Noonan special guest

Wimmera people have a rare chance to hear from Noradjuha trailblazer Bridget Noonan at a International Women’s Day lunch in Horsham on March 8.

Ms Noonan made history last year with her appointment as the first woman Clerk of Victoria’s Legislative Assembly in 161 years.

Event organiser Robyn Lardner said she was delighted to have Ms Noonan as the guest of honour at the lunch – from Arapiles to the Assembly.

“Bridget’s achievement is a great success story not only for her tiny Noradjuha community and the wider Wimmera, but for all women,” she said.

“We are excited to hear about her experiences, her wisdom and her vision for the future.

“Born and bred in Noradjuha she attended Noradjuha primary school and Horsham College before studying politics and history at university.

“Bridget then began her career in public service, which last year saw Victoria’s Governor appointing her as the Clerk of the Chamber.

“This vital role involves a range of duties in- cluding briefing the Speaker before sitting days, providing advice to the chair and members and observing all that happens in the parliamentary chamber.”

Mrs Lardner said the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was Balance for Better.

“By being the first woman in the Clerk’s role in 161 years, Bridget is certainly helping to create that balance for all women,” she said.

People attending the lunch at Horsham Town Hall will also get to see ‘balancing’ of a different kind by members of Wimmera Women’s Circus.

Mrs Lardner said the annual International Women’s Day lunch in Horsham had been running since 2015 and had support from Horsham East Rotary Club, Women’s Health Grampians, The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Department of Health and Human Services, and Horsham Rural City Council.

Tickets are available online through Horsham Town Hall at website www.horshamtownhall. com.au, at the town hall box office in person or by calling 5382 9555.