Celebrating women's achievements

Published on 05 March 2025

As 8 March approaches this weekend, I am excited to see International Women’s Day continue to grow each year, resonating more and more within the community.

A global day, its aim of celebrating the many achievements of women is something every community, including Hobsons Bay, can get behind.

This year’s theme of accelerating action is quite fitting for the work being done both at Council and across Hobsons Bay.

Late last year I was fortunate enough to be elected to Council with four other women, the highest level of female representation in Hobsons Bay history.

This reflects the work done by former Councillors to pave a trail for women like myself to serve the community.

I am passionate about advocating for the women of our community, and I’m pleased to be able to take an active role in doing so as Hobsons Bay's Victorian Local Government Association Women's Charter Champion and as Hobsons Bay Women's Advisory Group councillor delegate.

I look forward to getting involved with a great group of women.

It’s great to see Council host two events to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day.

At the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre in Altona today, the world cafe event which features speakers Ursula Lepporoli of The Substation, Feona Wadsworth of Big Group Hug and Leyla Asadi of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. And we are co-hosting a business networking evening tomorrow night, along with Maribyrnong City Council in Footscray, with guest speaker Courtney Ray of Daily Blooms. I really feel there is something for all women in the community to engage with.

By embracing occasions such as International Women’s Day, we open the door to more of our community.

It is so important that Council hosts events, supports programs and generally encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in our community.

On Council, I am looking forward to working to provide more avenues for advocacy and engaging with diverse young people.

I wish everyone a great International Women's Day, and encourage everyone to think how you can best accelerate action for gender equality in your life.

Cr Columns are published in the Star Weekly newspaper every fortnight.