Fueling ambition, fostering development, and cultivating change.
After the incredible success of last year, Hunter EmpowHER is thrilled to invite you to our 2026 International Women's Day celebration! This year, we are gathering on Sunday, March 8th, at the stunning Iron Gate Estate to honour the achievements of women and continue our mission of investing in the future of female leaders. Hosted by the powerhouse Johanna Griggs AM, it’s going to be an unmissable event!
We’re bringing back the format you loved in 2025, but with fresh inspiration and a beautiful new backdrop. It’s a day designed to spark connection, celebrate talent, and support the next generation of industry trailblazers.
We have curated a full day to ensure you leave feeling inspired and energised:
The Femme Festival: Kick things off on the gorgeous grounds of Iron Gate Estate. Sample exquisite wines from female-led brands, enjoy delicious canapés, and mingle with the incredible women behind the labels.
Shared-Style 3-Course Lunch: Settle in for an indulgent, long-table lunch. In the spirit of community, we’ll be enjoying a shared-style feast perfectly paired with premium wines.
Inspiring Guest Panels: Hear from two powerhouse panels of guest speakers. Be inspired by those who have shaped the industry and who are currently breaking new ground.
The Post-Lunch Boogie: To wrap up the day, the incredibly talented Anna Weatherup will take the stage! Get ready to hit the dance floor as the sun begins to set over the vineyard.
Supporting the EmpowHER Scholarship
Just like last year, this event is more than just a celebration—it’s an investment. All proceeds from the day, including our exciting auction and raffle, go directly toward The EmpowHer Scholarship.
This scholarship provides vital financial assistance for education and professional development to women working in the tourism, hospitality, and wine sectors right here in our region.
Early bird pricing is limited!
Your ticket includes access to the Femme Festival to sample wines from female-led brands, canapes, a three-course shared style lunch, matched wines & the talented Anna Weatherup, who will get you up and dancing at the end of the lunch.
2026 IWD EVENT TICKETS
EARLY BIRD PRICING
Can’t join in the festivities but want to support a ticket for someone who has a financial barrier?
This community seat offers the opportunity to join in the celebration and inspiration through pay-it-forward generosity.
OUR MISSION
Hunter Empowher is dedicated to fostering the professional and educational advancement of women* within the wine, tourism, and hospitality sectors of the Awabakal and Worimi|Newcastle and Wonnarua|Hunter Valley regions.
Through targeted initiatives, mentorship, and financial support, we aim to empower women* to achieve their full potential, contribute to the growth of their industries, and cultivate a more equitable and inclusive professional landscape.
*The term women include those of assigned female at birth, non-binary, and trans-women.
EmpowHER Education Fund
EmpowHER Education Fund
The Empowher Education Fund aims to support the professional and educational development of women, inclusive of assigned females at birth, non-binary individuals, and transgender women.
These individuals work in the wine, tourism and hospitality industries in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions.
Co-sponsored by the Hunter Culinary Association, it’s designed to remove financial barriers up to $2000, helping these women advance their careers through education and professional training. This could include:
Funding for courses, workshops, or certifications like WSET, AWAC, CMS, TAFE courses, etc.
Supporting attendance at industry conferences or events like the Australia Women in Agriculture Conference, AHA Women in Hotels Conference, FutureAg Expo, ETC.
Providing resources for mentorship or professional development programs like the Australian Institute of Management Business School, Career Training Institute of Australia, university short courses, etc.
The applications for 2025 have closed, but stay tuned for the 2026 Educational opportunites.
2025 EmpowHER Education Recipients
2025 EmpowHER Education Recipients
Congratulations to our 2025 EmpowHER Education Fund recipients:
🚌 Keira Bourke from Newy Tour Co, who will use the funding to attend the Australian Tourism Exchange in 2026
🍷 Jess Fletcher from Muse Restaurant, who will complete her WSET 3
🍃 Lou Eather from Tyrrell's Wines, who will attend the AWRI’s Advanced Viticulture Course
🍇 Kiri Irving from Mercer Wines, who will attend the AWRI’s Advanced Wine Assessment Course
📝 Mel Lomas from Scarborough Wine Co. will do a Digital Copywriting Course
💡Jessica Gregory from Thermidor Brasserie, who will attend the Future Leadership Conference in Melbourne
OUR COMMITTEE
-
President
Jenna Vaughan
-
Secretary
Lara Hagan
-
Treasurer
Jess Buttrey
-
Committee
Sally Scarborough
-
Committee
Cathy Gadd
All images by the talented Georgie Ilona Photography
International Women’s Day 2025
The spark that ignited the flame.
Fueled by an idea hatched between friends, a sell-out long lunch hosted by the esteemed Johanna Griggs AM ignited a powerful movement. The resounding success of this event directly led to the formation of the Hunter Empowher and, crucially, provided the initial funding for the vital Empowher Educational Fund.
