Change the Way - International Women's Day

'Change the Way' is a free event to open a community conversation about the impacts of gender equality and an opportunity to discuss actions we can all make to create change for an #EachforEqual future. This event is a local celebration of International Women's Day.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

Well-known host and broadcaster Libbi Gorr is our key note speaker for the evening and will participate in the panel discussion. Other panel members include Christina Gangemi, Sergeant Arran Ferguson and Vicky Vacondios, with Kirstan Corben as our MC.

Event registrations will be open from 6pm, with light refreshments and local musicians providing entertainment. The event will commence at 6.30pm.

We have created a localised hashtag for the event, feel free to use it #EachforEqualSE

Panel Members

Libbi Gorr

One of Australia's finest live hosts and broadcasters in radio and on television nationally. Libbi delivers insightful and moving reports for the ABC TV flagship current affairs show 7.30. Libbi reached icon status for her comedy creation Elle McFeast in the 90s and early 2000s for the ABC and Network 10.

On ABC local radio, Libbi presents programs reflecting current news and social analysis, with an emphasis upon relationships , wellbeing, social change and the complexities of human nature. Her light touch with difficult issues is steeped in heart, humour and insight.

Libbi is a regular guest commentator on such programs as Studio 10 and The Project. Libbi has also written two books, Mummy Manners and Bedtime Poem for Edible Children.

Christina Gangemi

A PhD Candidate at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, where she is investigating visible light stimulation as a method to regenerate insulin-producing cells that are lost in Type 1 diabetes.

In addition to her research, she is currently a communications intern for the Convergence Science Network, where she interviews local scientists from a range of disciplines and promotes CSN events through written articles and social media. Moreover, she recently ran the national social media campaign for the 2019 Pint of Science Festival. Christina is also a passionate mentor with the New York Academy of Sciences, where she virtually mentors young women in STEM.

Vicky Vacondios

Vicky is a powerful advocate for women and their children who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence and was diagnosed with mental health issues during the vicious cycle.

Alongside her advocacy work, Vicky is currently employed as a Community Services Trainer and assessor at the Institute of Tertiary & Higher Education Australia (ITHEA), a role which combines her love of communicating and working with local and International student’s and preparing them to be Community Sector ready for work.

Vicky is a current Advisor/Member on the City of Melbourne Homelessness Advisory Committee.

Sergeant Arran Ferguson

Has been working for Victoria Police since 1995 and has spent 20 of those years out on the road, working nightshifts, doing public order management.

Arran has always held firmly to the tenant that policing is best done by the people for the people and is highly committed to the concept that Greater Connection does Build Better Community.

Arran has recently found his calling within the Moorabbin Proactive Policing Unit. Here he can indulge his passions in policing, Wellbeing, police response to acute mental health crisis and generally doing what he can with his dedicated members to make the Kingston, Bayside and Glen Eira areas, better for everyone who lives here, with everyone who lives here.