The winners of this year's Western Sydney University's Women of the West Awards will be named during a lunch to mark International Women's Day on Friday, March 12 at the Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Olympic Park.
Part of Coleman Greig's Women in Business forum, the event will also feature a talk by Australian Mars One astronaut candidate Dianna McGrath.
The theme of this year's event is "from challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge".
International Women's Day encourages women to gather and call out gender bias and inequality in all industries, including space.
Ms McGrath will share the inspiring journey about her one-way trip to Mars.
The Mars One project is a global initiative that aims to kickstart humanity's life on the red planet by 2032.
For Ms McGrath it is a chance to do something extraordinary, that could change the face of history by establishing a colony on Mars. Out of 200,000 applicants globally, Ms McGrath is in the top 100 candidates.
"I feel honoured to share my story with the Women in Business community and can't wait to celebrate the Women of the West Awards and hearing from the nominees and winners on the day," she said.
Ms McGrath is passionate about sustainable food systems and reducing food waste, particularly in the hospitality sector.
"The fact that all funds raised on the day are going to OzHarvest is just fantastic," she said. "They do a lot of excellent work when it comes to raising awareness of food waste and getting meals to people in need."
OzHarvest has been fighting food waste for more than 17 through its food rescue, education programs and sustainability work.
In Australia 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted every year.
For every dollar donated, OzHarvest can deliver two meals to someone in need.
Women in Business ambassador Caroline Hutchinson said that Ms McGrath inspired Australian women from all walks of life to dream big.
"I know we will all leave feeling inspired and ready for all that 2021 has to bring," she said.
Of course a highlight of the event will be the naming of Business, Community and Young Woman of the West.
This year's nominees include women from a range of industries, from community wellbeing and health, to social justice and education.
"The Women of the West Awards aim to recognise the exceptional and inspirational women who are contributing to the diverse region of Western Sydney," said WSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International) Professor Deborah Sweeney.
"As a global leader in gender equality, the university is pleased to join with Coleman Greig Lawyers and the community to acknowledge this year's nominees and winners of the Awards, and to celebrate all women for International Women's Day."
There re two ways to attend the lunch - in person for $125 per person, or by buying a virtual seat for $40.
Coleman Greig will donate $40 from each virtual ticket sold to OzHarvest.
To secure your ticket, visit: www.colemangreig.com.au/WibEvents.aspx
