Council is inviting the community to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) on Wednesday March 8, 2023.
Held annually, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the theme for this year's United Nations International Women's Day was "Cracking the code: Innovation for a gender equal future" and "Embrace Equity".
"We are celebrating IWD and this year's theme with a special morning tea event at The Falls - a picturesque garden in Longwood East," Cr Binks said.
"The event will feature guest speaker Lauren Woodman - an osteopathic doctor, embodiment coach and the founder and director of Seven Sisters Festival – the world's largest women's wellness festival which she founded at 24 years old."
"She is also the co-author of the Amazon bestseller 'The Evolved Woman,' Telstra Young Business Woman's Awards Finalist and a VU Young Achiever Alumni Awards finalist."
Lauren's creativity and understanding of wellbeing and human nature has enabled her to design a potent and creative contribution to the health and wellbeing industry for women which is run in the heart of Central Victoria.
Lauren has a unique ability to tune in, read and connect with people's bodies, hearts and minds providing invaluable insights to help guide individuals to a deeper understanding of themself.
Mayor Cr Laura Binks will also join Lauren as a guest speaker at the event. Cr Binks is currently serving her second term as Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor, a role she never envisioned for her life, but one that she said she was thoroughly enjoying.
Cr Binks is a graduate of architecture; hands-on professional in building design and construction; artist; environmentalist; small-scale farmer; long-time volunteer; and committed listener and communicator.
In her role as Mayor, Cr Binks has taken numerous opportunities to further her leadership skills and share her journey in local government with people near and far. Cr Binks advocates for an equitable, inclusive, and kind sector.
"I am aware the current model needs work to ensure a diverse cohort of candidates nominate for election to represent the breadth of communities in our Shire," Cr Binks said.
"I also appreciate there is work to do in having the community's council better understand the roles and responsibilities of Council and Councillors in light of the introduction of the new Local Government Act 2020."
Cr Binks sits on Rural Councils Victoria as its northeast representative.
"This is an important advocacy group that represent the 39 small rural Shire," she said.
"I enjoy this voluntary role working with fellow councillors and CEOs from across Victoria to ensure the successes, challenges and unique needs of the small rural Shires are met."
This event runs from 10am to 12.30pm on 8th March, 2023 and buses will be available from Nagambie and Euroa for $5. They will leave from the Black Caviar statue in Nagambie and McGuiness St car park in Euroa at 9.15am.
Bookings are required for this event via https://events.humanitix.com/strathbogie-shire-council-international-women-s-day
There will also be an opportunity to take in a free movie screening at the Euroa Community Cinema from 6pm on 8 March, 2023.
"We are screening the film Hidden Figures (PG) to celebrate International Women's Day which showcases the incredible untold story of Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) - brilliant women working at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in History: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanised the world. The visionary trio crossed all gender and race lines to inspire generations to dream big."
To book for the film, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/hidden-figures-pg-strathbogie-shire-council-international-women-s-day
