World champion energy inspires Launceston locals
World champion eightballer, Fiona Plummer, with four time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder, Ariarne Titmus OAM, alongside Fiona’s mother, Janet Moy.
More than 350 locals gathered today at Country Club Tasmania for the annual International Women’s Day Lunch, marking a powerful celebration of resilience, community, and the continued progress of women - supported proudly by many male allies in attendance.
The audience was captivated by keynote speaker Ariarne Titmus OAM, Australia’s four-time Olympic gold medallist, who shared a deeply personal reflection on her journey from her early training days at the Launceston Aquatic Centre to becoming one of the world’s most celebrated swimmers. Ariarne spoke warmly of her Launceston upbringing and the foundations it laid for her Olympic ambitions, as well as the challenges of leaving home at a young age to chase her dream.
Connecting strongly with the Clifford Craig Foundation’s health message of the day, Ariarne opened up about the large ovarian cyst discovered and removed before her second Olympic campaign. She highlighted how this experience fuelled her advocacy for improved, tailored performance support for women in sport. Ariarne also reflected on her decision to retire from elite swimming, sharing that considerations around her long-term health and future fertility - now with one functioning ovary - played a meaningful role.
Ariarne was joined by her cousin and Local Hero guest speaker Fiona Plummer, a world champion eightballer and breast cancer survivor. Fiona recounted her extraordinary battle with breast cancer during the COVID years, a period that nearly cost her life. Her story of learning to walk again and returning to competitive eightball - culminating in her 2025 finalist recognition for Tasmanian Sports Person of the Year - inspired the room.
Fundraising efforts flourished through Roses for Research, with over 170 roses sold, alongside a lively raffle.
Special thanks were extended to major partner St Lukes; gold sponsors Bladerunner, Kate Presnell Bodyworks, Yeltuor, and The Tea Equation; event partners VJAM, Country Club Tasmania, and Fontyn Media; and Rose supporters Tamar Valley Roses and Balfour & Co.