Women celebrate

A cluster of Moira Shire’s finest women gathered at Cobram Community House on Friday, March 9, to celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the stellar and sometimes unheralded work performed by women in the community.

Among the guests was former Moira Shire mayor Alexandra Monk, social worker worker Candii, disability advocate Jenny Godwin and Cobram Secondary College captain Baneen Alrubayi — who harbours ambitions to study medicine one day.

The four women all delivered contrasting but equally passionate and powerful speeches about their work in the community.

It was the first time the event had been held in a few years and Sally Bate from Community House said she was hopeful it would continue in the future after the strong turnout and insightful presentations.

‘‘The theme of the day was ordinary women doing extraordinary things, and I suppose what Community House was trying to show was how many amazing women there are in the Moira Shire who do things that often fly under the radar,’’ Mrs Bate said.

‘‘You see what people do on a daily basis and you don’t necessarily see the big picture of it or the depth of work they do or the commitment they show to their job or the back story behind the incredible challenges they face.’’

Good turnout: It was a packed house at Cobram Community House on Friday for International Women's Day.

Nice catch-up: Robbins. Carly Garlick, Kerry Murray, Jane Tozer, Kate Shelley and Raylene

Making a difference: Cobram Secondary captain Baneen Alrubayi and Thanaa Alibdeai. College

Guest speaker: Monk. Former Moira Shire mayor Alexandra

Insightful: Candii and Jenny Godwin, both of whom delivered powerful speeches about their work.

Listening intently: guest speakers Baneen Alrubayi, Candii and Jenny Godwin watch on.

At the event: Claire Wiltshire, Tamara Bate, Brianna Watkins and her son Ted Watkins.