International Women’s Day event

East Gippsland Shire Council and Gippsland Women’s Health are proudly hosting a free community event to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8 at the Bairnsdale Library.

The event will include a morning tea held from 10-11am with local female guest speakers including Dr Elisabeth Wearne, Caitlin Jackson, Megs Hopman (founder of Playful Paws) and Lauren Hickey (Youth Art Prize and People’s Choice Award East Gippsland Art Gallery winner).

Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said the speakers will pass on their tips and skills to other women wanting to press for progress in their line of work, their lives or in the community.

“Council has a role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of our residents and advocating for the type of community our residents want in the future including a culture of respect for all Victorians,” Cr O’Connell said.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Balance for Better.

Balance is not a women's issue, it's a business issue. The race is on for more gender balance in boardrooms, government, media coverage, a gender balance of employees and wealth, and in sports coverage. Gender balance is essential for economies and communities to thrive.

Council’s newest project is working to promote gender equality to help stop family violence. The ‘Factors of Change: becoming free from violence’ project is one of 35 initiatives funded under the Victorian Government’s Free from Violence Local Government Project programs.

It aims to build council’s capacity to influence places where people live, work, play and socialise to impact the drivers of gender-based violence.

Light refreshments are available at the event, please book by phoning 5152 4225 or visiting the Bairnsdale Library.