Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs, former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission presents at the gala dinner

The scale and sophistication of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria’s International Women’s Day gala dinner this year rivalled the notable Brownlow and other red-carpet events. Around 1300 people descended on the prestigious Palladium at Crown venue, to hear Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission from 2012–2017, challenge systems that work against women.

What our Victorian Rural Women’s Network members thought of the night

“It was the kind of night that made me proud to be a woman. I went home inspired and felt like my daughters have a future ahead of them where anything is possible. I must admit I felt blown away by what the speakers had achieved in their lives — they’re superhumans.” Olivia Lineham.

“Gillian encouraged us to strive for women’s economic empowerment. It was really motivating. As a new member of the VRWN Reference Group, her insights inspired me to think how we might develop and grow the Network over the year ahead.” Felicity Bolitho.

“Her ideas resonated with me — get out of your power jackets and pearls and use your elbows to create room for yourself. For too long women have played by the rules and it hasn’t got us far. Time to start bending the rules and operate outside them.” Cynthia Mahoney.