International Women’s Day was celebrated on Monday by a group of 100 local women who enjoyed lunch at Fish Parkridge whilst listening to a panel of eight inspiring local female leaders.
Brought together by Noosa businesswoman Josanne Falla the lunch celebrated women and their tenacity to succeed in the face of bias while raising $4,400 for local charity, Campsite Rescue. It is envisaged monies raised from the event will be put towards securing a safe car park space, industrial shed or land for homeless people with access to amenities.
Event MC Robyn Cook took the opportunity to explore the theme ‘Dare to Challenge’ by asking panellists how they had ‘dared to challenge’ bias or the status quo in both their personal and professional lives. The resulting discussion was not only eye opening and inspiring, but at times, shocking.
Josanne applauded the panellists. “We are so incredibly fortunate to be able to listen to these powerful women, women who can motivate us all to be courageous in standing up to bullying and bias. They inspire us all to Dare to Challenge,” she said.
The panellists included the 2020 Telstra Businesswoman of the Year and current advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Jeanette Allom-Hill, Mayor Clare Stewart, motivational speaker Catherine Molloy, Noosa LNP Chair Leigh McCready, Noosa Councillor Amelia Lorentson, Year 12 student and domestic violence advocate Angelique Hallett, local entrepreneur Kim Lloyd and former Noosa councillor Ingrid Jackson.