2026 International Women's Day Celebration Tamworth

Tamworth International Women's Day Celebrations with local women speakers from Tamworth - come join us!

The Tamworth Club of Zonta proudly presents the 2026 - 115 Years of International Women's Day Celebrations

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively for #IWD2026

Highlights of the event are:

• Firesdie Chat with Avril Wynne
• Speaker Payal Patel
• Firesdie Chat with Dr Brooke Kennedy
• Speaker Ruby Woods
• Musical Items by Elly Davies
• Announcement of Zonta's Young Women in Public Affairs Award
• High Tea light refreshment provided
• Event proudly supported by Tamworth Jockey Club

Location: Conference Centre at Tamworth Jockey Club

Fireside Chat with Avril “Polly” Wynne, is a Hall of Fame Australian stunt performer who began her career on Mad Max II in the early 1980s. Raised on a sheep property in western NSW, her fearless country upbringing paved the way for a career filled with high-risk car chases, explosive action scenes and spectacular motorcycle jumps. Now based in New England, Avril continues her passion for horses and brings remarkable stories from a groundbreaking life in stunt work.

Keynote Speaker Payal Patel is a registered psychologist and Principal Psychologist at Pause Allied Health in Tamworth. With over 15 years’ experience across Australia and India, she provides holistic, trauma-informed mental health care. Payal specialises in ADHD, Autism, trauma, chronic pain, anxiety and depression, and delivers culturally responsive support using evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT and DBT.

Keynote Speaker Dr Brooke Kennedy is a Gamilaraay woman and Senior Lecturer in Anthrozoology and Indigenous Knowledge at the University of New England. Her work bridges Western science and Indigenous ecological knowledge, focusing on sustainable systems and human–animal interactions in Aboriginal communities. An award-winning researcher and community leader, she brings deep insight into culturally informed environmental management and sustainability.

Ruby Woods is an award-winning young leader from Tamworth and the 2025 Tamworth Young Citizen of the Year. As Youth Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council and NSW Parliament Regional Public Speaking State Champion, she is a passionate advocate for regional youth and the arts, and is serving as School Captain at Oxley High School in 2026. Ruby is also the winner of Zonta's Young Women in Public Affairs Award for 2025.