Home » High school hosts first Women’s Day panel

High school hosts first Women’s Day panel

Daniel Bouwmeester    March 12, 2023    2 min read   
Springfield Central State High School hosted four guest speakers at its first ever International Women’s Day panel last Monday, March 6.
Brisbane Broncos’ Girls Academy mentor Holly Green-Blair. Image: Cr Nicole Jonic.

Springfield Central State High School hosted four guest speakers at its first ever student-led International Women’s Day panel last Monday, March 6.

The panel included Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic and mentor Holly Green-Blair from the Brisbane Broncos’ Girls Academy.

Also sharing their passion for women’s advocacy were Carrie Fortunso from domestic violence charity Small Steps 4 Hannah and Cesarina Gigante from Soroptimist International.

The event featured a Q&A, in which student councillors posed insightful questions to the four women.

“We extend our gratitude to [the speakers] who captivated an audience of 250 students with their remarkable stories and experiences,” a representative from the school said.

Ms Jonic said it was great to share personal experiences among the student cohort with her fellow panellists.

“Let’s all celebrate how fabulous our leaders of tomorrow are!”

One of the central discussion topics was “embracing equity,” the official motto of this year’s global International Women’s Day celebrations.

The motto challenges community leaders to bring about a more “diverse, equitable, and inclusive [world] where difference is valued and celebrated”.

It coincides with Women’s History Month, which reflects on the long and continuous struggle for women’s rights.

Springfield Central State High School hosted four guest speakers at its first ever International Women’s Day panel last Monday, March 6
Middle centre: Cr Jonic nabs a selfie with fellow panellists and student councillors. Image: Cr Nicole Jonic. (All other images: SCSHS.)

The event was organised by the young women of the school’s Student Council, demonstrating a dedication to societal causes beyond their years.

“The event was flawless, well done!” Ms Jonic said, commending the students.


Springfield Central State High School is located at 90 Parkland Drive, Springfield.

Visit springfieldcentralshs.eq.edu.au or call 3470 6222.

Springfield Central State High School hosted four guest speakers at its first ever International Women’s Day panel last Monday, March 6

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Daniel Bouwmeester

Daniel was born in a mining town in New South Wales to Dutch and Welsh immigrants, before relocating to Logan City, where he attended Canterbury College for twelve years. He pursued his passion for music by completing a first-class honours degree at the University of Queensland (UQ), and later signed with a local record label. He has travelled the world from a young age, including a student exchange in rural France, a job working the ski lifts in Colorado, and visits to the islands of the South Pacific. After a six-year career in market research, Daniel returned to UQ to complete a Bachelor of Journalism and Arts dual degree, majoring in political science. His varied experiences at home and abroad have contributed to a passion for spreading good news while defending the truth buried inside complex societal paradigms.