Join us at Waverley Council's International Women's Day Award

2 March 2023

The Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos invites the community to join us at Bondi Pavilion Theatre on Wednesday 8 March as we honour Lets Go Surfing founder and changemaker Brenda Miley with the 2023 Waverley Council International Women’s Day (IWD) Award.

^{Hear Brenda Miley speak about her amazing life at Waverley Council's International Women's Day Award.}

The award acknowledges the extraordinary contributions of our female leaders in Waverley and we invite the community to register here to attend this free event.

IWD is celebrated annually on 8 March to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It is a day to raise awareness about women's rights, gender equality, and to reflect on the progress that has been made, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead.

“Despite facing numerous obstacles and biases, Brenda has worked hard to become the successful entrepreneur that she is today and is inspiring a future generation of women to be their best and do what they love,” Mayor Masselos said.

“It is quite difficult to adequately capture how remarkable Brenda is, especially when it comes to her generous community spirit and championing other women - so we are thrilled to honour Brenda with Waverley Council’s inaugural International Women’s Day Award.

“Our event will feature a special oration by Brenda and I am delighted that she will be sharing her extraordinary story in her own words with the wider community.

“Her innovative projects continue to transform lives, break down barriers and advocate for a gender-equal future.”

Brenda grew up in the ocean of the eastern beaches and made her mark as a champion surfer in the 1980s alongside World Surfing Champion Pauline Menzcer and the Webber family. She is a community focused philanthropist and multi award-winning leader in the surf school and tourism industries.

She established surf school Lets Go Surfing and Bondi Girls Surfriders Club to inspire and encourage women to engage in the sport, and is also known for her contribution to causes and charities including SurfAID and Weave.

“Having risen through the ranks of the male dominated local surf clubs, Brenda wanted to carve a safe space for female surfers and change the way girls experienced surfing, which Lets Go Surfing is doing each day,” Mayor Masselos said.

“On IWD, Waverley Council acknowledges the women and girls who have made tremendous efforts to shape a more equal future, and although there is much to be celebrated, there is still much to be done to achieve equality,” Mayor Masselos said.

“An equal world is an enabled world, and our International Women’s Day event is about raising awareness against bias, taking action for equality and celebrating the achievements of women in our community.”

Complimentary refreshments will be served at the Bondi Pavilion Bar from 5.45pm and theatre doors open at 6.15pm. Tickets are general admission and seats are not allocated.

Spaces are filling quickly. To avoid disappointment, book your seat now at: https://www.bondipavilion.com.au/whats_on/waverley_council_international_womens_day_award_2023

-ENDS-

Media inquiries: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.