Last night's third-annual Women of the South event was a roaring success!
Held as a cocktail function for the first time, more than 80 people attended the event at the Woodlands Golf Club in Mordialloc to celebrate the contributions of women to the Southern Football Netball League.
The night was headlined by the announcement of Donna Stevens from the Dingley Football Netball Club as the winner of the inaugural Women's Achievement Award.
This award was struck to recognise and celebrate the remarkable services that women have given to the SFNL and it's football and netball clubs in various capacities. And Donna was a truly worthy winner.
Margaret Torpy (Moorabbin Kangaroos), Sue Anderson (Cheltenham), Deanne Barnes (Carrum Patterson Lakes) and Sam Downie (Keysborough) were also shortlisted for their amazing contributions to the League.
The night also featured two inspiring guest speakers.
Georgie Harman, the CEO of League partner beyondblue, spoke passionately about her life, her amazing professional career and all of her achievements. She also shared her 'top tips' to succeed in any endeavour to the ladies in attendance.
Olympic gold medal-winning aerial skiier Lydia Lassila then had the crowd hanging on every word as she regaled tales of the highs and lows of her successful yet turbulent professional career. She spoke at length about her crippling injuries, reaching the pinnacle of her sport and juggling her sporting career with motherhood.
Bernie Vaux, the former Director of Umpiring for the South Metro Junior Football League, also did a wonderful job MCing the evening.
The candy bar received a big following, as did the Arbonne pamper station. And with the wine and bubbles flowing all night it made for a incredibly vibrant and fun-filled atmosphere.
Congratulations to Donna, Margaret, Sue, Deanne and Sam and thank you to all the ladies who got beautifully dressed up for the occasion. Look forward to doing it again next year!
The lolly bar at the beginning of the night. The lollies didn't last long...
Elizabeth Miller and Deanne Barnes were among the first to inspect the lolly bar and gave their approval.
The Arbonne pamper station proved popular with the girls wanting a quick touch up.
Lydia Lassila thrills the crowd.
MC Bernie Vaux introduces the Women's Achievement Award nominees on stage. From left: Deanne Barnes, Sam Downie, Sue Anderson, Donna Stevens and Margaret Torpy.
Donna Stevens makes a speech after accepting her award.
Deanne, Sam, Margaret, Sue and Donna are all smiles!
SFNL CEO Dave Cannizzo couldn't help jumping in a photo with Georgie Harman, Lydia Lassila and SFNL Board Member Athena Greenall-Wilson.
Lydia Lassila meets her adoring fans...
...including the SFNL's starstruck Marketing and Partnerships manager, Kelly Jones.
