Celebrating Georges River women

Council’s annual International Women’s Day Breakfast for 2023 was a fantastic, emotional, and eye-opening event for the 144 attendees at Club Central Hurstville on Wednesday 8 March.

This year’s theme was Embrace Equity, and the crowd were inspired by the personal stories of resilience and amazing community work by three local panelists Senior Constable Sonia Krcalovic from St George Police Area Command, Jada Mundine, NSW Department of Planning and Environment Project Support Officer, and Sharlene McKenzie OAM, Managing Director Allawaw Aboriginal Corporation.

Autism Community Network CEO, Vanessa Gauci, who was the Master of Ceremonies and Deputy Mayor Kathryn Landsberry also shared their life experiences.

Stef Allen, Housing Manager of Kingsway Care depicted the realities and statistics regarding homeless women at the local crisis accommodation refuge centre and nationally.

Council’s City Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Officer, Tania Katsanis, who organised the event, was panel facilitator. Topics discussed on the day included domestic abuse, overcoming stage-four breast cancer, intergenerational trauma, sacrifices, homelessness and major life and career transitions. Beliefs on boundaries, superannuation, education, parenting, and changing social norms were also touched on.

It was very inspiring for the crowd to hear how passionate the panelists and speakers are about making significant positive contributions to their communities fueled by what they have learnt during their experiences. They are advocates for change and this also encapsulates this year’s theme of Embrace Equity, as all the women have chosen careers to support and help vulnerable community members.

The advice they offer to all of us is based on the four S’s – See Something, Say Something. It is our responsibility as members of a community to help where we can.

Over $5000 was raised in tickets sales and donations for Kingsway Care.

The Georges River Artist in Residence program sees five diverse artists undertake a residency at the Carss Park Artists’ Studio throughout 2023.

Lissa-Jane de Sailles completed her residency from February through to April. Lissa is a fibre sculptor and maker of traditional and contemporary basketry. She has won several scholarships that enabled her to continue professional development in Ireland, England, Dubai, and America. During her 8-week residency, Lissa facilitated a 4-week basketry course as well as a weekend workshop.

From April to June, Marta Romani and Karl Logge, a collaborative artist-research team from Northern Italy and Australia undertook their residency. They specialise in the creation of community driven projects that engage landscape, nature, memory, and future sustainment. Residing in Sardinia, they have been learning from a master weaver the original techniques of spinning with the 'fuso', natural dyeing, ancient designs, patterns, and stitches.