Held for a second year at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens by Port Stephens state MP Kate Washington and Paterson federal MP Meryl Swanson, the breakfast was once again booked to capacity with school students, teachers, businesswomen and men and community leaders.

Ms Washington said she was "really pleased" with the turn out.

"When women support women we win. When men and women support women, we all win," she said.

Ms Swanson said the turnout to the breakfast, which was held on International Women's Day, was "incredible" and full of "inspirational women".

"Thank you to everyone who joined us, especially the female students leaders from Irrawang High School, Hunter River High School and Tomaree High School who shared their goals and visions for the future," she said.

Grace Astley, 18, Kate Sanderson, 16, and Katerina Nicolopolos, 17, from Tomaree, Tara Courtney, 17, and Rebekah Agius, 17, from Irrawang and Bethany Sarginson, 17, and Megan Snow, 17, from Hunter River were part of a panel that responded to questions from the MPs about their hopes for the future and what they would like to see happen in Port Stephens for young people.

Coral Kearins, the Port's 2019 Local Woman of the Year, also spoke at the breakfast. She outlined her work with the Boat Harbour Recreation Club and supporting young people through tennis.

Attendees also heard from Ann Fletcher, from Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service, and Ken Page, chairman of the Gardens.

Money raised from the breakfast will be donated to PFANS and the Gardens.

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