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Under the Sails

Sydney Community Foundation event: Saluting Sydney Women

Sydney Opera House

Under the Sails shares the stories of those who say 'I do' and celebrate milestones at the Opera House. 

On September 8 2022, Sydney Community Foundation’s Sydney Women’s Fund hosted its flagship event - Saluting Sydney Women - in the Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms. The Opera House was an iconic and special place for this celebration.

Tell us about the event you hosted at the Opera House

Every year, Sydney Women's Fund salutes a trailblazing woman at its Saluting Sydney Women luncheon. One who is a role model and contributor to social justice and the advancement of women in this city and beyond.

Tell us about the style of your event? How did it come to life?

180 people gathered to honour the formidable Ann Sherry AO for her incredible career achievements, her social justice advocacy and philanthropy, as well as her work in transforming diversity and inclusion for women and families in Australia and beyond.

We also took the opportunity to reflect on current issues facing women and families and heard from the leader of our Ukrainian Helping Hand Project, which is focused on welcoming and settling displaced Ukrainian women and children in Sydney.

The spirit of the Sydney Women’s Fund comes to life in the Saluting Sydney Women event. It gives us a moment to reflect on the work that’s been achieved in creating opportunities and improving equity for women and families in Sydney. Through its grassroots charity partners, Sydney Women’s Fund provides crisis support for women and families experiencing domestic violence, poverty and homelessness; creates inclusion and wellbeing for marginalised women and families; and seeks to break cycles of intergenerational disadvantage by providing women with supported pathways to education and work.

It gives us a moment to reflect on the work that’s been achieved in creating opportunities and improving equity for women and families in Sydney.

What was a highlight from the day?

It was wonderful to gather with our community to celebrate Ann Sherry’s achievements in such a spectacular setting. It made for an extraordinary and beautiful experience. Her inspirational professional and personal achievements, and her rallying words about our collective ability to empower women and girls who are struggling in our city struck a chord with everyone who attended.

Why did you choose the Opera House to celebrate Saluting Sydney Women 2022?

Sydney Women’s Fund is an impact fund of the Sydney Community Foundation, and focuses on providing opportunity and equity for women and families across Greater Sydney. We needed a setting as memorable as the woman to whom we were paying tribute in which to host the event. Previous Sydney Women’s Fund honourees have included Carla Zampatti AC OMRI, Ita Buttrose AO OBE, and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. These women, among others, have all paved the way for the next generation of women leaders.

We needed a setting as memorable as the woman to whom we were paying tribute in which to host the event.

Whether your looking forward to planning your wedding, birthday or corporate event, treat your guests to a memorable event under the sails.  With a range of spaces to book, our Functions team are here to help. 

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