More than 100 locals from all walks of life including a representation of senior high school students, gathered in a COVID safe manner to celebrate women around the world channelling this year's campaign theme '#Choose to Challenge'.

"We were thrilled to be back face to face and were really fortunate with the timing of events slowly returning as COVID restrictions are easing," said event organiser Natalie Hewitt.

"A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day."

"We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world."

"From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge."

The special event featured three local guest speakers including CEO of Witmore Enterprises Anita White, CEO Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation Taasha Layer and Sue Gilroy, President of Singleton Business Chamber and Owner of Cultivate Confident Cultures.

Each guest speaker shared personal and significant aspects of their lives that have attributed to the women they are today.

'In my office, I have a saying on the whiteboard," said Anita White, CEO of Witmore Enterprises.

"Inclusion is more than being asked to the party, but being asked to dance."

Anita went into detail explaining what it means to her, being in the party of life and how you dance around challenges, culture, diversities and inclusion.

"In business, my message is that there are men and women in positions who don't value the people around them."

"However, it is not easy to choose your battles in challenges, as it can be painful and stressful. I challenge you in hard times to stop, breathe, seek counsel from people you respect and always think to move forward in your dance, whatever that may be."

Anita shared her deeply touching and very personal story of two remarkable women in her life; her Mother and Grandmother who fled the horrors of WW2. She was also the first female President of the Rotary Club of Singleton and has held that position twice.

As the CEO for Witmore Enteprises, Anita shared the story of two amazing women who changed the course in peoples' lives by inviting them to dance and get down boogie, right here in Singleton, causing a significant cultural shift.

In the early 1950's German's Klaus and Sonia Witt arrived in Australia and decided to settle in Singleton. Sonia decided to start her own business running a pre-school in her home and she quickly formed a friendship with one of the other mothers, Melva Moore who had a daughter with a disability.

At the time, the Government prohibited children with disabilities from attending pre-school and so Sonia, Melva and their husbands decided this wasn't acceptable and sparked the Singleton community to act.

From these beginnings the history of Witmore was born and with the help of a dedicated team of employees and volunteers, continues to go from strength to strength.

'To finish, the quote Inclusion is more than being asked to the party, but being asked to dance. Maybe it should say, Life is a party; come dance with me."

Following Anita, was CEO of Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation Taasha Layer, who highlighted the success of Ungooroo thanks to the driven women (and men) behind the scenes.

"International Women's Day is about celebrating and honouring the significant contribution that women around the world are making every day," said Taasha.

"Women who inspire others to make change, women who lead teams, organisations, families and countries and women who are committed to making a difference, having an impact, and improving the lives of others in their communities."

Ungooroo is proud that two thirds of their Board of Directors is made up by Aboriginal women.

"I'm proud to say 90% of our staff are women," Taasha continued. "Women of all ages and backgrounds and cultural diversity."

"Women who are building careers, women who are juggling family commitments, women who are contributing to the local economy and all of them making a real impact on the lives of local Indigenous communities.

"These women, and a few good men, are the team that drives the success of Ungooroo."

Lastly, Singleton's Sue Gilroy, President of Singleton Business Chamber and Owner of Cultivate Confident Cultures shared her take on the choose to challenge theme.

"Let's explore the times we choose not to challenge. What holds us back or stops us from speaking up," Sue began with.

"The real things we fear to challenge because we are scared of failing, being judged or not being good enough are our beliefs, our choices and our limitations.

"What if the realisation of the existence shame and the courage to name it unlocked your greatness and the potential within you?

What if that realisation of what was truly holding you back became a choice? A choice to let go of those old beliefs and limitations," she continued.

Sue highlights the possibilities when you choose to challenge your fears, beliefs and limitations.

"So let's choose to face the shame and acknowledge it for what it is, let's normalise it and call it out.

"Imagine the power when you choose to challenge. I did and you can too, the choice is yours."

Attendees left with full bellies thanks to the catering by the hospitality students and staff from Singleton High School.

"The catering was phenomenal," Natalie continued. "Everyone was blown away by the level of dining and service. It was a great opportunity for the students to shine and they all appeared to have a great time."

Bree McSweeney from Singleton High School initiated the event with the Acknowledgement to Country and the luncheon was beautifully styled by Lili Robinson from August Bloom and Rochelle from Isn't It Lovely.

In closing, Natalie conveyed her sincere thanks to the Local Buying Foundation and AGL for their generosity and support. 'Without the help of our sponsors and supporters, we could not meet the needs of our members and the wider community.'

For more information on upcoming events head to https://www.facebook.com/swibgroup