A taste of empowerment

MORE than 100 movers and shakers from across the Northern Rivers region came together for an International Women’s Day event at Frida’s Field in Nashua last week.

Comedian and Federal Greens candidate Mandy Nolan, Olympian and macadamia farmer Giaan Rooney and chef Christine Manfield were among those who attended the luncheon.

The event was organised by Northern Rivers Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle — a group of passionate women taking action to combat local disadvantage.

Ami Colli, Giaan Rooney and Edwina Black at the Women’s Giving Circle lunch. Photo: MIKAELA MAZZER

It included a charity auction which raised more than $10,000 for grants supporting communities in the wake of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and a panel discussion with Galah editor Annabelle Hickson, Women’s Agenda editor-in-chief Tarla Lambert, Indigenous chef Mindy Woods and Odette & Co. founder Odette Barry.

“We carefully selected our speakers to bring a diverse and meaningful perspective to the conversation,” Women’s Giving Circle coordinator Amy Colli said.

“Each of them is a leader in their field, deeply engaged in issues related to advocating for culture, equality, social change and storytelling.”

The Women’s Giving Circle lunch at Frida’s Field. Photo: MIKAELA MAZZER

Colli said attendees loved the depth of conversation and the fact it moved beyond traditional IWD narratives.

“Many told us that they had no shortage of invitations and events to attend for International Women’s Day, but the topic and speakers plus the gorgeous location and purpose of the day really resonated with them,” she said.

“They said how refreshing it was to hear discussions that weren’t just about women’s issues in isolation but also about how we engage men in gender equality, the role of media and social algorithms, and the importance of intersectionality.”

Ami Colli and Beverly Masters at the Women’s Giving Circle event at Frida’s Field. Photo: MIKAELA MAZZER

Given the success of the inaugural IWD lunch, Colli said organisers would like to make it an annual event.

“There is a real appetite for these conversations,” she said. “We host many events as part of the Giving Circle but we couldn’t make the actual date work for IWD — it’s a busy day. We were lucky that the timing suited Alfred’s chaotic plans!”

For more information about Women’s Giving Circle and how to join, visit nrcf.org.au/womens-giving-circle