Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
International Women’s Day has taken place for more than a hundred years now, for well over a century, with the first official gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, International Women’s Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
In the Douglas Shire, women from a broad cross-section of the community kept the dream alive at Salsa Bar & Grill for the annual luncheon that is a fundraiser for the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre’s emergency relief program.
Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre Management Committee President, Julia Leu was delighted with Friday’s 24th annual International Women’s Day lunch was a sell-out event. More than 110 women enjoyed a delicious lunch, great company, entertainment and inspirational speeches from both Cynthia Lui, Member for Cook and Tara Bennett, CEO of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree.
“Both of these amazing local leaders graciously agreed to be our guest speakers. They inspired us with their own journeys, hurdles they have overcome, and how this has led to success in their professional lives,”
President Julia Leu, and Centre Manager Emma Travers, spoke about the large number of different services and activities available through the Centre, and their positive impacts for our diverse community.
For the third year in a row, Saskia Turner, Bodies in Motion Principal, expertly emcee’d the event. Guests were treated to songs from cast members, Marilyn Davison, Alteouise DeVaughn and Maya from the upcoming South Pacific production, scheduled to premiere in June at the Clink Theatre.
We are proud to have hosted this event since 1997, and look forward to the 25th anniversary event in 2022. This is our major fundraiser and all money raised goes to the Centre’s emergency relief program which provides assistance for the most vulnerable in our community. We are very grateful to Shona Barbour, our treasurer and chief organiser, MC Saskia, all our sponsors and to Salsa Bar and Grill, who continue to support us and the community.
Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre President Julia Leu
Enjoy this inspiring social gallery of local women enjoying the International Women’s Day celebrations in Port Douglas.
All images supplied courtesy of Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre.
#ChooseToChallenge
The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is Choose to Challenge. is A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.
We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.
