Julie Ingleby, who helped collected more than 500 signatures asking the council to link the two events, said the decision, made at last week's council meeting, showed a "reaffirmation" of support for the advancement of the status of women and has acknowledged women as a constituency with legitimate concerns.

"Council deserves congratulations on such a constructive response to the petitioners' concerns on this issue," she said.

"However, women throughout the shire also deserve congratulations, for coming together in common cause so effectively as petitioners.

"I think it's fair to say that the IWD petition demonstrates that the inaugural spirit of International Women's Day is alive and well in Hepburn Shire."

The council also decided to "acknowledge that the event to award the honour roll inductees is an event to celebrate International Women's Day and the advancement of the status of women, and agree that the organising committee be formally recognised as being the Hepburn Shire

International Women's Day/Honour Roll Organising Committee".

Membership of the committee will include up to six community members and a councillor supported by council staff.

The council will now advertise for interested community members to nominate their interest in joining.

This year the honour roll induction was held in May while International Women's Day is on March 8.