Sold-out Port Macquarie IWD event raises funds and awareness for Liberty

SOME 80 local women gathered on Friday 6 March for the ninth “PA YourWay” International Women’s Day Lunch to support Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.

The sold-out event brought the community together for an afternoon of connection, conversation and shared purpose.

Held in partnership with The Stunned Mullet, the lunch welcomed women in small business, community leaders and supporters under the theme, “Give to Gain”.

Founder, host and MC Peta Alexopoulos said she was proud to see the event return for another year.

“I intentionally keep the numbers small to maintain the warm and conversational style of the lunch,” she said.

“While the event raised a modest amount of money for Liberty, for me… the real value is the connection, education and listening that happens in the room.”

Peta said the intentionally intimate format was central to the event’s impact.

“At moments during the afternoon you could hear a pin drop as people reflected on the conversations being shared.

“When we create space to listen and learn from one another, we create change that goes far beyond a measurable dollar value.”

The afternoon opened with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb.

Ms Lamb also recognised Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley, a respected Elder and long-time supporter who was unable to attend.

Dr Aunty Rhonda Radley was recognised as a 2026 NSW Parliament Finalist for Aboriginal Woman of the Year.

Speakers included CMO for Birdon Jane Hillsdon, lawyer Cicely Sylow, and Liberty’s Brooke Maggs.

Brooke spoke about leadership shaped by community and reinforced the message that domestic and family violence is everybody’s business.

Funds were raised for Liberty through the event and Women in Wine fundraising packs.

Women in Wine was curated with The Stunned Mullet and features female winemakers.

By Sis HIGGINS