Post by Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

Our International Women’s Day event this week was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we champion gender equity with intention and action. We heard from our new Secretary, Melanie Hawyes, who spoke with conviction about our role in driving meaningful change across our sectors, touching upon: 🏛️what stories get told in our cultural institutions ⚽the visibility of role models and champions in sport 🌃safety for women and girls in tourism, hospitality and night-time economy spaces Here at DCITHS, we’re seeing a shift in real time: ⚖️ all six of our cultural institutions are led by women ⚖️ women make up half of our portfolio’s senior executive ranks - shaping strategy, culture and delivery at the highest levels Yesterday’s event also featured a keynote from Jayla Nix (Senior Manager, Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, NSW Health), a panel discussion on reimagining public spaces for women and girls, and a musical performance by CLEWs, a local indie pop‑rock sister duo. Days like this remind us that equity isn’t a theme, it’s a commitment and we’re determined to turn that into lasting change. #DCITHS #CultureAtTheHeart #IWD2026 #BalanceTheScales