On Thursday 12 March, more than 120 community members gathered at the Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club to celebrate International Women’s Day with the NRCF Women’s Giving Circle.
The evening brought together donors, community leaders, volunteers and supporters from across the region to recognise the strength of women and the power of collective giving in the Northern Rivers. The room was filled with connection, generosity and shared purpose as guests came together to support initiatives empowering women and girls in our community.
We are thrilled to share that the event raised more than $8,400 for the Northern Rivers Women’s Fund through the evening’s raffle and auction. The Women’s Fund is a perpetual fund supporting grassroots projects that empower women and girls across the region year after year.
Stories of Leadership and Community
Guests heard from a panel of inspiring speakers who shared their personal and professional experiences of community leadership, connection and support.
Lynda Wiles from Support for New Mums spoke about the importance of community care for women navigating early motherhood. The organisation received a $15,000 Women’s Giving Circle grant at NRCF’s 2025 Community Grants Giving Night, enabling education, connection and practical support for local mothers.
Dee Cosme-Dufner, Publisher of Tweed Coast Living, shared her personal story of early motherhood and the profound impact of community support during a challenging time in her life.
The program also featured Professor Tamsyn Crowley, Research Director at Southern Cross University, who spoke about leadership, research and the importance of creating environments where women can lead boldly and lift others alongside them.
A Community Effort
Guests enjoyed seasonal canapés, handmade pasta and dessert, a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival, and the opportunity to participate in the evening’s raffle and auction.
We are deeply grateful to the many local businesses who generously donated prizes for the fundraiser, and to everyone who attended, purchased tickets, placed bids and helped make the evening such a success. Events like this remind us of what is possible when community comes together with generosity and shared purpose.
And of course, thank you to our event partners and supporters: chefs Daniela and Attilio Maiorano, Davina Bambrick Photography, JAM Sounds, Underwear for Humanity, auctioneer extraordinaire and Women’s Giving Circle member, Emily Mascall, and to our official event partner, Southern Cross University, for their support in helping bring this event to life.
Join the Women’s Giving Circle
If you’re not already a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, we would love you to join us!
By contributing $20 per week or $1,000 per year, members pool their giving to support grassroots initiatives empowering women and girls across the Northern Rivers. Together, we are creating real, lasting impact.
Learn more or become a member today.
We are proud to acknowledge and thank the following supporters:
Major Supporting Partner:
Southern Cross University
Speakers:
Professor Tamsyn Crowley – Southern Cross University
Lynda Wiles – Support for New Mums
Dee Cosme – Tweed Coast Living
Auction Prize Donors:
Bende at Byron
Muddy Clay Play
Spell
The Beach Ranch
Raffle Prize Donors:
Balloon Aloft Byron Bay
Bangalow Tennis Club
Cape Byron Distillery
Made It Australia
Mockingbird Supply Co
Sun Ranch Byron Bay
Superfeast
There’s Always More Hairdressing
Tinker Tailor Dancer Trader
The Sunglasses Fix
Valley E Bikes
Lucky Door Prizes & Giveaways
Superfeast
Underwear for Humanity
Media & PR Support
Byron Edit
Odette and Co
Locale Magazine
Times News Group
Tweed Coast Living
Venue, Catering, Music & Photography
Byron Bay Surf Club
Convivio Byron Bay
Davina Bambrick Photography
GI – Jode
The Ambassadors
The North Byron Hotel
Volunteers
Alexandra Laviolette, La Mondaine
Alan Duncan – NRCF D&E Committee Chair
Cass Lloyd – NRCF D&E Committee
Chris Edwards – The Honeycombers
Emily Mascall – Women’s Giving Circle Member and Auctioneer
Inge Hellmrich – NRCF D&E Committee
Johan Kortenhorst – NRCF Chair
John Callanan – NRCF Patron
Lynda Dean OAM – NRCF Deputy Chair & Grants Committee Chair
