International Women's Day 2026

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia (CCIWA) is proud to present our International Women's Day 2026 event.

With a theme of 'Balance the Scales', this iconic lunch will empower and energise guests as our inspiring speakers share their stories and reflect on how we can collectively nurture equity and inclusion for every woman and girl.

It's an event not to be missed for the WA business community - whether you're a young entrepreneur, senior professional or executive leader, there is something to learn and gain for every gender identity.

We welcome one and all to celebrate and uplift women at every stage and age at this dazzling event.

Secure your spot now and start organising your power suit!

Keynote Speaker

Our Panellists

Professor Colleen Hayward OM

Professor Colleen is a senior Noongar woman with strong family connections across the south-west of Western Australia. From a teaching family—her father was WA’s first Aboriginal teacher and principal—Colleen has spent more than 40 years shaping policy and programs across health, education, housing, child protection, and law and justice at community, state and national levels.

Her leadership and advocacy have been widely recognised, including NAIDOC Aboriginal Person of the Year (2008), appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia, induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, and multiple Distinguished Alumni honours. Formerly Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equity & Indigenous Issues) at Edith Cowan University, Colleen remains active on boards and advisory committees and continues to drive positive change across sectors.

Saray Toovey, Chief Integrated Services Officers, Ruah 

Sarah holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and has more than 15 years’ experience working in the not-for-profit and humanitarian aid sectors in Australia and overseas. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a board member of Community Legal Centres Australia.  

Sarah joined the Mental Health Law Centre in 2017 and played a key role in supporting its merger with Ruah Community Services in 2019. Following the launch of Ruah Legal Services, Sarah led the organisation through a period of significant service expansion. This included the development of new service offerings such as the Care and Protection Integrated Legal Service, which received the WA Association of Mental Health’s 2022 Innovation for Change Award.  

Sarah is recognised for her leadership of interdisciplinary teams and her strong advocacy for Ruah’s intensive, end-to-end integrated service model. Her work has contributed to broader shifts within the community legal sector, with increasing recognition of the importance of wrap-around support to help people address the underlying causes of legal issues.  

In her current role as Chief Integrated Services Officer, Sarah leads service integration across Ruah, ensuring clients can access the legal, specialist and allied health supports they need to flourish. 

Rod Ballinger, General Manager, Newman Operations, BHP  

Rod Ballinger grew up in country Victoria, the son of two schoolteachers, with no connection to the mining industry. A strong interest in mathematics, science and hands on work led him to study Mining Engineering at the University of Ballarat. 

He began his career in the coalfields of central Queensland before joining BHP in 2011, moving to the Iron Ore asset in Western Australia in 2013. Over the past decade, Rod has held senior operational leadership roles, including Mining Manager and General Manager of the Jimblebar operation. With deep experience across the Pilbara, he was proud and humbled to be appointed General Manager, Newman Operations in May 2024. 

Rod believes effective leadership is about enabling teams to work more safely, efficiently and productively. He is a strong advocate for listening and learning in the field from those closest to the work and empowers his teams to drive continuous improvement – making work and workplaces better, every day.

"We thank you for ensuring that this is a safe, respectful and inclusive event."