Mayoral Column – Honouring progress on International Women’s Day

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Penrith City Council is honouring the strength of women in our community and their achievements this International Women’s Day.

Held annually on 8 March, the 2026 theme is ‘Balance the Scales’ – advancing the goal that every woman and girl should feel safe, heard and free to shape her own future.

This weekend the Civic Centre turns purple - the official colour of International Women’s Day – to show our support and spark important conversations about how we can all make a difference.

I’m proud to serve on a Council with our highest ever female representation, with 8 women in our dedicated group of 15 councillors. This reflects the makeup of our progressive City where more than 50% of our growing community is female.

Women have always had a special place in Penrith’s history and I look forward to attending Penrith RSL sub-Branch’s plaque unveiling in Memory Park on Sunday, to recognise the service of women in war and peace.

This is one of many local events being held to mark the day. Council is also hosting a staff event aimed at inspiring everyone to make a positive impact for each other and the Penrith community through their work.

Gender equity is very important to Council as we continue to provide opportunities that empower and support residents.

Council takes a multi-faceted approach to creating safer, thriving communities. Our Community Funding Program forms part of this as it improves social cohesion and capacity building.

Through this program, Council has recently funded impactful community-led projects including a healthy relationships program for young people, woodworking classes for women and non-binary individuals, and skill-building workshops for culturally and linguistically diverse women.

We also take part in the annual 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, and Council continues to back the important work of our partners in the Nepean Domestic Violence Network who improve community safety to ensure that local women feel seen and supported.

On International Women’s Day and every day, Council recognises the significant contributions of women to this evolving City.

Cr Todd Carney
Mayor of Penrith

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 4 March 2026.