On Friday, March 7th, the vibrant spirit of International Women’s Day (IWD) will once again come to life at Newcastle Racecourse as it hosts a day filled with celebration, inspiration, and goodwill.
Coinciding with the Group 3 Horsepower Newcastle Stakes Race meeting, this highly anticipated event will serve as a platform to champion this year’s theme while raising vital funds for local charities Grow a Star and Jenny’s Place.
Since its inception in 2018, the IWD event has raised more than $200,000 for various local charities. With esteemed newsreader Jane Goldsmith from NBN as the Master of Ceremonies, this year’s event aims to surpass previous fundraising efforts.
Under the campaign theme of #AccelerateAction for International Women’s Day 2025, this event aims to foster a world where every woman is equipped and able to address the barriers and biases they face both personally and professionally.
Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of camaraderie and philanthropy and hear the powerful story of achievement from a remarkable woman, Sam Bloom.
Sam delivers a powerful and inspirational message centred around cultivating resilience, adapting to change, and finding purpose.
In early 2013, Sam’s dream life turned into a nightmare when on holiday in Thailand she unknowingly leant against a rotten balcony railing, falling through and crashing six metres onto the concrete below. Her accident left her paralysed from the chest down.
Sam’s powerful story of courage, hope and determination inspired the movie Penguin Bloom which became an immediate hit. Sam has found purpose in sharing her story with others creating positive change in their lives by providing inspiration and hope.
Duane Dowell, CEO of Newcastle Racecourse, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Beyond inspiring inclusion, we are delighted to contribute to the remarkable work of Grow a Star and Jenny’s Place. Together, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on the support of these amazing charities.”
Supported by Newcastle Racecourse and esteemed local businesses including Prosperity Advisers Group, Hall & Wilcox, People Fusion, LJ Hooker Dudley/Redhead, Matthews Jewellers, NAB Newcastle and Klosters Group/Newcastle BMW, the 2025 IWD event promises an unforgettable experience.
Generous auction and raffle prizes valued at over $25,000 will be up for grabs including exquisite jewellery, artworks, a luxurious dining and accommodation experience, and much more.
About the Charities:
Grow a Star:
Created by Home in Place, Grow a Star is a pioneering youth mentoring and scholarship program dedicated to empowering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing financial and generational support, Grow a Star enables youth to pursue academic, sporting, or artistic aspirations, fostering
self-confidence and lifelong skills.
Jenny’s Place:
Founded in 1977, Jenny’s Place as been helping women and children in the Newcastle area to find safety and help victim survivors of domestic and family violence and those facing homelessness. The Jenny’s Place team is committed to keeping women and children in our community safe, housed, and free from violence.
Join us for a day of inspiration, inclusion, and empowerment at Newcastle Racecourse on Friday March 7th. Together, let us make a difference and celebrate the achievements of women worldwide.
For a full copy of the media release, click here.
To book tickets to the International Women’s Day Event click here.
– 1.2.2025 –
For further details, or to arrange an interview please contact CEO Duane Dowell.
M: 0423 925 588