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Together, women rise

It was a massive turnout for the We Rise International Women's Day Mitchell Shire event. Photo by Billie Davern

“I never thought that existed, to be honest, that women can support women,” Sabine (Tia) Vine said.

Last year, Tia’s life was changed when she attended an International Women’s Day event in Melbourne held by We Rise Networking, a company founded by Sherelle Packer and Steph Bell-Dunkley which connects and empowers like-minded business women.

In April of 2024, Tia decided to bring We Rise to the Mitchell Shire and, within a month, grew the Facebook group to over 200 members.

Leanne Tymms, Sabine (Tia) Vine, Stephanie Notley and Sherelle Packer worked alongside the community to put on a fantastic event. Photo by Billie Davern

On Saturday, March 8, one year after Tia attended the We Rise event that inspired her, the Mitchell Shire We Rise group celebrated themselves, celebrated empowerment and celebrated women across the globe at Kilmore Trackside.

The masquerade-themed International Women’s Day event saw women from the Mitchell Shire forming connections and revelling in what it means to be a woman.

Alongside a delicious two-course meal, attendees were touched by the heartfelt speeches of Leanne Tymms, director of award-winning Easy Reach Scaffolding, and Stephanie Notley, nutritionist, mindset coach and advocate for empowered, fruitful living.

Guest speakers Leanne Tymms and Stephanie Notley shared their personal stories to empower attendees. Photo by Billie Davern

“Rock up to life’s buffet, pull your ‘big girl’ panties up and eat your darn heart out,” Stephanie said.

“My message is, that no matter how dark the day, and no matter how dark the night, there is always a brighter day ahead,” Leanne said.

Megan Kundu and Stephanie Notley shared big smiles all night. Photo by Billie Davern

Raffle prizes, donated generously from local businesses, were also on offer.

The proceeds of which went towards Broadford Love In Action, a community group of locals who are committed to helping underprivileged families.

Barbara Radford from Love in Action Broadford was touched to receive the support of We Rise Mitchell Shire. Photo by Billie Davern

Attendees walked away with not just a goodie bag and a delicious ‘We Rise’ cookie, but took with them a sense of liberation and connection.

“Today, we’re honouring extraordinary strength, resilience and achievements of women everywhere,” Sherelle said.

Co-founder of We Rise Networking Sherelle Packer was grateful to the women of Mitchell Shire for contributing to the night's success. Photo by Billie Davern

“Our mission at We Rise is to empower visionary women as multi-passionate entrepreneurs through networking.

“An empowered and connected woman naturally grows and it’s our joy to create these events where women can dance with their own magic, grit and dreams, and share it with one another.”

Sherelle Packer and Sabine (Tia) Vine thanked attendees for all of their support. Photo by Billie Davern

The We Rise Mitchell Shire group meets monthly to bring together like-minded women in the community.

To stay up to date on these meetings and other future events, join the Mitchell Shire - We Rise Networking Facebook group.

Lisa Walker congratulated Leanne Tymms on her touching speech. Photo by Billie Davern
Elizabeth McCormick, Lisa Walker, Leanne Difalco, Gedda Van Der Tak and Nicole Wilson from the Rotary Club of Southern Mitchell. Photo by Billie Davern
Stephanie Notley engaged the audience with her comedic, yet heartfelt, speech. Photo by Billie Davern
Ivana Decarolis and Sabine (Tia) Vine in their colourful costumes. Photo by Billie Davern
Sabine (Tia) Vine addressed the community she built. Photo by Billie Davern
Mum Viv Phelan was there in support of daughter Stephanie Notley. Photo by Billie Davern
Donna Notley, Jodie Perkins and Viv Phelan stunned in their masquerade gear. Photo by Billie Davern
Lots of pics were snapped to remember the event. Photo by Billie Davern
Trisha Bourne and Sharon Swan in mask and crown. Photo by Billie Davern
Maria Rountree and Cate Parsons wore their mascquerade gear all night. Photo by Billie Davern
Speeches on the night were well-received by attendees. Photo by Billie Davern
Leanne Tymms wore a big crown. Photo by Billie Davern
Ivana Decarolis, Colleen Packer and Ingrid Montano. Photo by Billie Davern
Barbara Radford addressed attendees, informing them on all that Love In Action does for the community. Photo by Billie Davern
The International Women's Day event connected together women of the Mitchell Shire. Photo by Billie Davern
It was all smiles at Kilmore Trackside. Photo by Billie Davern
Sherelle and mum Colleen Packer were overwhelmed by the support of the community. Photo by Billie Davern
Attendees could indulge in a delicious 'Together We Rise' cookie while listening to the empowering speeches. Photo by Billie Davern