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Bass Coast Celebrated International Women's Day120 women from across Bass Coast celebrated International Women’s Day at a delicious luncheon at Archies on the Creek on Thursday, 8 March. By Bass Coast - 9th March 2012 - Back to News Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, said this is the sixth time that Bass Coast Shire Council has hosted the event, which has sold out every year.
"I want to thank everyone who came along and made the day so special, including my fellow Councillor, Jane Daly. We had women from all across the Shire, including Coronet Bay, Phillip Island, Wonthaggi and Inverloch.
"This year’s theme was economic empowerment and our event raised over $400 from ticket and ribbon sales for the United Nations Women Australia supporting Partners Improving Markets program. This program aims to improve the working conditions for women in the markets in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu," said Cr Dowman.
At the lunch, guest speaker Jo Ablett shared her story about life as a counsellor, psychotherapist, artist and founder of Into Blue Expressive Therapies.
"Jo talked about having the ingredients to follow your dreams and reminded us all that if an ingredient is missing, it is never too late," said Cr Dowman.
"We were also treated to a powerful A-cappella performance by Bernadette Carol of the song "Miss Celie’s Blues" from the movie The Colour Purple. It was such an inspiring day and a great opportunity to come together and acknowledge and celebrate the contribution women make to our community."
Both Cr Dowman and Cr Daly took the opportunity to encourage women to think about serving their community by running for Council.
"Being a Councillor is both rewarding and challenging. It is a chance to actually make a difference for the benefit of our community and I really encourage other women to take up the challenge to work for their community at Local Government level. Half our population is female and it would be equitable to see that reflected in the makeup of the Council," said Cr Dowman.
Each guest at the lunch received a show bag full of products donated by local businesses.
"I’d like to acknowledge the support of Beachside Hair and Beauty, Simply @ Home Gifts and Homewares, Archies on the Creek and Phillip Island Chocolate Factory," said Cr Dowman.
"Also a big thanks to Purple Hen Winery, Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm and Tropical Zone Flowers for donating door prizes."
International Women’s Day is a chance for women come together to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.
The special day is now globally acknowledged on 8 March as a stand for social equality between men and women.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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