More than 400 members from across Australia's drinks industry gathered to mark International Women's Day at The Drinks Association's annual lunch, reflecting on progress and recommitting to the work still ahead.
Opening the event, Sarah Abbott — in her first year as Chair of the Embrace Difference Council — reminded the room that progress toward gender equity requires ongoing, intentional action. "Gender equity is a shared business responsibility, not a women's issue," she said.
The event raffle raised $22,000 for the Katrina Dawson Foundation, surpassing last year's total, with scholarship recipient Phoebe Britten sharing how the foundation's support helped her pursue a law degree and found a nonprofit providing free tutoring to disadvantaged students.
Spotlight speakers Jamila Diamonon and Kitty Johnstone explored this year's theme – give to gain – drawing on their own experiences of mentorship and sponsorship. "A sponsor is someone who advocates for you when you're not in the room," Jamila said, encouraging attendees to consider what they could give to strengthen the industry's leadership pipeline.
Keynote speaker Zara Seidler, co-founder of The Daily Aus, gave a candid address about backing new ideas and new voices. "Not knowing the rules isn't a disadvantage. Sometimes it's the whole advantage," she said — before closing with a challenge to the room: once you've earned your place, leave the door open for someone else.
The message of the day was clear: meaningful change happens when people actively invest in one another.