Traditional Owner Dora Gibson was one of the speakers to share her story and experience of being a woman in the Cooktown region at an International Women’s Day morning tea on 6 March. Photo: Supplied.
The women of Cooktown are already full of ideas and enthusiasm for next year after the community’s first outdoor International Women’s Day morning tea.
A collaboration between the Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC) and Regional Arts Services Network, about 50 women of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the stunning Nature’s Powerhouse on 6 March to enjoy great company, a new venue and shared stories.
“It was very much a theme of ‘for all women’, both young and old,” CDCC community engagement co-ordinator Susan Williams said.
At the heart of the event was the creation of the 2025 International Women’s Day banner, made up of individual calico squares decorated by local women – a tradition that has continued since 1997.
Ms Williams said the guest speakers were a highlight as they spoke about their diverse experiences of being a woman in the Cooktown region.
This year’s line-up included Jenni James from Country Universities Centre Cape York, local basketball coach and Wild & Wingy owner Ashton Viranatuelo, and Hope Vale Traditional Owner Dora Gibson.
“The guest speakers were a huge hit; everyone shared their thoughts about how amazing the speakers were,” Ms Williams said.
“We had a few speakers that covered completely different themes, from life-long learning, entrepreneurship and sporting success, and we also had Traditional Owner Dora, who came along and spoke about growing up as a girl with restrictions on where she could go, like needing a permit to leave the mission, and ensuring her voice as a woman was heard.
“She [also] had two great grand-daughters with her to sing a song together, which was so beautiful.”
Ms Williams said the morning tea had been such a success, many attendees were already sharing their thoughts on what should be included at next year’s event.
“We had a lot of feedback from people seeing if we could showcase some of our older women and have them share their stories, too, because they were keen to be a part of it,” she said.
“The morning tea was really popular, so I think next year, we’ll put more time into planning it and making sure that anyone who wants to share their story in some way can.”
