Meet the trailblazing leaders coming to Moonee Valley this International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in Moonee Valley.

Women are central to the work we do at Moonee Valley City Council. More than two-thirds of our employees are women. Our Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO are all women. In 2023 and 2024, the Council was the only local government organisation to be named by WORK180 as one of Australia’s top 101 workplaces for women.

We are also proud to have many male allies on this journey towards gender equality.

We invite you to celebrate this important day with us on Friday 7 March, at our International Women’s Day Mayoral Breakfast, held at the Clocktower Centre. Buy your tickets at the Clocktower Centre website.

Enjoy delicious food, take part in a silent fundraising auction, and witness a panel discussion featuring local women and allies making a difference in the Moonee Valley community.

The panellists are:

Judy Maddigan

Serving as the member for the seat of Essendon from 1996 until 2010, Judy Maddigan was the first woman Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, holding that position from February 2003 until late 2006.

After serving as a councillor with the City of Essendon, Judy Maddigan was elected to the Victorian Parliament, representing the seat of Essendon from 1996 until 2010. In 2003, Judy became the first woman Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

On top of her esteemed career in public life, Judy has a long history of involvement in local community groups and organisations with a mission to empower and support women.

Julie Kun

Julie is a gender equity leader and consultant specialising in gender equity and financial well-being. Julie is currenting Acting CEO of Women with Disabilities Victoria, a peak body that works to ensure women and gender-diverse people with disabilities are respected, valued and can fully experience life. She was previously the CEO of WIRE – a Victorian service providing support information and referral to women and gender diverse and nonbinary people on any issue.

Julie has experience across a range of sectors, including the CALD, aged, disability, Indigenous and women’s sectors.

Ifrin Fittock

The eldest daughter in a Chinese family from Indonesia, Ifrin is passionate about empowering migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women to build new lives and livelihoods.

She started her Sisterworks journey as a volunteer, and became CEO in 2021.

Her leadership over the years has helped grow the organisation from a small grassroots charity into the respected social enterprise it is today.

Joshua Smith

As the former head of Aboriginal Victoria, Josh played a leading role in the development and passing of Victoria’s first treaty legislation and process and has led the implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Agreement. He is a passionate advocate for better outcomes for First Nations peoples through policy development and self-determination.

Ten per cent of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Yellow Lady Bugs, a non-government organisation dedicated to the success and celebration of autistic girls, women and gender diverse individuals.