On Friday 6 March, 166 people from across the Singleton Shire came together to mark International Women’s Day 2026 and explore the theme Give to Gain, as part of a Local Buying Foundation supported event delivered by Business Singleton. The lunch brought together representatives from 50 businesses and organisations, with strong participation from women across the local business community.
The event created space for shared reflection on what inclusive leadership looks like in practice, particularly in regional settings. Through guest insights and conversation, attendees were encouraged to back themselves and others in work and community life, with a focus on resilience, compassion and self care.
The program featured guest speaker Melinda Schneider, whose presentation was described by attendees as engaging and inspiring. Feedback highlighted the positive atmosphere, the quality of the speakers and the opportunity to step away from day to day work to connect with colleagues and celebrate women in business. Several participants also noted the sense of pride created through the involvement of local students supporting the event.
Supporting regional International Women’s Day events helps keep important conversations visible beyond a single day. By connecting employers, community leaders and emerging role models, this project strengthened local networks around women in business and leadership, while reinforcing the importance of wellbeing, inclusion and respectful leadership in communities supported by the Local Buying Foundation.
07 January 2026
The Local Buying Foundation has approved support for Business Singleton’s International Women’s Day 2026 event, a community focused initiative designed to strengthen leadership, inclusion and wellbeing in regional NSW.
The event will align with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme Give to Gain and will bring together local businesses, community members and leaders for shared reflection and learning. The program is designed to explore inclusive leadership in practice, with a focus on resilience, compassion and self care in regional and high pressure environments.
By supporting this project, the Local Buying Foundation is investing in initiatives that help build strong local connections and positive workplace cultures. Regional International Women’s Day events play an important role in keeping conversations about inclusion, wellbeing and respectful leadership visible and relevant, while supporting women in business and emerging leaders.
The Local Buying Foundation looks forward to sharing outcomes from the Business Singleton International Women’s Day event following International Women’s Day 2026.