Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Members statements

International Women’s Day

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (09:40): It is such a pleasure to note the ways in which the women of my electorate of Western Victoria are celebrating International Women’s Day 2023. This electorate is larger than Tasmania and diverse in economic activity and the nature of its communities. This week women right across Western Victorian communities are holding breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, suppers, forums, a mural launch and so much, much more. These events are designed to not only recognise their achievements but to identify the challenges faced by women in each community.

This year’s theme, ‘Cracking the code: innovation for a gender-equal future’, is the subject of events on the Bellarine, in Skipton, Colac, Portland, Horsham, Warrnambool, Torquay and Stawell, just to name a few. It is great to see the leadership shown by shires such as Glenelg, Corangamite, Surf Coast and Northern Grampians, along with Food and Fibre Great South Coast and Wannon Water – business groups and other local communities and committees of women.

This year as we mark the 100th anniversary of women being able to stand for the Victorian Parliament, I am very pleased that Joy Leggo, Pompii and Shakeela Amiri from Geelong are able to attend Parliament to celebrate with us. These are fine examples of women in Western Victoria who are making wonderful contributions to our communities, workplaces and homes. I am proud of the achievements of women in my electorate, and I am committed to working with them now and into the future.