Comedy meets compassion at International Women’s Day lunch

LOCAL comedian Lainie Chait will MC an International Women’s Day lunch at Ballina RSL on Friday, March 7.

Myocum-based Chait, who developed the superhero persona ‘Electro Girl’ when she was 19 to help her cope with her epilepsy diagnosis, will join keynote speaker Cate McQuillen from mememe productions at the event organised by Ballina Chamber of Commerce.

McQuillen is the Emmy-award winning co-creator of the popular animated series Dirtgirlworld and live action series Get Grubby TV.

Rachael Calvert of Byron Bay-based Marvell Lane, which specialises in swimwear, lingerie and other clothing for women with a fuller bust, will also be a guest speaker.

Attendees are encouraged to wear purple to highlight awareness around domestic violence issues.

The event will include a two-course lunch with a complimentary drink on arrival, and there will also be lucky door prizes, raffles and games.

Chait, who hosts weekly trivia nights at the Eltham Hotel and Club Lennox Sports, said she was looking forward to the gig after having a break from big events for more than a year.

“I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to get back on the stage and start connecting with larger audiences,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to celebrate all the women before us who have helped get us to where we are as far as equality and safety is concerned. We have to continue to support each other in continuing to have a voice and be valued in the community instead of hidden.”

Money raised from the lunch will go towards the Love Bites respectful relationships program for young people aged 11 to 17 and Northern Rivers Animal Services, which rehomes lost, surrendered and sometimes abused companion animals.

For more information and tickets, visit ballinachamber.com.au