Olympic champion, Nova Peris has been announced as the keynote speaker at the inaugural International Women’s Day breakfast, hosted by Equal Futures Project.
Referred to as Australia’s ‘lady of firsts’, Nova was the first Aboriginal woman elected to Federal Parliament, and the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic Gold Medal.
Equal Futures Project President, Kirsten Molloy said that the organisation is committed to bringing speakers to Newcastle, who inspire and challenge us through their personal journey and achievements.
“Nova is a survivor and has overcome adversity to excel, not only on the sporting field, but in time as a member of parliament,” Kirsten said.
“We are extremely excited to have Nova as our guest speaker, and to hear from an inspiring, and honoured woman.”
In 2020, Nova established the Nova Peris Foundation, supporting communities to be self-determining. She was recently honoured with a statue in Melbourne’s Federation Square, designed and sculpted by internationally renowned artists Gillie and Marc as part of their ‘Statues for Equality’ project.
In addition to announcing Nova as the guest speaker, Equal Future Projects have announced the funding of local charities through the event.
“We are partnering with three businesses who have respectively positively impacted the Hunter Region, and align with our values of equity and diversity,” Kirsten said.
“We are excited to announce the partnership of Prelude Australia – formerly known as Hunter Prelude, who support children with developmental delay and disability to grow their independence and participate in everyday life.
“We are also partnering with Newcastle based Splash of Colour Swimming, which empowers culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women to learn to swim by creating a culturally and socially sensitive atmosphere.
“Funding will allow the charity to widen the reach of the current program to include Cessnock, Maitland, and Muswellbrook and to provide swimming gear and subsidised lessons.
“Our final partner is Carrie’s Place, whose mission is to increase the number of families who are housed, safe, and living free from abuse.
“Employing an Aboriginal trainee administrator will be the focus of the additional funds,” Kirsten said.
Tickets are now available to attend the event, but these will go quickly.
