Business Innovation Breakfast
A Discussion on Gippsland's transition looking through a gender lens
The most recent Innovation Breakfast, a collaboration between the LVA, Federation University and Regional Development Victoria, was all about gender equality - "A Discussion on Gippsland's transition looking through a gender lens".
LVA's CEO, Chris Buckingham, led an insightful discussion featuring diverse experts, all sharing valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding gender equality in the region.
During the panel discussion, Kate Graham, CEO of Gippsland Women's Health, Lorisse Dart, Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs at AGL, Surbi Sharma, Associate Professor of Hydrogen Technologies at Federation University, and Dan Poynton, Executive Officer of GippSport, shared their insights on the gender disparities that women face in Gippsland. The panellists expressed passionate perspectives from their respective fields, outlining how they collaborate, where the work needs to be done and how we can all take action towards achieving gender equality for the people of Gippsland.
Kate Graham shared data on the gender gap in Gippsland and emphasized the importance of a "Just Gender Transition." She called on everyone in the community to take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of women and gender-diverse individuals. The presentation was powerful, informative, and at times, confronting. She provided a comprehensive picture of the gender equality issues faced in Gippsland and revealed some troubling statistics. Unfortunately, Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley are over-represented in many statistics, from gendered industry stereotypes to family violence.
The take-home message was that as we navigate the most significant change to our region in a generation, we can make sure that no one gets held back and left behind. Gender equality is a societal issue that requires collective action - together, we can make a difference.
The Innovation Breakfast series is a regular series held at the Federation University Innovation Centre event.
Mark these dates in your calendar.
- Friday, 20 October, Taryn Brumfitt, the current Australian of the Year, will deliver a keynote speech on body image with a focus on youth.
- Tuesday, 21 November, A keynote speech by Professor Fiona Haslam-McKenzie, Program Leader for Regional Economic Development, will focus on mine closure and transition to align with the CRC-TiME annual conference in Churchill.
- Wednesday 13 December 2023 – Air mobility feature. Keynote speaker TBA, partners Federation University, Latrobe City Council, Swinburne University.