Fearless stalwart a festival honour
On behalf of the team at the Women’s Network we send our love to the family and friends of Sue Westwood who passed away last week.
To all of Sue’s colleagues and buddies at the Whanganui District Council, and the local branches of Zonta and the National Council of Women, we also send our heartfelt wishes. Sue was a fearless community stalwart. Her fiercely strident values about process always added a robust gaze to proceedings, especially around the Council table.
Sue’s knowledge of the Local Government Act was formidable, as was her knowledge of the community, developed over decades of determined commitment. That Sue knew many community groups and their staff by their first names was of no surprise to any of us who had the good fortune to liaise with her.
And of course, she knew so much more than that, understanding the history of many groups, and knowing all too well the challenges that they faced at times. Sue’s wit was razor sharp and she never missed a beat, always with a story or two to share.
There will be many folk in the community who would refer to Sue as a mentor. She was certainly that for our team. We have learned much from her shared experiences. With her background in teaching, community development, civil service, and in politics, Sue connected with such diverse people, and she relished opportunities for conversation and debate. Her long-standing membership of both Zonta and the National Council of Women enabled Sue to engage with national and international issues impacting the lives and status of women.
She was never shy with stating her views, even at times when she knew they would appear unpopular. It’s a hard line to walk sometimes, and Sue always seemed to manage it with fortitude and grace.
Sue’s unique sense of style was much admired, always dressed for the occasion, whatever it may be. Our last community project working with Sue was as part of the planning team for our celebration of Suffrage 125 in Whanganui in September last year.
We will continue our strong partnership with Zonta and the National Council of Women to ensure we honour the legacy of determined and compassionate women like Sue. And we’ll encourage folk to vote in the next Council election because it’s important, and because it’s one of the best ways to honour Sue’s extraordinary commitment to our community, whatever your political colours.
As La Fiesta number 10 is set for lift off tomorrow, we dedicate this festival to Sue’s life and memory. As a showcase and celebration of women and community, we are pretty sure that this sits well with much that Sue held dear. Special thanks to everyone who has supported La Fiesta from its humble beginnings to its now jam-packed programme of activities and events. We would love you to come and celebrate our official festival launch on Saturday, 6.30pm at the new Space Studio and Gallery at 66 Taupo Quay where you can enjoy great company as well as three fantastic exhibitions. The first of 85 events, La Fiesta kicks off tomorrow with One Billion Rising in Majestic Square from 10am-5pm, and a little later in the evening with a documentary screening of Embrace at Confluence. Embrace follows body image activist Taryn Brumfitt’s crusade as she explores the global issue of body loathing, inspiring us to change the way we feel about ourselves and think about our bodies. A brilliant first day to begin the festival.
■ To find out about what’s in the festival guide, email womnet.whanganui@gmail.com or visit the official festival website to download a copy: lafiestanz.com