International Women’s Day

MEDIA RELEASE 8 March 2021

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global event celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

This year’s theme is Choose to Challenge - we can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. Raise your hand high to show you're in and that you commit to choose to challenge and call out inequality.

Mayor Bobby Bourke said the event has been observed since the early 1900s - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialised world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

“The significance of International Women's Day is increasing each year as is the respect, appreciation and care for women in our community and society,” he said.

Council is celebrating International Women’s Day with installations of 12 local women in Kings Parade who represent the themes and missions of International Women's Day.

The women were chosen by a panel convened by Council which included Councillors, Council staff and representatives from community organisations.

The women represent a diverse cross section of the community and work in areas such as health, creative industries, sport, have helped build inclusive workplaces or work in traditionally male-dominated industries.

International Women’s Day identifies missions to help forge a gender equal:

Celebrate tech women and Innovations

  • Kirstyn Schumacher – S & S electrical

Demand equality for women in sport

  • Anna Blackie -Triathlete
  • Kathy Sloan – One of the founders and secretary of Bathurst AFL Giants football club.

Build inclusive workplaces so women thrive

  • Carole McDiarmid – former director of school education

Educate women on health choice decisions

  • Dr Jane Lawrence - One of the first female doctors to practice in Bathurst
  • Marie Bourke – Tireless advocate for women, volunteer counsellor, support for women exiting the justice system
  • Selina Brandy – Relationships Australia, strong aboriginal role model

Increase visibility of women creatives

  • Beth Pratley – Musical Director of Panorama Chorus
  • Tracey Callinan – Executive Director of Arts OutWest
  • Karen Golland – Local Artists
  • Zoe Peters - School Captain, Youth Mayor & sporting figure
  • Laura Cole – Former Youth Deputy Mayor, community activist

For more information visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Media contact: Media Officer

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