Quota Club Breakfast
Quota Club of Armidale's International Women's Day Breakfast
Student leaders, several staff members and Z Club representatives from O’Cponnor Catholic College attended the Quota Club of Armidale's International Women's Day Breakfast on 6 March.
Dr Sarah Pearson (Chancellor of the University of New England) delivered a speech centered on the 2026 UN Women theme, "Balancing the Scales".
Key themes and highlights from her address included:
- Dismantling Barriers: She spoke about the need to remove structural and legal barriers that prevent women and girls from seeking justice or shaping their own futures.
- Defining Equality: Dr Pearson emphasized that equality is not about providing an advantage to some, but rather ensuring dignity, safety, and fairness for all.
- Empowering the Next Generation: Sarah encouraged the young people in the audience to ignore stereotypes and trust that they don't need to have their entire lives "figured out" yet—reminding them that being a woman should never limit their ambitions.
Regional Leadership: Drawing on her role at UNE, she highlighted the importance of regional areas acting as cultural and economic powerhouses, driven by values of boldness and connection.
A highlight of the event was the opportunity to reconnect with past student Heidi Engler, a 2020 graduate of O’Connor Catholic College. Dr Sarah Pearson was proud to introduce Heidi to the community as the recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the University of New England. Now undertaking studies in social work, Heidi is deeply committed to social justice. This scholarship will support her ongoing academic journey and future career aspirations, including further study in law.
