Doncare’s inaugural Empowered Women Empowering Women event boasted a stellar line up including comedian and radio personality Jo Stanley, 2015 Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty and award-winning designer and TV personality Shaynna Blaze.

Across the global stage, women’s empowerment continues to be a common theme uniting communities. Doncare has supported, strengthened and empowered women in the community since 1969 and through this work, has seen an increased appreciation and understanding of the pivotal role women play across all sectors.

The event was an outstanding success attracting 400 guests to the Manningham Function Centre. Jo, Rosie and Shaynna’s empowering stories inspired an increased recognition of the importance of women’s empowerment as a platform to society’s success. The event also highlighted Doncare’s reputation and passion for increasing public awareness and understanding of the causal factors of disadvantage and the societal change and action required to support people experiencing economic and social disadvantage. See what our guest speakers had to say here

In conceptualising the event, Doncare’s vision for Empowered Women Empowering Women was to make a strong community statement and inspire women to contribute to change through advocacy and initiatives using their own talent and skills.

“We wanted to create a forum for women to be empowered and reflect on their own personal experience and commitment to keeping up the conversation as well as encourage people to invest in the wellbeing of the community and take pride in the work Doncare does to support, stengthen and empower women” said Doncare CEO Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the event. The energy of hope and empowerment in the room was present and I am so glad the funds raised go towards keeping that spirit alive” said Shaynna Blaze

Platinum sponsor Bendigo Bank truly upholds Doncare’s philosophy of "for the community, by the community". “Doncare is extremely grateful to Chairman, Ian Goldsmith and Geoff Roberts, Vice Chair, Manningham Community Enterprises for their enthusiasm in supporting our vision for #ewew2018” said Doreen.

Doncare has established a reputation for connecting people in the community and the new partnerships that have emerged as a result of the event are genuinely exciting. We look forward to building on our new relationships as we continue to strive for a better community. Michelle Caldwell, owner of Fernwood Fitness Bulleen and gold sponsor of the event said “Our programs are designed to support strong women on their fitness journey and a strong and healthy community, which is why the partnership with Doncare aligns so well. Congratulations on an impressive inaugural Empowered Women Empowering Women lunch! It was so professional and so inspiring. Great venue with great food, representing a wonderful organisation. Not sure how you will top that next year”.

#EWEW2019 promises to emulate the success of the inaugural event. Sponsorship is an opportunity for businesses to connect with the community, demonstrate sensitivity to issues that impact women and be visible supporting Doncare and the work we do.

Doncare is a not-for-profit community services organisation that has operated in the Manningham community since 1969. Doncare provides counselling for families and children in crisis; prevention, support and recovery following domestic violence; specialist intake and risk assessment; integrated family services; case management; emergency relief; social support for seniors and financial and material aid.