Fresh from a history-making performance at the Winter Olympics, Ararat bobsleigh star Sarah Blizzard will be a guest speaker at the rural city’s International Women’s Day morning tea on March 11.

Ms Blizzard will address attendees at the free community event, which will be at Ararat RSL’s function room from 10.30am on Wednesday next week.

The event, hosted by Ararat Rural City Council Deputy Mayor Teli Kaur, will bring together the community with an aim of celebrating women’s leadership, resilience and contribution to community life.

Ms Blizzard will share insights about her journey from local sport to representing Australia on the world stage and outline the value of leadership and persistence.

Also speaking at the event will be: Victoria Police Leading Senior Constable Sandra Marriner, speaking about service, mentorship and the importance of women’s voices in community safety and support; Ararat Women’s Shed president and founder Rowena Murray, who will reflect on the power of local spaces that bring women together to learn, share and build confidence; and Marian College Ararat principal Catherine Howison, exploring how education, inclusion and opportunity can shape the next generation of women leaders.

Mayor Bob Sanders said the event would celebrate the many ways women lead in the Ararat community.
“Each of these speakers shows leadership through action – in sport, community safety, education and the everyday work of building connection,” he said.

“International Women’s Day is about recognising those contributions and inspiring the next generation to participate, belong and lead.”

Cr Sanders encouraged community to gather friends, colleagues or group members and book early, as places at the morning tea are limited.

The event is free, but registrations are essential for catering purposes.

People can reserve tickets by visiting www.trybooking.com/DJQXB or calling the council’s customer service line on 5355 0200.

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