Special guest speaker, 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, will headline the Hastings Heroines Awards and breakfast on Wednesday, March 8.

Rosie will share her story and the incredible work of the Luke Batty Foundation at HBWN’s annual event to celebrate International Women's Day and the contributions of women across the Hastings.

Rosie is a leader in the crusade against domestic violence and turned her personal tragedy into a fight to help others. Her relentless work in this area led to Rosie becoming the 2015 Australian of the Year and the Pride of Australia National Courage Medal recipient.

Her name has become synonymous with the words courage and resilience. Only hours after her son's life was tragically taken, Rosie gave voice to many thousands of victims of domestic violence who had until then remained unheard.

Now a tireless campaigner, Rosie is the CEO of The Luke Batty Foundation and runs the Never Alone Campaign, asking all Australians to stand with her and beside all victims of family violence.

Her public speaking appearances are a remarkable story of resilience, courage, inspiration and making a difference. Rosie's incredible strength and selfless efforts are an inspiration to many people.

The theme for this year's HBWN breakfast is unity and will celebrate women who provide strength and cohesion to support and connect the Hastings community. 

All proceeds from the event will go toward the Port Macquarie Hastings Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Service, which provides crisis accommodation and support to women and children escaping domestic violence or in crisis.