The Organising Committee felt very privileged to have the Hon Linda Burney MP as their guest speaker on International Women’s Day held at the Gardens Café, Eurobodalla Botanic Gardens.
Prior to the luncheon, Linda spent some time with a small group of senior secondary students who participate in an off-campus Outreach program connected to Batemans Bay High School. It was a wonderful experience for them to hear from a dynamic role model for young women.
Auntie Loretta, in famous possum coat welcomed the ladies to country. Attendees had come from as far south as Wallaga Lake and as far north as Sanctuary Point to meet Linda and hear her speak.
Linda said she was very touched that people had come to be together to celebrate International Womens Day and went on to give a moving account of what International Women’s Day meant to her. Linda received a standing ovation after the conclusion of her speech. It was truly inspiring. Linda thanked the organising committee (Joyleen Kitto, Colynne Gates, Annette McKeown and Ellie Crompton).
Above: Organising Committee photo (l-r) Maureen Searson, Wendy Westra (Gardens Café), Joyleen Kitto, Annette McKeown, Ellie Crompton and Colynne Gates.
Our MC was Leanne Atkinson who was known to many in the audience as a woman who is involved in furthering women’s issues in the State seat of Bega. Also supporting Linda was Fiona Phillips who stood as a candidate for the Federal seat of Gilmore in the last Federal election. Fiona expressed her admiration for Dame Mary Gilmore as a trailblazing woman whose name the seat of Gilmore is named. Fiona said it was an absolute pleasure to attend this International Women's Day lunch at the beautiful Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens, with so many wonderful women who are doing amazing things in their local communities every day. Fiona added: "Linda Burney MP, as guest speaker, was inspiring. Linda talked about the collective spirit and power of women, and our resilience to achieve whatever we want to achieve. Linda also talked about everyone having their own personal story and the importance of sharing these stories."
"She also talked with a class of local students prior to the lunch" "Thank you to the organisers for organising this friendly, inspiring and relaxing event at The Gardens Cafe. After the lunch Linda, Leanne and myself, also visited South East Women & Children's Services at Moruya to meet with local service providers to discuss issues impacting women, children and families."
Above: l-r: Fiona Phillips, the Hon Linda Burney MP and Leanne Atkinson.
