#IWD2026: An evening to Balance the Scales

Join the City of Marion Business Team for an evening, recognising IWD and further the conversation to Balance the Scales.

Come together to Balance the Scales!

Join the City of Marion Business Engagement and Growth team for an evening that shines a spotlight on women in the City of Marion. Together, we will spark conversation about women’s economic empowerment and the importance of balancing the scales towards a more gender equal world. Connect, share and grow opportunities for women to earn, learn and lead in our community.

The 2026 theme is Balance the Scales, calling for collective action to address gender inequality and create fairer outcomes for women and girls everywhere. Find out more about this year’s theme and why it matters here.

Enjoy the opportunity to network in the Secret Garden at the Marion Hotel, hear from an inspiring panel of local City of Marion women sharing their journeys, and enjoy delicious food, with a drink on arrival.

Venue

Marion Hotel, Secret Garden, 849 Marion Rd, Mitchell Park

Time
5.30pm - 6.30pm

Tickets
City of Marion Businesses & Residents: $15
Non-City of Marion attendees: $30
Includes food and drink on arrival. Further drinks available for purchase.

Dress Code
Smart Casual. As we will be in the garden area, please bring a jacket if the evening is looking cool.

Parking
Parking is available onsite.

Dietary Requirements
Please advise of requirements upon booking.

MEET OUR WOMEN

Belinda Ryan, Ignite Wellbeing Co., Panel Host

Bel Ryan is a wellbeing speaker who specialises in using art therapy to minimise stress, reduce burnout and ignite your potential.

With a 20+ year career in art therapy, counselling, facilitation and mental health training, she is passionate about the power of using creativity to overcome adversity
in your life and empower yourself to thrive. Her distinct fusion of creative and experiential approaches positions her uniquely working with organisations and individuals to cultivate reflection, understanding, learning and insight.

Bel Ryan is fascinated by people, their stories, and how our experiences impact our lives. As a leading art therapist, counsellor, lecturer and director of Ignite Art Therapies, Bel is passionate about the power of using creativity to problem-solve, reflect, inspire and motivate.

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Anne Tonkin, City of Marion Citizen of the Year

Anne Tonkin is a powerful advocate for disability inclusion, driven by lived experience and a commitment to systemic change.

Over the past 17 years, she has championed her innovative Tonkin 10/10 model, which proposes that 10% of all community spaces and facilities be designed for wheelchair users and a further 10% for people with mobile or hidden disabilities.

Her advocacy is aligned with the UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilites. She has received global recognition for her work. She influences local action here in the City of Marion and across the world.

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Bridig Koenig, Acting CEO Glenelg Football Club, Strivve4 Co-Founder

Brigid Koenig is an award-recognised executive leader, board director and founder of The Purpose Driven Leader, with over 20 years’ experience across the commercial, community and not-for-profit sectors. She currently serves as Interim CEO of the Glenelg Football Club, providing values-led leadership through a period of transition. Brigid is also Co-Founder of Strivve4, an inclusive activewear brand supporting women’s wellbeing through movement and community. Recognised as a Featured Woman to Watch SA, an InDaily 40 under 40 Finalist and a Finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s Award Finalist, Brigid is passionate about purpose- led leadership that creates lasting impact.

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Dr Kathryn Anderson, Innovation Central Adelaide

Dr Kathryn Anderson leads Innovation Central Adelaide, a strategic partnership between Flinders University and global technology leader, Cisco - uplifting industry for digital transformation through innovation projects. She holds a PhD in economic geography, specialising in the role of place and people for innovation.

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