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Regional event - Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE

Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE was involved in a week of celebrations being held in the Far North Queensland Region to mark International Women's Day.

Over 80 women attended the annual IWD dinner held at Tropics Restaurant, Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE on Saturday, 12 March. On arrival women shared a glass of champagne, caught up with friends and listened to the sounds of Flutesong, a local flute group.

Guest speaker for the night was Lynne Kosky, former minister in the Victorian government from 1999 to 2010. Lynne gave an entertaining account of how the media and others view women in leadership positions, the challenges that women still face today and how expectations upon women are often a disconnect between strength and compassion.

A highlight of the evening was the diversity of women that attended the dinner. Henrietta Fourmile Marrie did the welcome to country and 11 Papua New Guinean students, presently studying a trade program with TAFE, also participated in the night's celebration. Recognition was given to the women of North Queensland who have been nominated for the Everyday Women, Extraordinary Lives Gallery and they were presented with a certificate and pin.

It was a very successful night and the Association of Women Educators, who organise this event each year, believe it was one of the best evenings in years.

Another event attended by staff from the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE was the 21st Annual International Women's Day breakfast held on Saturday 5 March and hosted by the Cairns Regional Council. They joined almost 150 women from workplaces and organisations in the region to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of International Women's Day.

Keynote speaker Julie McKay, Executive Director of UN Women Australia, provided a wonderful overview of women's achievements in the past century and challenged everyone to continue advancing the cause for women both in Australia and in the developing countries.

Mayor Val Schier announced the Cairns Woman of the Year, Pat Bailey, who has dedicated more than three decades as a volunteer in promoting community sport.

Young Woman of the Year was Hanna Burrows, an accomplished musician and debater, who represented the region in the National Science Awards and has gained a scholarship to study engineering at Curtin University.

Presentations of certificates and badges were also made to local women who were nominated for the Queensland Government's 'Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives' gallery.

It was a wonderful morning of celebrating and networking.

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This page was last reviewed on 01 Apr 2011