Jacinta Parsons to headline International Women’s Day events

Published on 17 February 2026

Broadcaster and author Jacinta Parsons says she learnt the key to a joyful life while researching her latest book.

A Wisdom of Age is hailed as an uplifting and inspiring work about the wisdom of older women, born from Jacinta’s conversations with women across Australia.

“It was one of the most rewarding projects of my entire career – creating a book where I needed to speak to women about their lives and their wisdom, where nothing was off the table,” Jacinta says.

“This book was about my questions and wonderings about how I might approach ageing with excitement and not the dread that we’re taught to feel about it, and it worked.

“I feel empowered and excited about what ageing has to offer me. Of course it’s not all roses, but it’s the full expression of the human condition and I want to fully immerse myself in that experience.”

Jacinta will share insights from A Wisdom of Age when she features in conversation with local author Chrissie Bellbrae at Surf Coast Shire Council’s International Women’s Day headline event on 4 March.

“I love to speak about the stories of the women in the book, and how they illustrate a huge body of wisdom that has been overlooked in our community,” she says.

All of her conversations with women across Australia came with many learnings for her, but one in particular resonates profoundly.

“I learnt that remaining curious about ourselves and the world around us is the key to a joyful life,” Jacinta says.

A Wisdom of Age – In Conversation with Jacinta Parsons will be at Torquay’s Multi Arts Centre at 1pm on 4 March, concluding with book signing, afternoon tea and time to browse the latest exhibition at the MAC Hoop Gallery.

The event is free but registrations are required via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD

Council is supporting a range of events to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The dedicated day is 8 March but events from Lorne to Moriac during the preceding week will include exercise classes, an art exhibition and fashion show.

Mayor Libby Stapleton: “Council is proud to support International Women’s Day and this year’s range of events, which will present great opportunities for connection, reflection, creativity and fun activity.

“Check them out via our website and get involved if you can to help celebrate women’s achievements past, present and future.

“I am particularly looking forward to hearing Jacinta Parsons in conversation about A Wisdom of Age. Jacinta is an acclaimed public speaker and many would know her through her writing and as a familiar voice on ABC Radio.”

Other IWD events across the shire:

Tuesday 3 March

• 1.30pm-3.30pm, Timeless Women – Celebrating Fashion at Great Ocean Road Health, Lorne
• 7pm, Moriac Women’s Shed Art Exhibition at Moriac and District Shed.

Wednesday 4 March

• 10.30am-11.30am, Women who Rock – Get Low Jungle Body with Megan at TIA Hall Torquay.
• 1pm-3pm, A Wisdom of Age – In Conversation with Jacinta Parsons at Torquay Multi Arts Centre.

Thursday 5 March

• 11am-12pm, Time to Thrive with Jess Lesosky at TIA Hall Torquay
• 6.30pm-7.30pm, Unstoppable – The Jungle Body with Megan at TIA Hall Torquay.

People can find more event information and reserve places via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/IWD