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Past students and community members are warmly invited to join us for the first of our Sesquicentenary events, celebrating 150 years of Mercy education in Bendigo.International Women’s Day Breakfast
FRIDAY 6 MARCH 2026
7.30 am – 9.00 am
St Mary’s Hall, Barkly Street, Bendigo
GUEST SPEAKERS
Enjoy a delicious breakfast while being inspired by the personal journeys of some of our remarkable alumnae, who will offer insightful reflections on gender and leadership.
> MC: Grace Aicken
> Panellists: Cr Andrea Metcalf | Justine Sharkey Minne | Leila Gurruwiwi | Abbey Milligan
Tickets: Bookings essential | $40 adults; $15 students, includes breakfast
Enquiries 03 5445 9100 | [email protected]
What better occasion to honour the strength and audacity of the women who founded and led our College than International Women’s Day 2026! For the first 122 years, the College was led exclusively by Sisters of Mercy, producing generations of inspirational women who have excelled in business, education, the arts, family life, religious life and more.
Over breakfast, a cross section of remarkable alumnae will share personal stories, professional insights, and broader reflections on gender and leadership. The conversation promises to be warm, thought-provoking, and deeply inspiring.
Speakers
MC: Grace Aicken (Class of 2015)
After undertaking a Master of Journalism at the University of Melbourne, Grace is a producer at Nine News Melbourne and previously worked at WIN News and the Herald Sun.
Panellists:
Andrea Metcalf (Class of 1977)
Andrea had a successful career at Centrelink before being elected to the Whipstick Ward of the City of Greater Bendigo in 2016. She has since served three terms as Mayor and is currently still serving on the Council.
Justine Sharkey Minne (Class of 1993)
Justine began her career at Bendigo Bank as a Customer Service Officer and is now the Head of Community Banking. She leads the strategic direction of over 300 community-owned branches and director networks across Australia.
Leila Gurruwiwi (Class of 2005)
Leila commenced her career in radio before joining the television program The Marngrook Footy Show as a reporter and presenter. Along with her media roles, she is also an Indigenous Support Worker.
Abbey Milligan (Class of 2018)
The inaugural CMCB Faith Captain is currently a PHD candidate in Biomedical Science at La Trobe University, where she uses advanced microscopy techniques to better understand the human immune response.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo, Australia
Tickets
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