2023 Women & Girls Breakfast wrap-up

With Women’s Round coming to a close, we’d like to thank all involved in the 2023 Women & Girls Breakfast last Friday, 12 May.

The 11^th edition of the breakfast celebrated First Nation Women in Sport. Heading into the Women’s Round (11 – 17 May) and with the introduction of an Indigenous Round (7 – 16 July), it was only fitting to focus our attention to on our incredible First Nation’s women and girls both within and outside of our sport.

The morning started off with a networking event for guests prior to the breakfast. Within the networking space included our partners, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), selling their 2023 merchandise and facilitating some fantastic raffle prizes for the event.

During the event we unveiled the 2023 Grassports Junior State Championships (JSC) Indigenous Jerseys and 2023 Indigenous Round Medals to that were created by artist, Billy-Jay (BJ) O'Toole. BJ is a proud Wadawurrung man residing on Wadawurrung country in Mount Duneed who created the artwork entitled ‘Coming Together on Dja’ (JSC Jersey design) and ‘To Play’ (Indigenous Round Medal/W&G Breakfast design).

Be sure to check out BJ’s Facebook and Instagram page called Papul Art.

Melbourne Smiles also were present on the day, showing off their range of mouthguards to all guests and clubs. Be sure to reach out if you need assistance with quality mouth protection for your members.

Breakfast was then served and Wurrundjeri and Yorta-Yorta Elder, Aunty Zeta Thomson, provided a beautiful Welcome to Country that shared her connection to her ancestral homelands. Aunty Zeta also invited our guest speaker, Aunty Pam Pedersen OAM, on stage to sing a song welcoming those present on the morning.

Our Master of Ceremonies, Jaynaya Winmar, lead the morning wonderfully after the Welcome to Country, sharing her wisdom as a proud Noongar/Balladong woman from Quairading, WA, experienced leader and businesswoman, as well as an avid Hockey Player and Ambassador with La Trobe Uni, Hockey Victoria, and Hockey Australia.

Jaynaya introduced BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti, on stage to share the work that our incredible partners have done over the past 12 months and their work with Indigenous Communities to educate and support those suffering from breast cancer. This discussion lead into the breakfast on the morning.

After the meals, we lead into the main discussion of the breakfast. Jaynaya introduced Yorta Yorta elder, Aunty Pam onto the stage, where she provided a heartfelt and inspirational speech. Including stories from her life, the challenges , and how she has always pushed herself to support her own health and help her community.

Our second guest speaker, a proud Gurinagi & Wamba Wamba woman, Amanda Reid OAM, joined Aunty Pam on stage to share her story. Amanda talked about her life and challenges as an Indigenous female Paralympic Athlete, from her childhood, through her schooling years, and the barriers she has faced as a high performance athlete.

Both Aunty Pam and Amanda were so generous with their time and their words, both cannot be thanked enough for their support and attending on the day. It was truly moving to listen to these unbelievable women speak and stick around after the event to chat one-on-one with guests. We hope guests in attendance can take their words of wisdom and translate this into their support of First Nations players, volunteers, and communities.

Andrew Skillern finished the discussion component of the breakfast unveiling the 2023 Grassports JSC jerseys and 2023 Indigenous Round Medals with the accompanying artwork from BJ. Andrew shared the story behind BJ’s work as BJ was an apology on the morning. Andrew also discussed the work HV have and continue to do with women & girls to increase the support and avenues for women and girls to be involved in Hockey in Victoria. This led into the raffle to end the morning with some laughs and boisterous cheers.

We will see you again in 2024!

View all the event photos. 

We’d like to thank following people, sponsors, and organisations for their support on the say:

• BCNA, their CEO, Kirsten Pilatti, and their entire team for the work you do year on year out. As partners of the Women and Girls Breakfast, this event wouldn’t exist and be as special without you.
• Aunty Pam Pederson OAM, Amanda Reid OAM, MC Jaynaya Winmar, and Aunty Zeta Thomson for their time, support, wisdom, and stories shared on the day.
• BJ O’Toole and for his artwork and inspiration for the 2023 Grassports JSC Jerseys and Indigenous Round medals.
• Leonda by the Yarra for hosting the breakfast again in 2023. The venues is an excellent space for the morning.
• Hockey Australia CEO, David Pryles, Hockey Australia President Ross Sudano, Hockey Victoria Life Members, V.I.S CEO, Anne Marie Harrison, the Deputy Secretary of Sports Tourism, and Events for the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, Peter Betson, Director for the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, Sarah Styles, as well as sponsors Equity One, Melbourne Smiles, and Just Hockey, we thank you for your support and attendance here today.
• Gathermore Floral Events for their floral arrangements on the day. Gathermore is Melbourne based, Aboriginal owned floral events company.
• Clothing the Gaps for their pins and keyrings provided on the morning. The organization is an Aboriginal social enterprise uniting people through fashion and cause.
• Thank you to BCNA, Just Hockey, Hockey Australia and Tahbilk winery via Ross Sudano for their additions to the raffle at the end of the breakfast.