Rosie Batty to deliver keynote at 2025 Illawarra International Women's Day Luncheon

For more than a decade Rosie Batty AO has been one of Australia’s greatest symbols of hope, becoming a leading voice against domestic violence and a catalyst for systemic change.

In March, the 2015 Australian of the Year will take to the stage to deliver the keynote speech at the International Women’s Day Illawarra luncheon at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Celebrating its 20th year, it is fitting the IWD Illawarra luncheon hosts a woman renowned for her courage and determination who, in the face of personal horror, became a nationally recognised and respected advocate for victim survivors of domestic and family abuse.

International Women’s Day Illawarra Committee co-founder and chair Vicki Tiegs OAM said Rosie Batty AO was an inspiration to Australian women, empowering them to find hope and strength in times of adversity.

“Rosie Batty AO didn’t seek to become a national symbol or a figure of inspiration,” she said.

“She was a mother dealing with the loss of her 11-year-old son at the hands of his father when she shot to national prominence in the domestic violence debate.

“It has taken incredible courage to channel her grief into raising awareness of domestic violence, change community perception of both victims and perpetrators, and to call for real action across all levels of society and government.

“It is our pleasure to welcome her to the IWD Illawarra stage in our 20th year, to hear her story and to embrace her call for a more compassionate future for all.”

Along with her Australian of the Year title, Rosie Batty AO has been the worthy recipient of many honours as she continues to work tirelessly for victim survivors.

She was appointed the inaugural chair of the Victorian Government’s Victim Survivor’s Advisory Council, set up in response to the country’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence.

She received the Pride of Australia National Courage Medal, the prestigious Order of Australia, was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, named by Fortune Magazine as one of the world’s top 50 greatest leaders, and voted as the most influential person in the not-for-profit sector on Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25 list, twice.

Ms Batty AO has also received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the Sunshine Coast for her contribution to raising national awareness and action concerning family violence.

The 20th anniversary of the IWD Illawarra luncheon will be held on 7 March and is set to feature almost 1000 guests at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

MC for the day is Amy Duggan and tickets will go on sale shortly.

Funds raised through the luncheon are used to support local women’s services in the Illawarra and to support the annual scholarship program.

In 2024, the major project recipient was Women Illawarra for its Mumung program, a Koori women’s song and language program focused on strengthening the voice of Koori women and their connection to Country.

To date more than $600,000 has been raised through the luncheon to help Illawarra organisations. Each year, the IWD Illawarra committee also awards scholarships to local women to help them work towards their business, sporting or educational goals.

In 2025 eight scholarships worth $2500 each will be presented during the luncheon.

The United Nations theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘March Forward For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ with #March Forward.

Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578.