Intereach supports inspirational International Women’s Day event

An inspirational poem, specially written for the day by Mary Catanzariti, was one of many highlights at the International Women’s Day event in Griffith on Monday, March 8.

Mary’s attendance at the function to present her poems was organised by Intereach, which has supported her over a number of years to achieve her goals. These included obtaining her licence (she had previously used the Intereach Community Transport service), publishing her poetry, and becoming a public speaker.

At public speaking engagements Mary, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, shares her story of overcoming adversity and getting the best out of life.

The IWD event also featured Griffith woman and human rights lawyer Lucy Geddes, who spoke of her achievements and passion for women and law.

More than 60 women attended the picnic and various activities at Pioneer Park Museum, organised by the Griffith Women on Fire group with the help of funding and support from Intereach. This included cooking dishes which were gratefully shared by all at lunch.

Another of the day’s many highlights was a performance by Griffith’s Indian-Sri Lankan dance troupe, ‘Rhythm’. Attendees were also able to participate in drumming activities.

In an inspiring speech, Ms Geddes told those gathered that “women are the fabric that holds our community together”. She shared her journey from Griffith High School graduate to an international human rights lawyer, with a message to “keep moving forward”.

“Every day in Griffith there are women who are making a difference quietly to those around them. International Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate our potential as women as change-makers and leaders in our community,” she said.

Intereach Community Links Project Leader, Simone Murphy, who helped organise the day, described it as an “awe-inspiring event”.

“Intereach is delighted to have been able to support the Women on Fire Committee in bringing this 2021 IWD event to fruition.  The Women on Fire volunteers are an amazing group of women dedicated to promoting inclusion for women from culturally diverse backgrounds in the Griffith community.

“It is extremely satisfying to be part of such a successful day that celebrated the achievements of women. But, as we were reminded by Lucy, there is still much more to be done if women are truly to be treated equally in Australian society.”

Intereach team members from across its footprint (it has 17 offices in northern/central Victoria and the NSW Murray/Riverina) also participated in a range of International Women’s Day events.