International Women’s Day at the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
What happens when a room full of researchers, clinicians, innovators and community leaders gather to share what they’ve learned?
For the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct’s International Women’s Day celebration, the answer was simple: stories, mentorship and a powerful reminder that the most important thing we can pass on is what we give to others.
Held in the precinct’s 25th milestone year, the evening invited the community to reflect on this year’s theme:
Give More Than You Take – Stories, Legacy and the Power of Place.
The event brought together partners from across the precinct ecosystem including Griffith University, Gold Coast Health, the City of Gold Coast and the wider innovation community, along with researchers, clinicians, innovators, students and community leaders.
A theme inspired by Country
This year’s theme was inspired by a Welcome to Country delivered by Sophie Eurell, a Traditional Custodian from the Yugambeh region, whose words “give more than you take” captured a powerful philosophy of stewardship and shared responsibility.
For tens of thousands of years, First Nations communities have cared for Country by taking what was needed and giving back in equal measure. Knowledge was shared, stories were passed on, and every action was considered in terms of future generations.
It was a philosophy that resonates strongly with the purpose of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
Because while the precinct is known for world-leading research, healthcare and innovation, its real strength lies in something more human: collaboration, mentorship and the willingness to share knowledge.
Stories that shape us
The evening opened with a keynote from Professor Evelin Tiralongo, Director of the Griffith University Clinical Trial Unit, who reflected on the journey that shaped her leadership.
Growing up in East Germany, Professor Tiralongo shared how those early experiences influenced her perspective on resilience, opportunity and the importance of creating supportive workplaces. Today, she leads a multidisciplinary team of 19 women and speaks about the responsibility leaders carry to create environments where others can thrive.
The conversation then turned to the relationships and mentorship that shape careers across the precinct community.
From Cohort Innovation Space, Georgia Wyllie and Dren Xërxa spoke about working together in the startup and innovation ecosystem, sharing honest reflections on the realities of building ventures and the importance of supportive networks.
Representing Griffith University’s Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous, Rachel Bastin and Tina O’Keefe shared insights into their professional relationship and the lessons they have learned from one another. Their conversation reflected the genuine respect and trust that mentorship can foster over time.
The evening also featured a deeply personal fireside conversation with Dr Shabnam Gujadhur, Medical Registrar at Gold Coast University Hospital, who spoke openly about her experience navigating ovarian cancer and the advocacy work that has grown from that journey.
Closing the evening, Councillor Brooke Patterson reflected on the importance of community leadership and the role place plays in shaping opportunities for future generations.
Together, these stories reminded the audience that while research, healthcare and innovation define the work of the precinct, it is people and relationships that truly shape its future.
A living Legacy Wall
A key feature of the event was the launch of the International Women’s Day Legacy Wall.
Guests were invited to share a lesson they have learned, a moment of encouragement, or a piece of advice they wish they would like to pass on to others.
These reflections were captured through short video messages and written contributions, creating a growing collection of wisdom from across the precinct community.
The Legacy Wall remains open as a living collection of insights, stories and reflections that continue to shape the culture of the precinct.
Add your reflection:
https://gchkp.com.au/iwd-legacy-wall/
The power of community
While the evening featured inspiring speakers, many of the most meaningful moments happened beyond the stage.
Conversations continued long after the formal program ended. Researchers were chatting with students about career paths. Clinicians were meeting innovators they hadn’t worked with before. Old colleagues reconnected, and new introductions were being made across the room.
You could hear people sharing advice, swapping stories and reflecting on the mentors who shaped them.
As the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct marks 25 years since the original vision for the precinct was established, evenings like this serve as a reminder of what truly drives its success.
Innovation may change the world. But people are what make it matter.
And when a community chooses to give more than it takes, the impact reaches far beyond a single night.
📸 A special thank you to members of our precinct community who have shared their photos from the evening. It’s wonderful to see the event through so many different lenses.
