Jelena Dokic to feature as part of Lake Mac Women in Sport Festival
Published on February 28, 2023
Jelena Dokic, author, commentator and former tennis world No. 4, will land in Lake Macquarie next week for this year’s Lake Mac Women in Sport Festival.
Dokic will lead the festival’s ‘Inspirational Breakfast’ on March 6th in Tinta Belmont, sharing stories of her life as a teenage tennis sensation and the personal and professional struggles that come with it.
“It’s an honor to have such a strong and successful athlete on board this year,” said Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser.
This year’s festival kicks off on Saturday 4th March and features a week of events and activities catering to everyone from curious sports newcomers to aspiring professional athletes.
On Sunday, March 5th, a free “Try a Sport Day” at Speers Point Park will bring together the community and local sports organizations with family-friendly, interactive activities and sporting challenges, booths, exhibits and activities.
Cr Fraser said nearly 20 local sports clubs and organizations took part, including Tennis NSW and the Newcastle Jets.
“They will showcase a range of sports including cricket, rugby league, baseball, sailing, martial arts, mountain biking, tennis and volleyball,” she said.
“Then, throughout the week of the festival, sports groups in Lake Mac will host introductory events and competitions to help girls and women get a better idea of what’s on offer and to increase participation rates.”
ARIA Award-winning singer Clare Bowditch will lead a special festival edition of Live Music @ Lake Mac at Warners Bay Theater on March 8th, supported by Hunter singer-songwriter Georgie Winchester.
On Friday 10th March, the Multi Arts Pavilion, mima, is hosting Friday Night Foodies with a twist at Speers Point Park, including a special festival session featuring 80’s skaties and the Newcastle Roller Derby League.
Cr Fraser said Charlestown Square would host a ‘Women in Sport’ exhibition in its Center Court on Saturday March 11, with a panel discussion featuring local women surfers, a fashion parade featuring sportswear modeled by Newcastle Jets players , and vintage women’s sportswear from the Australian Museum of Fashion.
“It’s great to have so many activities and events as part of this year’s Women in Sport Festival,” she said.
“Our city continues to produce a wealth of female sports talent and we want to make sure we nurture and nurture that.”
“Sport builds confidence and fitness, it creates social bonds and encourages teamwork, so anything we can do to encourage women’s participation has to be a good thing.”
The Lake Mac Women in Sport Festival is funded in partnership with the NSW Government through their Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Go to lakemac.com.au for a full program of events and details.