Council invites women to be heard

Published on 26 February 2020

 Blacktown City Council is inviting women to discuss opportunities and challenges that they face with a panel of experts at a Women’s Forum at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre next week.

Council’s distinguished panel includes leading businesswoman Raquel Manning, senior public health official Jo Fuller, Blacktown Police local area command crime prevention officer Senior Constable Deborah Lee and Blacktown Young Citizen of the Year Rose Lewis.

The panel discussion will be facilitated by Blacktown Women of the Year 2019 Maryam Zahid.

The Women’s Forum 2020, to be held on Tuesday 3 March invites women to join with our panel of experts in raising concerns that will bring positive change for women in Blacktown City.

Blacktown City Deputy Mayor Julie Griffiths, Chairperson of the Blacktown Women’s Advisory Committee said; “our Women’s Forum gives women a chance to get involved, be engaged and be inspired.

“We held a successful forum last year where issues of health, financial management, domestic violence and family safety, job opportunities and the challenges of child care were raised, and we want to continue that conversation this year.

Council is also hosting a breakfast for International Women’s Day on Friday 6 March at the  Council Administration Centre.

The guest speaker is Stephanie Looi, Vice President of Women and Firefighting Australasia Incorporated (WAFA), and a volunteer RFS fire fighter. The breakfast event is open to all women, where Council will also announce the Woman of the Year 2020.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said: “These events provide opportunities for women in our community to come together, share their thoughts, have their say and support each other.”

Women’s Forum details: Women’s Forum 2020 Date and time: Tuesday 3 March 2020 - 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm Location: The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Road , Blacktown

International Women’s Day Breakfast details: Date and time: Friday 6 March 2020 – 7 am pm to 9 am Location: Nirimba Room, Level 5, Civic Centre, Blacktown (entrance via Campbell Street)