Emma Pritchard
As communities around the world acknowledged International Women’s Day last week, the Grafton Chamber of Commerce hosted a sold-out event at the Crown Hotel Motel in celebration of the widely loved annual festivity on March 7.
Raising their glasses high as they toasted the many social, economic, political, and cultural achievements accomplished by women through the years as they advocated for equality and gender parity, 120 attendees including guest speakers Jo Powell, Maddy Richey, Raelene Richey, Melanie Jay, Danielle Chamberlain, and Sharon Cannon, shared motivational stories from their personal journeys through their respective backgrounds in sport, education, and business, to overcome adversity, racial prejudice, and mental health issues, as they aimed to inspire those around them to never give up on their goals, to always dream big and aim high, and to never let anything or anyone stand in their way.
President of the Grafton Chamber of Commerce Carol Pachos said it was wonderful to welcome such a vibrant crowd to their International Women’s Day celebration and credited the passion and enthusiasm of her executive team for making the event an overwhelming success.
“To see everyone come and share their stories and speak openly about the event and how we celebrate International Women’s Day, its very gratifying,” she said.
“Women have made so much progress regarding what we can achieve.
“We can now fulfil our ambitions and dreams in ways that were not previously available to us, and its such a true reflection on how far we have come.”
MC Misty Fisher from local radio station 2GF said International Women’s Day always encourages her to think of the things she wants for her daughter, especially all thing things that are good in the world.
“I’d like that for all the women in my life,” she said.
Describing the Clarence Valley as being home to an amazing community of inspirational women, Ms Fisher said she felt incredibly proud and honoured to attend the event last week and to hear and share so many stories and speeches.
While the brilliant vocals of local performer Pam Hata delighted the crowd throughout the evening, the event concluded with Helen Reddy’s sensational hit I Am Woman.