Our much-loved International Women’s Day Luncheon returned on Friday 8 March 2025, to raise funds for the St Catherine’s Foundation Indigenous Scholarship Fund. In just three years, this event has become a valuable platform for our community to come together and share ideas, concerns and questions as part of our ongoing commitment to achieving equality for all women.
While the Luncheon fosters important conversations, it is primarily a fundraising event, as we seek to fund our Indigenous Scholarships in perpetuity. In her opening address, Headmistress Ms Deb Magill highlighted the vital role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have played in our school community for many years. She also shared, with their permission, what our current Indigenous students want the wider school community to know about the impact of a St Cath’s education has had on their lives.
It is their hope that you are investing in.
Headmistress Ms Deb Magill
From opportunities to support and inspiration, Ms Magill emphasised, “It is their hope that you are investing in.” Our community took these words to heart, helping us raise over $60,000 for the Indigenous Scholarship Fund at this year’s event. We thank everyone who generously supported this important cause through pledges, sponsorships, donations and raffle ticket purchases.
This year, we were lucky to be joined by guest speaker, Natasha Oakley (STC2008)—Old Girl, entrepreneur, global influencer, author, and CEO and co-founder of Monday Swimwear and The Pilates Class. Interviewed by Mrs Catherine Ajaka, Foundation Board Director and Chair of the Endowment Committee, Natasha spoke candidly about running her own business, the importance of prioritising mental well-being, and why women should put themselves first.
She also offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the often-glamorised influencer world, explaining why it is not a career path suited to everyone. “Social media is very tempting, but to get to where I am, I had to move to another country. I missed out on family birthdays, I hardly socialised, and everyone I did socialise with, I ended up working with—because all I do is work. It is not all that it seems, and it’s so important for girls to hear,” she shared.
Natasha then answered audience questions, touching on body inclusivity, diversity in advertising, and how each of us can be a better role model for young women. Many attendees left the luncheon with valuable insights to help guide their daughters through their own journeys into womanhood. We sincerely thank Natasha for sharing her experiences and wisdom with our community.
Finally, we thank our sponsors for this event, without whom this event would not have been possible. Thank you to platinum sponsor Monday Swimwear, gold sponsor BYD, silver sponsors: Bachini Jewellers, Borger Traffic, BRASV Group, Mourd Evans Lawyers and Neighbourhood Cellars, gift supporters: Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, Désordre Boutique and Peache Rose Hair as well as our prize donors, donors and other supporters.
