THE Inspiring Women of Moyne celebrated International Women’s Day at a morning tea in the Kirkstall Hotel.

Moyne Shire Councillor Karen Foster started proceedings acknowledging the difficulties that she and many other women faced when trying to take on roles of responsibility and significance.

While acknowledging that things in the workplace have become easier for women, “there is still a long way to go”, Cr Foster said. She urged women to push for more workplace flexibility and for men to take on a more equal role in parenting and domestic responsibilities.

The main speaker of the day was Jessica Fishburn, a physiotherapist with Gen Health, in Hamilton.

In her work, Ms Fishburn is particularly interested in continence, pregnancy and pelvic floor health.

When referencing International Women’s Day, she said “women still do not have equal pay for equal work”. 

Ms Fishburn said the old stereotypes still exist – “we still hear the saying ‘grow some balls’ while, I wonder, what would be the reaction if ‘we’ said ‘grow a vulva!’.”

She implored women to ‘lift one another up,’ and be supportive of one another as women move forward towards more equal opportunities.

Four women were selected by the judging panel as winners of the Inspiring Women of Moyne awards as part of the International Women’s Day Celebrations – Carolyn Howe, Hannah Morris, Melissa Coffey and Fiona Hampson.

Mayor Cr Ian Smith said picking winners from the 44 nominations was a difficult task.

“Each of the women was nominated because they inspire someone and each is worthy of the award for that alone,” Cr Smith said.

“I congratulate our winners and each of our nominees, and thank everyone who nominated someone who inspires them, and helped us highlight the important contribution these remarkable people make to our lives and our community.”

Judging panel member Cr Karen Foster said the nominations highlighted the extraordinary community of inspiring women across Moyne.

Carolyn Howe: Carolyn has been a strong voice and presence in the response to domestic and family violence in the south-west region for more than 30 years. She works tirelessly to ensure our children have the best possible chance to live free from violence and live their best lives. Carolyn has been truly transformational and inspirational for the children and families in south-west Victoria, she has championed system-wide reforms, ensured the voice of the child is the centre of decision making and has used evidence-based models to deliver earlier intervention for families – all with the goal of keeping children safe and connected. She is an agile leader with excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Hannah Morris: Hannah is a hard-working volunteer in emergency management. She is the current Captain of the Kirkstall Fire Brigade and Deputy Controller, operations and training at Port Fairy SES. Hannah is a strong advocate for participation and inclusion of all members and is always looking for better ways to improve service delivery to the communities that Kirkstall CFA and Port Fairy SES respond to. Hannah carries out these volunteer duties whilst working full time.

Melissa Coffey: Melissa is the Nurse Unit Manager at South West Healthcare's busy operating theatres. Outside of work, Melissa dedicates her spare time to creating an inclusive community through her leadership and volunteering for the Port Fairy Football Netball Club. Melissa approaches the importance of the club in our community as a space where all are welcome, and those returning or new residents in Port Fairy are welcome and encouraged to play, socialise or volunteer. Melissa is described as a natural leader, who believes in the importance of developing a community where people not only belong, but feel valued.

Fiona Hampson: Fiona was nominated for her role at Port Fairy Community House and for starting the Port Fairy Coronavirus Information and Assistance resource in March 2020. This Facebook page has become the go-to resource for many within the community seeking the latest government or regulatory updates throughout the pandemic. The page has amassed a following of nearly 900 members including many small businesses and individuals dealing with the revolving changes to regulations. Additionally, Fiona has volunteered her time to our communities – working on the Port Fairy streetscape committee, the Biggest Morning Tea raising funds for cancer research and the Mosswood Wildlife rehabilitation centre – all in a voluntary capacity during the pandemic.