Inspirational speakers a highlight of International Women’s Day events

Caption: ‘Mother Earth’, created by Wimmera artist Maylah Howells, will be on display at Stawell Library from March 12 to 24 as part of the March Forward Art Exhibition. 

Inspirational stories from regional women will be among the highlights of International Women’s Day celebrations in Northern Grampians Shire. 

Mayor Karen Hyslop encouraged people to celebrate the power, resilience and achievements of women at events in St Arnaud this Thursday and Stawell on Wednesday, March 12. 

St Arnaud businesswoman Johanna Medlyn will host a panel discussion at St Arnaud Sporting Centre on Thursday night. The event, which includes a screening of the ‘Equal the Contest’ documentary, runs from 6pm to 8pm.  

Cr Hyslop said organisers of the St Arnaud celebration were inspired by the journey of women in Australian Rules football. 

“We are so lucky to have such an amazing line-up of speakers,” she said. 

“Abby Weir and her mother Melissa, a local teacher and youth advocate, will give insight into the modern journey of women and girls in football, and their experiences from a player and parent’s perspective. 

“Abby’s insights will be via a recording due to placement commitments.” 

Cr Hyslop said Trina Summers and Megan Hortle would share some of the challenges they faced during childhood. 

“Born in St Arnaud and now in their 50s, they both faced the challenge of having a passion for a game, but no opportunity to play it,” she said. 

“Their parents' strength to push through all barriers to allow them the opportunity to play a sport they love is inspiring.” 

The documentary is also football-themed and follows the story of the Mt Alexander Falcons, a community AFL club led by and for women and gender-diverse people.  

“This is an amazing documentary about inclusion, gender equality and challenging old sporting traditions,” Cr Hyslop said.  

“If you haven’t already, I encourage you to book your spot today. This is an evening not to be missed.” 

People who want to attend are asked to RSVP as soon as possible by calling Kim Birthisel or Kate McMahon on (03) 5358 8700. 

International Women’s Day has been marked internationally on March 8 since 1911 and involves celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination and taking action to forge gender parity. 

The event at Stawell Library on March 12 will also include a panel of speakers, along with the launch of the March Forward Art Exhibition.  

“Organisers have also established a host of interesting speakers for the Stawell event, from a wide range of backgrounds,” Cr Hyslop said. 

Victoria Police First Constable Amy Stubberfield, council multicultural action project officer Patricia Alves and community member Karen Peacock will be among the speakers sharing insights on the ‘March Forward’ theme, along with three students from Stawell Secondary College. 

“The multi-generational panel of women will discuss what March Forward looks like and discuss topics such as the challenges they have faced in the past, and continue to face today,” Cr Hyslop said. 

“They will also discuss the future for our younger generation – what is it really like being a young woman today? What do we need to change to promote a truly equal society? 

“Come along to the library between 2pm and 4pm and find out.” 

Cr Hyslop said she also looked forward to the launch of the March Forward exhibition.  

Community members have been contributing pieces of art throughout the past few weeks, based on the topic ‘a woman or girl you admire’. 

Wimmera artist Maylah Howells has donated two wearable artworks for the exhibition, titled ‘Mother Earth’ and ‘Hine Moana’. The latter represents the Pacific Ocean in Māori mythology. 

“The outfit ‘Mother Earth’ took 600 hours to make and is comprised of recycled materials or things that were being thrown out,” Cr Hyslop said. 

“The corset for the outfit contains more than 1000 tabs from soft drink cans, and there’s a train made from woven raffia, with hessian and embroidery in the dress. It’s amazing, so come along and check it out.” 

The exhibition will run at Stawell Library until March 24. 

People can call the library on (03) 5358 1274 or council customer service on (03) 5358 8700 to RSVP for the Stawell event.