POWER OF DREAMS
EMPOWERING the next generation of women is on the radar for the recipients of this year’s Cairns International Women’s Day awards.
Ten-year-old Molly Steer is one of that next generation and she has been recognised for her work on the Straw No More project by being named Cairns Young Woman of the Year.
The grade five Mother of Good Counsel School student said the recognition gave her an extra push to pursue her dreams.
“The award shows me that I really can do anything,” she said.
To add to the praise, Molly had her vision of a plastic straw-free world backed by Mayor Bob Manning, who told her he would work towards implementing a straw-free Cairns.
She said other young Cairns kids could achieve the same accolades if they pursued their goals.
“I think you shouldn’t keep your dreams in your mind, you should speak your dreams out loud. That’s what I did and it turned out pretty good,” she said.
Cr Manning said it was a well-deserved award. “It’s wonderful to see such a young member of our community make such an impact on this important topic,” he said.
He said the Cairns Woman of the Year Donna Corrie embodied the spirit of International Women’s Day when she hosteds the NAIDOC Week high tea and coaches young indigenous people through her business Dee’s Deportment, Grooming and Self Care.
“Donna sees the true poten- tial in others and helps them to see it in themselves,” Cr Manning said. “Her program empowers women to aim high, achieve their dreams and to overcome challenges.”
The inaugural DFS Galleria International Women’s Day Scholarship was awarded to Gift of Music founder Maureen Cameron.
The not-for-profit organisation raises funds for local charities through music concerts, including for Cairns charity Friends of Himalayan Children.