An inspiring event celebrating the resilience, progress and power of dreams is set to honour this year’s International Women’s Day.
For one magical evening, The Crossing Cafe will be transformed into an enchanting indoor garden bistro, nestled within the vibrant CREATE exhibition.
Set beneath a stunning giant Dreamcatcher installation (created by the Namoi Women’s Shed), the 5 March event will celebrate women’s achievements, explore their stories and envision a brighter, more equal future.
This year’s International Women’s Day will feature three incredible panellists: Narrabri District Health Service Aboriginal Liaison Officer Tammy Baker, renowned artist Brooke Dalton and Collective Media Director Susie Slack-Smith.
The event will be emceed by Narrabri Shire Events Officer (and CREATE coordinator) Kavina Kumar and artist Jule Jarner.
Narrabri Shire Council Interim General Manager Eloise Chaplain said this year’s event was not only an opportunity for local women to come together but to also recognise 30 years since the UN’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
“Narrabri Shire Council is honoured to once again support International Women’s Day in our Shire, including hosting this year’s event during CREATE 2025,” Mrs Chaplain said.
“Local International Women’s Day events continue to play an invaluable role in recognising and celebrating the achievements of women within our Narrabri Shire community, while being part of and recognising the international significance of this day.”
Panellist Susie Slack-Smith said she was thrilled to be part of Narrabri’s International Women’s Day, and to have real conversations with real women making an impact.
“Events like this are crucial because representation is everything,” she said.
“When we unite as women, we spark a wave of change, we kick down doors and show the next generation they have a seat at every table.
“International Women’s Day isn’t a victory lap; it’s a call to action to keep breaking new ground!
“And that’s the spirit of ‘March Forward’: cheering for ourselves, cheering for each other, and strutting into the spotlight, and not waiting for permission to take up space.”
International Women’s Day event details:
When: Wednesday, 5 March 2025
Time: 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Where: The Crossing Theatre
Cost: $55
This is an exclusive event with limited spaces, so secure your ticket now and be part of an evening that celebrates progress, creativity and the power of dreams!
*Please see below for information about this year’s panellists and MCs.
International Women’s Day panellists
Tammy is a proud Ngemba Yuwaalayaay Aboriginal woman, living and working on Gamilaroi land in Narrabri, where she has resided for 19 years. Tammy’s strong connection to the land comes through her Mum’s Dad, as well as her mother, who was born in Narrabri.
Tammy says one of her greatest achievements was completing Year 12 in 1998 – a time when the statistics for Aboriginal students finishing school were poor. Despite the challenges, Tammy was determined and succeeded.
Since leaving school, Tammy has remained committed to advocating for First Nations people, working to make a positive difference in the community.
Tammy has worked in a variety of roles throughout her life, earning numerous certifications and qualifications along the way. In 2010, she joined Narrabri District Health Service as a ward clerk and executive assistant.
Tammy often stepped into the role of relieving Aboriginal Liaison Officer, which deepened her passion for supporting and advocating for First Nations people.
In 2018, she was proud to be appointed as the permanent, full-time Aboriginal Liaison Officer. In 2021, Tammy enhanced her skills and qualifications to become an Aboriginal Health Practitioner.
Today, Tammy holds the dual role of Aboriginal Liaison Officer and Aboriginal Health Practitioner, with over 14 years of dedicated service to Narrabri District Health Service.
Brooke Dalton is a renowned artist celebrated for her bold use of colour and dynamic brushstrokes, which bring to life interiors, still-life compositions and garden scenes.
Her distinctive style has earned her widespread recognition, with multiple sell-out solo and group exhibitions both in Australia and internationally.
Career highlights include a prestigious solo exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum and showcasing her work at Sydney Contemporary, Australia’s largest art fair, in collaboration with her primary gallery, Michael Reid Murrurundi.
Brooke’s art is highly collectable and continues to captivate audiences with its confident vibrancy and timeless appeal.
Susie Slack-Smith is a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate whose journey began in 2009 with her first startup, Glamour Empire.
Starting with just a brush kit, she expanded the business to include two shopfronts and an online store, providing a platform to over 55 Australian-owned, female-led cosmetic brands.
Today, Susie markets and builds Slack-Smith Partners with her husband Mark, operating offices in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri and Sydney.
She also co-owns Collective Media, where she is committed to amplifying regional voices and supporting the community through publications like The Courier, Gunnedah Times, Wee Waa News and Northwest Magazine, with a focus on bringing fresh perspectives and new opportunities to the region through Collective Media.
International Women’s Day MCs
From the still water of Lake Macquarie to the expansive flatlands of rural Australia, Jule’s journey as an artist has been one of joyful growth and unexpected discoveries.
Growing up surrounded by creative spaces, Jule always had a passion for art, but it took a leap of faith for her to realise she could pursue art as a career.
Her adventure began with a traineeship in arts administration at Lake Macquarie City Council, which set the stage for her artistic journey.
At 20, Jule made the decision to move to Moree. Working as the Programs and Outreach Officer at Moree Plains Shire Council, and later as the Education and Engagement Coordinator at the Bank Art Museum Moree.
Now as the Project Officer with Arts North West and founder of her own practice, Jule Jarner, she has turned her passion into purpose.
In Moree, Jule found a vibrant community that embraced creativity and connection. The warmth and support of the community inspired Jule to invest in herself and pursue her own artistic vision. She is proud to call Moree home and thrives on engaging with initiatives that uplift the community, showcasing its resilience and kindness.
Jule believes in the healing power of art and creativity to express values, thoughts and identities, leaving a positive footprint in our world.
Jule’s work is deeply influenced by the beauty of human connection. She sees art as a bridge that fosters understanding and compassion, and she strives to infuse warmth and positivity into everything she creates. Each colour choice and composition is a deliberate expression of her values, inviting others to join Jule on a journey towards a more loving and harmonious world. Sometimes she even creates purely for the joy of it!
Through her art, Jule hopes to inspire others to embrace kindness and celebrate the connections that make us human. She believes that in every brushstroke lies the potential to foster community and create a brighter future together.
Two years ago, Kavina made the move to Narrabri to kick-start her career as a regional journalist for The Courier. But in true Kavina fashion, life had other plans!
Kavina took a massive career pivot when she became the Events Officer for Narrabri Shire Council, which includes helping coordinate the CREATE Festival - proving that saying “yes” to new opportunities can lead to incredible things.
Armed with degrees in journalism and law, Kavina has a passion for storytelling, advocacy and creating spaces for community connection.
Off the clock, she’s also a successful DJ, bringing the vibes to events across the region.
And if that wasn’t enough, she’s always up for throwing herself way out of her comfort zone – like the time she thought it would be a great idea to join the Narrabri Blue Boars and tackle union rugby (spoiler: it was a bold choice).
From the newsroom to the turntables to the rugby field, Kavina brings passion, energy and a whole lot of fun wherever she goes.