International Women's Day

12.00 pm — 3.00 pm AEDT, 04 — 07 March 2025
4–7 March, 12.00–3.00 pm local times – Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney
Mona Shindy headshot

#MarchForward: breaking barriers and pioneering change. 

Get ready for our IWD 2025 event series, a celebration of empowerment and progress, where you’ll connect with a diverse community of professionals committed to inspiring change and fostering an inclusive world for women. 

Stand alongside our keynote speaker Mona Shindy and be inspired at one of these vibrant lunch events in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.  

A trailblazer in military and business sectors, Mona exemplifies resilience and strategic leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and advancing diversity and inclusion will motivate you to embrace your role in this vital mission.  

From 4–7 March, she'll be delving into this year’s theme #MarchForward, sharing her insights and experiences that reflect her illustrious career as a naval officer and business leader. 

This is one of our most sought-after events, so don’t miss out. Secure your seat today.  

Diversity and inclusion partners
Premier partner
Silver partner
Keynote speaker
Mona Shindy headshot

Captain Mona Shindy CSC
Strategic Leader and Retired Naval Officer, MSC

Captain Mona Shindy CSC is a retired Naval officer with more than 30 years of military and business experience. Drawing upon strong academic credentials and the lessons and skills gained throughout a truly inspiring career, Captain Shindy now imparts knowledge to others as an international keynote speaker and strategic leadership and management consultant.

With degree qualifications in engineering, commerce (Advanced Major in Organisation and Management Studies) and arts (Masters in Politics and Policy), Mona has been a trailblazer in male-dominated environments, consistently delivering outstanding organisational outcomes.

Her story is one of forging new paths never before traversed, with courage, integrity, resilience and grit. Through measured risk-taking, systems thinking and reliance on strong emotional intelligence, Mona has been a highly successful, project director, change agent and organisational leader.

She has championed significant cultural and organisational reforms relating to the adoption of innovative best practices supporting a healthy work-life balance and many initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

In 2015 she was recognised as the National Telstra Business Woman of the Year and was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the Australia Day honours list for outstanding service as a strategic intercultural advisor.

Captain Shindy is now a highly sought-after author, speaker and strategic business, leadership and management consultant.

Master of ceremonies

Headshot of Brenda Denbesten
Brenda Denbesten – Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney

Brenda Denbesten is a renowned leader in the mining and manufacturing industries, with more than 15 years of experience across technical, operational and functional leadership roles. She is recognised for her expertise in managing large-scale change and influencing critical stakeholders in some of the world’s most male-dominated sectors.

Driven by her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, Brenda is dedicated to creating workplaces where women can thrive.

Brenda’s contributions to the industry have earned her widespread recognition. She was honoured with the Multicultural Business Excellence Award by AusMumpreneurs, acknowledging her advocacy for inclusion and leadership, and is the best-selling co-author of The FIFO Wives Tales and Secrets of the Construction Industry.

Headshot of Susan Kreemer Pickford
Susan Kreemer Pickford FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER – Perth

Susan studied civil engineering in Scotland and then emigrated to Australia in 1999. She worked in consulting engineering and led transport projects before moving into senior roles in client management, business development and industry liaison. Susan is the Engineers Australia General Manager WA and the Acting Deputy Chief Engineer. She joined Engineers Australia in 2015 and represents Engineers Australia on a number of government and industry advisory committees.

Susan was the Chair of the National Science Week WA Coordinating Committee and is currently the Chair of the Curtin University Science and Engineering Faculty Advisory Council and member of the Circular Economy Steering Committee. Last year she was appointed Co-chair of the Gravity Discovery Centre Board. In 2018 she won a Women In Technology WA “20 in 20” award for her commitment to advancing the engineering profession.

Registration

This event offers a unique opportunity to engage in essential conversations advocating for diversity and inclusion, while building connections with fellow change-makers.  

Register early to secure your seat or table.  

Register now

Inclusions

  • Keynote presentation with Mona Shindy. 
  • In-person networking opportunities.  
  • Two-course lunch and beverages. 
  • Professional photography services to capture memorable moments. 

 Price 
Member $220 
Non-member $250 
Corporate table of 10 $2200   
Premium table of 10   $3000   

 

Premium table

Positioned in a prime location at the event, elevate your International Women's Day 2025 experience for you and your invited guests.  

Only a limited number of premium tables are available per location, so act quickly to reserve yours. 

  • All registration fees are quoted in and will be charged in Australian dollars.
  • To view the current foreign exchange rates, visit x-rates.com.
  • Registration fees are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • Sharing of registrations is not permitted, a separate registration is required for each individual.
Terms and conditions
  1. The following refund terms will apply for cancellation of an event registration:
    • Cancellation more than 60 calendar days before the event will incur an AU $50 cancellation fee. 
    • Cancellation between 30 to 60 calendar days before will incur an AU $100 cancellation fee. 
    • Cancellation within 30 calendar days before the event will not be refunded. 
    • Cancellations must be notified in writing to Engineers Australia via [email protected]
    • Transfer of event registration will be permitted if you notify us with at least 10 business days’ notice of the event. Any difference in fees will need to be paid if the substitute registrant is not entitled to the same event registration rate. No refunds will be provided for transfers to a lower event fee item. 
  2. Engineers Australia reserves the right to alter, amend or cancel any or all the elements in the event program.
  3. Where a payment has been made, there will be no refund for those who do not attend.
  4. While attending, you may be photographed or filmed. You consent to the use of your image in full or in part for any Engineers Australia related purposes is taken to be given by attending. Inform the photographer/camera operator should you not want this to occur. 
  5. By attending, or registering to attend an event, you agree to Engineers Australia's Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Terms of Access.
Locations

Join us as we bring the engineering community together over four events nationwide. Enjoy an evening of celebration and networking where you’ll connect with a diverse community of professionals committed to inspiring change and fostering an inclusive world for women. 

Perth

Tuesday 4 March
Optus Stadium 
333 Victoria Park Drive
Burswood WA 6100 

Melbourne

Wednesday 5 March
Palladium at Crown
Level 1 Crown Towers
Melbourne VIC 3000

Brisbane

Thursday 6 March 
Sofitel
249 Turbot Street
Brisbane City QLD 4000

Sydney

Friday 7 March
Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf
Level 3 26-32 Pirrama Road
Pyrmont NSW 2009

Sponsorship

Play your part in building more diverse engineering

International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. 

Our IWD event series has grown in popularity since its inception in 2001, with thousands of engineers and professionals attending every year. IWD celebrations provide the perfect platform to engage with industry and discuss the real ways we can address the challenges facing modern women in the workforce.

Sponsor IWD 2025 and demonstrate your commitment to increasing the diversity of the profession on a national stage. 

How sponsorship can help your brand

  • Demonstrate your commitment to making the profession a better place for women to work.
  • Provide an opportunity for the women in your workplace to grow their supportive network.
  • Show that diversity and inclusion is a priority for your leadership.
  • Take advantage of promotional opportunities through a multi-channel marketing campaign.
  • Gain exposure to Engineers Australia’s 130,000+ members and key stakeholders.


Interested in sponsoring IWD 2025? 

Express interest

 

Diversity and inclusion partners
Premier partner
Silver partner