International Women’s Day Breakfast 2026.

A Morning of Connection, Purpose & Impact

International Women’s Day 2026 was a wonderful opportunity to come together, connect, and reflect on the importance of supporting women.

On Friday 6 March, we welcomed 107 women to the Gnomon Room at The Pier in Ulverstone. The room brought together a diverse and inspiring mix of members, new faces, local organisations, council representatives, and guests, all united by a shared commitment to supporting women across the North West Coast and beyond.

We were honoured to begin the morning with a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Hellen Gower, whose personal and meaningful words set the tone for the day.

Throughout the event, we were also treated to beautiful live music from Maggie Laycock, which added something truly special to the atmosphere.

The morning offered a warm and engaging environment, with our Ignite committee delivering a beautifully coordinated event. Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast, sparkling mimosas, and meaningful conversation throughout.

The highlight of the event was our keynote speaker, Sophie, CEO of the North West Women’s Shelter. Sophie shared valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and families experiencing housing insecurity, along with the complexities of her role. Her message was both impactful and thought-provoking, and it was deeply felt across the room.

Importantly, the conversation continued beyond the formalities of the morning. Attendees remained engaged, connecting and exploring ways we can collectively support Sophie and the work of the North West Women’s Shelter. These ongoing discussions reflect the purpose and strength of the Ignite network.

We were proud to raise $2,000 through our raffle, made possible by the generosity of our members. These funds will be provided as vouchers to directly support women accessing services through the North West Women’s Shelter.

We also appreciated the presence of local leaders, including Teeny Brumby, Councillor Amina Keegan, Anita Dow, Amanda Diprose, and Kate Wylie, whose support highlights the importance of collaboration across our community.

My sincere thanks to our 7 Ignite committee members for their dedication, passion and professionalism in delivering this highly valued annual event.

To everyone who attended, thank you for your support and contribution. Your presence is what continues to make Ignite a strong and connected community.

We see you. We appreciate you x