News

C4EM connects local women

By Bree Lambert

Mar 2, 2026

Jesse Mitchell, Renee Pichler, Astrid O'Farrell and Charlene Donovan at C4EM’s International Women's Day Lunch. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Women from all walks of life packed Rich River Golf Club on Sunday, March 1 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

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The event, hosted by the Committee for Echuca Moama, recognised the global occasion by bringing together community members to acknowledge and celebrate the women who continue to shape the region.

C4EM chief executive Jayden Howe chaired the proceedings, discussing five key concepts of IWD: celebrating achievements, raising awareness, taking action, fundraising events and solidarity.

“When you look around the room, you can see all these five concepts in every woman here today and in our community, which is great,” Mr Howe said.

C4EM chief executive Jayden Howe chaired the International Women's Day lunch. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The event featured an insightful panel discussion facilitated by Ivy Jensen, with inspiring local women Liz Spicer, Kathy Kostoglou, Fran Galvin and Jacqui Starritt.

As part of the celebration, Mr Howe shared a progress update of the organisation's project, A Snapshot in Time, which was launched at its IWD event in 2025 and is set to be completed later this year.

Each of the panellists is profiled in C4EM’s upcoming publication, which honours the women from across the region whose contributions shape and strengthen the community.

Each woman shared stories and reflected on their life experiences, achievements, challenges and passed on the lessons they’ve learned to the audience.

International Women’s Day panellists Fran Galvin, Kathy Kostoglou, Ivy Jensen (facilitator), Liz Spicer and Jacqui Starritt share their stories. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Regarding this year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, the panellists discussed what they had personally gained from giving back.

“It’s sharing knowledge and improving others' lives through your own experience,” Ms Spicer said.

Panellist Liz Spicer spoke about how she helped communities through hardships such as floods, drought and bushfires and shared advice on how to support communities through tragedy. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The event also marked a new milestone for the local hospitality sector with the announcement of the Corale Oberin scholarship initiative, which will support women to pursue further education or training that will strengthen and uplift the hospitality sector.

The initiative was created in honour of Corale  Oberin, a woman whose dedication, commitment and care for others left a lasting mark on the Echuca-Moama community.

The scholarship was awarded to three district women, Phoebe Keech, Tiharn Duncan and Lei Castilla, in recognition of their dedication to the industry.

Phoebe Keech and Tiharn Duncan were thrilled to receive the Corale Oberin scholarships at the International Women's Day lunch. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

With the panellists’ key messages of the day being to embrace challenge, be kind and remain present, the atmosphere was one of celebration.

Along with the panel discussion and awards, attendees enjoyed a two-course lunch and a chance at lucky door prizes, concluding another successful event filled with connection and inspiration.