Kate Washington and Meryl Swanson raise $4000 from International Women’t Day breakfast.

A recent International Women’s Day breakfast at Hunter Botanic Gardens has raised more than $4000 for Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Federal MP Meryl Swanson hosted the event which featured the young women leaders of Irrawang High and Hunter River High as well as an address from Hunter River High School principal Deb Dibley.

“Meryl and I were delighted by the community’s response to our inaugural International Women’s Day event and very grateful for everyone’s generosity on the day,” Ms Washington said.

“This event is an opportunity to showcase local women leaders whilst also acknowledging the extra challenges many women in our community face.”

The two MPs presented the money the Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service on Thursday.

Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service is the local homelessness and domestic violence referral centre that offers a range of services including housing support, financial counselling, parenting support and more.

Raffle prizes donated by local women-run home businesses and an online auction of artworks from Lemon Tree Passage artist Jenny Crozier generated significant donations.

The event was sponsored by Newcastle Airport, Hunter Water, Raymond Terrace MarketPlace, Tomago Aluminium and Hunter Region Botanic Gardens.