Stawell looks to celebrate women

Four Wimmera women will share their stories at an inaugural International Women’s Day dinner at Stawell Neighbourhood House.

Stawell Women’s Advocacy group – which formed late last year to raise awareness of gender issues in the community and their consequences, and promote increasing opportunities for women and girls – will host the event. The dinner will be on March 8 at 7pm.

Stawell Neighbourhood House’s Jenny Greenberger encouraged people to attend the dinner.

“This is the first time Stawell has had an event for International Women’s Day, at least in recent times,” she said. “We hope to make it an annual event.”

Mrs Greenberger said the guest speakers would share their journeys to success in their field, with a particular emphasis on the barriers faced due to their gender and how they overcame them.

Author Julieann Burwood, LGBTIQ advocate Tina Healy, Northern Grampians Shire economic and community development director Debbie Bach and recently retired Grampians Community Health chief executive Jill Miller will be guest speakers.

“We also have some musical entertainment and our emcee for the evening will be Millie Francis, who is VCE co-ordinator at Stawell Secondary College,” Mrs Greenberger said.

Money raised from the dinner will be used to help fund STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths – events or activities to inspire and encourage girls to pursue interests, education and careers in these non-traditional fields.

“Wimmera women are invited to attend the dinner to celebrate International Women’s Day together,” Mrs Greenberger said.

“Women attending will enjoy a great meal together, hear from some interesting and inspiring local women, and enjoy some stimulating conversation.”

Organisers are taking bookings for tables of eight as well as individual seats. Tickets cost $35 a person, which includes dinner, and people can bring their own drinks.

Tickets are available online at www.trybooking. com or for cash at Stawell Neighbourhood House.