Community
7 March, 2025
Hard workers recognised
ACROSS Cairns, events honouring women’s resilience and achievements are taking place this weekend in commemoration of International Women’s Day, including the annual awards, workshops, brunches and more.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Accelerate Action’. The theme invites society to collectively act to end gender disparity. In accordance, many events around Cairns this weekend are focused on shining a spotlight on the hard work of women in the community.
It starts off with the annual International Women’s Day Awards and brunch organised by Cairns Regional Council to honour the women of Cairns who work tirelessly to make our community better and stronger.
The event starts at 11am on Saturday at the Tanks Arts Centre – Tank 5 – this year with a special guest, singer songwriter and mum Sarah Blasko, who will be giving a keynote speech, a special Q&A session with the guests and an intimate performance.
Ms Blasko said she was excited for the opportunity to connect with women in the community.
“My message on this International Women’s Day is to keep nourishing ourselves because often as women we sacrifice our time and energy for others,” she said.
“And if you’re a mother I want to tell you that motherhood has brought with it one of the most creative periods of my life, it’s not over.”
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the awards were an opportunity to give women in our community the recognition they deserve.
“This event is about recognising the incredible contributions of women in our region and inspiring future generations to lead with courage and passion,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to have Sarah Blasko join us for this celebration, bringing her own powerful story to the conversation.”
The awards will celebrate a Women’s Recognition Awards worth $2000, Young Woman of the Year and the coveted Woman of the Year which last year was awarded to Alana McKenna from Skytek for her groundbreaking work in the aviation industry.
Other events include lunches and even a free boxing class for women.
The Cairns Business Women’s Club is running their annual International Women’s Day lunch today as an opportunity for women in business to celebrate the achievements, progress and contributions of women.
The event at The Reef Hotel Casino starts at 11am and will feature a panel of influential women who will share the stories and inspire the guests, plus a delicious meal and drink on arrival.
Salt House, in partnership with COUCH, is running a women’s lunch with bottomless bubbles and funds going to COUCH from 12pm to 2pm on Sunday.
For the ladies that enjoy sport, the Pretty Top Gym on Grafton St is running a free boxing class from 9.45am to commemorate women.
The class is open to all skill levels, bookings are essential at https://bit.ly/4boog8l
