Port Stephens will practice the 2018 International Women’s Day theme of ‘press for change’ by hosting more events and activities that celebrate and recognise the achievements made by women both at home and abroad.
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In addition to the Salamander Bay Rotary Club’s annual International Women’s Day luncheon, this year Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Paterson MP Meryl Swanson will host breakfast in Heatherbrae and Port Stephens Council will announce its inaugural scholarships for women.
Ms Washington said that she, the Port’s state member, and Ms Swanson, the federal member, understood how important it is as female politicians to show leadership and act as role models.
“Meryl and I being the state and federal representatives locally, we understand that it’s an important part of our roles to show leadership,” she said. “We’re very aware of the role model responsibility we have and take it seriously.
“We’re really excited to hold this event, and hopefully establish it for years to come. It’s also important that there is an event at the other end of the electorate. There’s hasn’t been an event on this side for a long time.”
The pair will hold an International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Hunter Regional Botanic Gardens on March 9. Due to Ms Washington having to be in parliament on March 8 – International Women’s Day – the breakfast will be held a day later.
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Student leaders from schools around Raymond Terrace have been invited to attend.
The breakfast, open to men and women to attend, will begin at 7.30am. Tickets cost $5, which will go to the Gardens. Any additional money raised on the day will be donated to Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service. Book tickets to the luncheon here.
Each year Ms Washington announces a Port Stephens Local Woman of the Year. This year it has gone to Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson.
Ms Anderson has previously led Nelson Bay Town Management, Port Stephens Women in Business and Salamander Bay Rotary Club.
“Not only is Leah an accomplished business woman, she also gives her time generously to support community initiatives,” Ms Washington said.
“Through her hard work and compassion for others, Leah’s already made a big difference in our area, and I have no doubt that she will continue to do so.
“The award is well-deserved recognition for the enormous contribution Leah has already made, and of her ongoing commitment to our local community.”
Port Stephens Council’s inaugural International Women’s Day scholarships, an initiative of former councillor and Freeman of Port Stephens Sally Dover, will be announced at Salamander Bay Rotary Club’s luncheon on March 8.
Three scholarships, worth $1000 each, will be awarded to Port Stephens women to help them achieve a goal and contribute to their community. Salamander Bay Rotary Club partnered with the council to deliver the scholarships.
“The scholarships will encourage further valuable participation by women in our community,” Salamander Bay Rotarian and former president of the club, Darcy Geale, has previously said on the partnership.
“As a Rotary club, one of our key focuses is the involvement of youth in the future of our community, and this scholarship program is one way that we can encourage that.”
For the past eight years the Rotary club has hosted an International Women’s Day luncheon, which has increasingly grown in popularity. Last year it attracted about 120 men and women.
In addition to raising funds for Port Stephens groups such as Tomaree Breast Cancer Support Group, Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service and the Yacaaba Centre the luncheon also features a guest speaker.
Corlette resident and Bondi Chai co-founder Melissa Edyvean will speak at this year’s luncheon.
Ms Edyvean and her partner Martin Buggy developed the award-winning brew Bondi Chai a decade ago after randomly sampling a version of the sweet, mildly spicy hot beverage while holidaying in Chevy Chase, Washington.
After a rocky start – selling just 17kg in their first month – today Ms Edyvean and Mr Buggy sell about six tonnes a month.
The successful businesswoman is expected to talk about her inspiring tale of how one little idea can turn into a big career.
Organiser Janelle Upton, secretary of Salamander Bay Rotary Club, said Ms Edyvean was an ideal speaker.
“We try and pick a local woman to celebrate International Women’s Day,” she said. “The theme is press for progress and we thought Melissa would be a good guest speaker for this.
“The luncheon is a good way to celebrate what women have achieved, as well as raise funds for different groups in the area.”
The luncheon will be held at Soldiers Point Bowling Club between 11.30am and 2.30pm on March 8. Tickets cost $50 (two course meal). To buy tickets phone Ms Upton on 0419 610 660 or Rotarian Jennifer Gray on 0408 841 854 or Ina George on 0412 846 265.
This year the club is asking attendees, if possible, to donate a bag of hope at the luncheon. This can be any sort of bag with a few items that can be given to women and men in need. Items can be feminine hygiene products, toothbrush, comb, tissues, soap, shampoo.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
