for Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group and showcased the strength and resilience of women in our community.

Honouring Our Co-Founder

Our Co-Founder and Live-In Manager, Janine Hanna, was among four incredible local women recognised with the 2025 International Women’s Day scholarships.

Janine’s experience as a specialist oncology and palliative care chaplain has been instrumental in creating a safe and nurturing space for women facing challenging times at Women’s Healing Sanctuary.

Moving Presentations and Mayoral Support

The evening featured touching presentations from the Rotary Club President and daughter, resonating deeply with all attendees. Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson emphasised the significance of these awards, stating, “The scholarships were a testament to the vital contributions of women in the Port Stephens community.”

Congratulations to all the scholarship nominees and the other deserving recipients: Fiona Brown, Melanie Peers and Nina Parett. Thank you to Port Stephens Council and Rotary Club of Salamander Bay for empowering women in business and supporting their goals to enhance the lives of women in the community.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

We were thrilled to support the event’s fundraising efforts for Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group by donating a 2-night stay at Women’s Healing Sanctuary, valued at $500, aligning with our ongoing commitment to supporting women in our community.

Exciting News: Grief Workshops Coming in 2025

Janine’s scholarship will fund grief workshops at Women’s Healing Sanctuary led by a certified counsellor and grief educator.

These workshops will:

  • Provide professional guidance for women experiencing loss, trauma, and bereavement
  • Make expert support more accessible by subsidising attendance costs
  • Expand our impact in helping women heal and rebuild their lives after loss

The scholarships align with the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, emphasising the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.

Looking Ahead

We’re incredibly proud of Janine and grateful for this opportunity to further our mission of supporting women’s emotional well-being and fostering resilience.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Women’s Healing Sanctuary.

Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of women every day.

 

Event photography thanks to Henk Tobbe. Click here to view the full International Women’s Day event album

 

 

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