Kerry Kornhauser’s thank you speech:
What a fabulous morning, celebrating the richness of diversity bringing our theme to life…
The Ascent of a Woman.
This morning is our 5th Women in Rotary International Women’s Day Breakfast, I have the privilege of thanking all involved:
Please take a moment and have a look around, congratulate yourselves as we have reached capacity - over 1200 men and women!
The market stand area opened at 6.15am to a buzz of many people cruising amongst the many booths which represented various issues.
Tom Gleisner warmly greeted everyone.. he was very slick and professional. With a taste of cheekiness!
Two prominent and admired female leaders, Governor Linda Dessau and Lucy Hughes Turnbull have gone into print in support of our achievements.
These Women in Rotary, inspired breakfasts, are now being held around Australia and the world, including Sweden, France, Germany, UK & USA.
Julie Mason our District Governor presented our new initiative of Royce Abbey Rotary Champions of Change -
- Stella Avramopoulos - Rotary Club of Central Melbourne Sunrise
- Antonio Pajovic - Rotary Club of Melbourne
I would like to thank Michelle Gallaher and Michael Avery for their very insightful presentation that has given us a lot to think about… how we can make a 'pledge for parity’ in our own homes.
What a treat to be entertained by our amazing panel…certainly the brightest minds in town, giving us lots of take home messages:
Tom Gleisner, Maxine McKew, Ahmed Fahour, Marie Turner, Mark Woods, Sally Warhaft.Each and every one of them donated their time and were here in the wee hours of the morning brainstorming ideas !!!!
Today’s success is a tribute to the support of our Sponsors and Partners who have all demonstrated their commitment to bridge the gender and diversity gap in their workplaces. With the support of our partners has enabled us to raiseover $50,000 for our charities.
Clarke & Co Our Presenting Partner, have been with us for 4 years and have worked closely in developing today’s breakfast, and for that I thank you Bernard and your team.
In their third year of supporting this event, Gordon & Jackson, Barristers & Clerks, are leading the way in a (previously or traditionally) male dominated environment supporting both their women and male barristers.
National Australia Bank - second year! You are a great role model in the banking sector with your new initiatives.
Allianz, welcome aboard .. what can I say Ahhh Allianz! recognise there is a whole world of customers and those that need support… so THANK YOU…
It is with great pride we instigated the Baker Foundation and Baker IDI in creating systemic change with Women In Science Fellowships.
Today we estimate that we have raised over $50,000. This will help our major charity Violence Free Families, in their effort to break the cycle of family violence with their world first online Men’s Change behavioural program.
Funds from today’s event will also support Interplast, a Rotary project that enables surgical intervention to rebuild lives across the Asia Pacific region
In addition, proceeds from today’s event will go to:
The Butterfly Foundation, helping those with eating disorders
And of course our Rotary Club of Albert Park community projects.
Perhaps you are curious about joining a Rotary adventure? Or would you like to become a corporate partner and help our donations grow – you all have my email! (kerry@rotarywomen.org.au)
Today would not have been possible without the team’s
- devotion,
- dedication
- and desire to make today happen– it certainly was a team effort!
My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.
A big thanks to everyone in the room for supporting our WIR dream …The 'Ascent of A Woman' and achieving a more balanced Community.
