The event encouraged the community to work together to dismantle the systems that perpetuate gender bias and inequality.

Hastings Business Women's Network president Kelly King said balance is not just a women's issue.

"We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality," Ms King said.

"The rise of women is not about the fall of men and everyone has a role to play in forging gender parity.

"Men as advocates and champions of change is now a major trend in accelerating women's equality as we strive toward a world that expects equity, diversity and inclusion. From challenge comes change."

Over $140,000 has been raised through IWD events for Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Service in Port Macquarie, providing for renovations at Galbaan House, new bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, play spaces and outdoor areas. It has also funded education and training programs for women accessing the service.

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Kelly Lamb, founding member of the IWD committee and Liberty CEO, said COVID has seen a dramatic increase in the call for help by women experiencing violence across Port Macquarie-Hastings.

"Domestic violence has been increasing every year. This past year, it has been particularly tough," Ms Lamb said.

"In fact, so far this financial year we have already supported twice the number of women and children we are funded for.

"The tragic murder of Hannah Clark and her three children last February put domestic and family violence in the spotlight. Then COVID arrived and with it, an increase in the number of incidents and the complexity of the violence.

"During the pandemic, many people experienced abusive and controlling behaviours for the first time. Others experienced more violence and more often.

"We're still very much feeling the impacts and we will for a long time."

Liberty prevention specialist Brooke Maggs said challenging the narrative around gender stereotypes and challenging the systems of power and control are the first steps toward creating safer communities.

"How do we value people to be the same regardless of their gender?" she said.

"These (stereotypes) shape both men and women and a society where women are valued less and men are expected to be dominant and in control.

"In this world, disrespect is often excused and violence is more likely as the power imbalance between men and women is reinforced.

"When social norms of power and control are expected, those who choose to use violent and controlling behaviours see this as acceptable and exploit those conditions."

Guest panellists were Port Macquarie-Hastings Council CEO Dr Clare Allen, 2016 Australian Olympian and 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Shelley Watts and Heather McGregor, director of First Nations Student Success at Charles Sturt University.

Special guest speaker was international jewellery designer and author Samantha Wills, a former Port Macquarie local who has forged a path as a successful entrepreneur.

Samantha shared with the audience the challenges of building a business, what she learned about herself along the way and how building a community and nurturing a values-based culture were key to her success.

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