The IWD Long Lunch - Recap
On Saturday the 9th of March, Glen Innes Business Chamber, Glen Innes and District Services Club and The New England Club hosted the inaugural International Womens Day Long Lunch.
Set up on the lawns of the New England Club, the Marquee hosted 80 guests, seated at long tables surrounded by greenery, florals and pops of purple and pink glam. Despite the cool weather the women of Glen Innes turned it on with gorgeous outfits, sipping signature cocktails and chatting while live music drifted down from the Club Balcony.
Kate, the MC began the proceedings with a brief introduction of her experiences in a male dominated industry, finding a strong support network and taking opportunities to attend events such as The Long Lunch to motivate and inspire. A welcome by our Mayor Rob Banham and State MP Adam Marshall followed.
Gayleen Burley also welcomed guests on behalf of Glen Innes Severn Council, while also sharing her journey as both a mother and woman in leadership. Gayleen’s experiences with imposter syndrome, encounters with “mum guilt” and the ever change see-saw of work-life balance had the crowd nodding in agreement. The tips and insights she shared clearly resonating with the audience and her top tip for hiring a cleaner met with a cheer. It was a timely reminder that as women we can do it all, but maybe not all at once.
Bree Simpkins, events manager for the Services Club, thanked the guests, speakers, sponsors and vendors for supporting her idea for The Long Lunch, the proceeds of which would go towards helping the Glen Innes Maternity Unit to recommence operations. To help support, guests were invited to purchase raffle tickets for prizes generously donated by local businesses.
Cass Hill, president of GIBC followed on, reiterating the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive women, and those involved in making The Long Lunch a success. Touching on her journey and providing inspiration for all the women in the room.
From there, the music resumed and share plates of roast meats, rice salad, tomato salad, and beetroot salad prepared by What’s For Dinner Meal Service were served by a group of highschool girls, all excited to be working and attending the event.
After lunch, the main event kicked off with Ellen Mulligan – exercise Physiologist and owner of Moveology New England. We were grateful to have Ellen in attendance only 5 weeks after the birth of her second son Henry. Beginning her talk with a touching tribute to her mum, Ellen shared her journey of studying, through to opening the studio and building the thriving business she runs today. She also touched on some more challenging moments, and how she overcame them. From having a good cry, to long showers, Ellen shows her love of movement and living her philosophy of moving your body everyday. She also agreed with Gayleen – hire that cleaner!
Next up was Zannita Burges, midwife, community nurse and soon to be manager of the Glen Innes Maternity Ward. Zannita introduced herself as a mother, grandmother and avid gardener highlighting the strength of women who bleed for one week per month, yet still carry on. Zannita spoke of her challenges as a single mother returning to study midwifery, and discussed the reopening of the Glen Innes Maternity Ward thanks to the introduction of a Midwifery Group Practise model. MGP will make it possible for the women and mothers of the Glen Innes to access the services they need, before during and after birth which is a big step forward for our community.
Last but not least we were lucky to hear from Holly Goodman, mother of 3 and owner of Peter Bill clothing in Tamworth. Holly travelled up to Glen Innes, accompanied by her beautiful mother and spoke with confidence and flare on her journey from teacher to mother, from hobby-business owner to entrepreneur. Some of the struggles she faced with young kids close in age, and how that impacted her home and work life again clearly resonated with the crowd.
Once our guests had all introduced themselves, Cass and Bree started off a Q&A with the speakers asking if they had any gender based challenges in their careers. Ellen was first to note that she had been very lucky to have had studied in a degree where gender balance was fairly even, if not more women. Zannita, while not specifically experiencing gender bias, definitely experience challenges in finding support and balancing work and study as a single mother.
When asked what advice would you give your younger self the panellists, including Cass and Bree spoke about the importance of “just doing it” and trying not to worry about those around you – there will always be those who disagree and you need to ignore them and just go for it!
On a more serious note, speakers were asked for their insights into how we encourage the “women not in the room” in Glen Innes to become involved. The discussion focused on how our health services can be offered to those in disadvantaged circumstances, but all agreed more generally that this is tricky and something that needs to be discussed further.
A few questions from the audience centred around self-care and what you do to unwind while others asked the hard-hitting questions about how you overcame the hardest/darkest challenges. Holly had a great insight into this, reminding the crowd it is important to ask for help. During the post-partum days with her second child, struggling to balance the demands of a newborn and 16month old Holly withdrew from her friendship groups and experience post-natal depression and anxiety – again something many in the crowd understood. She reminded everyone that reaching out and asking for help is so important.
Starting a business (or a few in Holly’s) case was also a topic of question, with the audience wondering where to even start? Holly and Ellen were able to give an insight into their first steps and the plethora of resources online. Zannita once again reminded everyone “just do it!”
Cass, Kate and Bree then thanked the speakers and presented each with a floral arrangement in a handcrafted vase thanks to the wonderful Allana and Bridget from Late Night Pottery. This concluded the formal part of the event, and guests were invited to enjoy more live music and drinks on the lawn.
GIBC would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors and vendors, without whom The Long Lunch would not have been possible. Its events like these that highlights the attractive and progressive nature of Glen Innes while empowering conversations, inspiring inclusion and encouraging community to help address the challenges faced by women in small regional communities!