AROUND 400 people gathered at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club on Friday 6 March to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across the region at the 2026 Coffs Coast International Women’s Day Breakfast.
Hosted annually by the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour, BPW (Business and Professional Women) Coffs Coast, and the Coffs Coast Business Women’s Network, the event brings together the community to mark International Women’s Day and recognise the leadership, resilience and service of local women.
Following the announcement of the 2026 recipient of the Coffs Coast Woman of the Year Award, Lifeline CEO Angela Martin, there was further acknowledgment of the positive contribution of women in the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen Local Government Areas.
Two exceptional women were named joint runners-up, with judges unable to separate the contributions of Nicola Mackie and Penny Westman.
Nicola Mackie was recognised for her work with the Bellingen Kindness Kitchen, where she helps lead the preparation of 250–400 meals each week for people experiencing food insecurity.
Penny Westman was acknowledged for her extensive volunteer service including her leadership as Chairperson of the Emerald Beach Fair Committee, her work preserving the history of the South Solitary Island Lighthouse through Friends of South Solitary Island Lighthouse (FOSSIL), and her role as a Lifeline Crisis Support Worker. That is in addition to being the Work Health and Safety Advisor for the Department of Education, supporting around 75 schools across the region.
Other finalists recognised for their outstanding contributions were Kymberlei Goodacre and Berry Jones, both highly respected for their work supporting justice, health and community wellbeing in the region.
Organising committee member Cath Fowler said the event was an important opportunity for the community to recognise the many ways women contribute quietly to the strength of the Coffs Coast.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have so many women in our region dedicating their time, skills and passion to making our community stronger,” Mrs Fowler said.
“Their leadership, compassion and commitment create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.”
The breakfast also celebrated the achievements of women pursuing education and leadership opportunities.
Amy Howard was announced as the 2026 recipient of the BPW Coffs Coast Maude Spielvogel Scholarship, while the Wendy Martin Encouragement Award was jointly awarded to Anna Westcott and Abby Bax.
The Southern Cross University International Women’s Day Scholarship was awarded to Adrienne Gooden, a PhD candidate at the National Marine Science Centre.
Keynote speaker Kate Toon delivered an honest and practical presentation exploring the everyday bias women still encounter in professional spaces.
Drawing on her own experiences navigating male-dominated environments, she spoke candidly about the
subtle and overt comments women often face.
Her session encouraged women to swap silence for practical responses, offering simple phrases, strategies and habits to help shift conversations back to merit.
She also highlighted the important role allies can play in creating more balanced and inclusive workplaces.
Funds raised through the event’s raffle will support DV Safe Phones, a charity that collects and refurbishes donated mobile phones and provides them free to people experiencing domestic violence so they can safely access support services.
Organisers said the continued growth of the breakfast reflects the community’s strong support for recognising and celebrating the achievements of women across the Coffs Coast.
By Andrea FERRARI
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