City of Palmerston, along with partners, will mark International Women’s Day (IWD) with a week-long program of free events to empower, inspire and recognise women. 

International Women’s Day is held globally on 8 March in celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and to raise awareness of gender equality and foster positive change. 

Council has worked with the Palmerston International Women’s Day Collective, which includes contributions from STEPS Adult Migrant English Program, Larrakia Nation, Rydges Palmerston, Wendy Burns Consulting, Australia Day Council NT, Palmerston and Regional Basketball Association (PaRBA), Palmerston Child and Family Centre, Amy Heatherington and the Northern Territory Government. The Collective have developed a range of events that will be held throughout this week to celebrate and embrace women in the community. All events are free and are aimed at recognising and strengthening connections..  

A program of diverse events is on offer, which are available for the whole community to enjoy, including:
•    A Community Art Exhibition 
•    Aboriginal weaving class
•    Storytime with Amy Hetherington 
•    IWD Cultural Fusion of Fashion and Food
•    Women in Gaming 
•    IWD Pamper Party 
•    A Forum with guest speakers including: 
                o    Robyne Burridge OAM – 2022 NT Senior Australian of the Year
                o    Paige Horrigan – 2022 NT Young Australian of the Year Nominee
                o    Sizol Fuyana - 2022 NT Young Australian of the Year
                o    Veronica Matipira – 2022 Australia Day Awards Palmerston Citizen of the Year 

To kick off the celebrations, the ‘Women of Palmerston’ portrait exhibition will bring together artists of all abilities to share their diverse range of artwork. The launch will be held at 10am on Tuesday 8 March at the Palmerston Recreation Centre and will be officially opened by City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell. 

“Occasions such as International Women’s Day allow us to showcase the accomplishments of so many incredible Palmerston community members, and I welcome you to join us in the celebration.”

“We are fortunate enough to work alongside individuals of all genders, abilities, ages and backgrounds to create this year’s program, all of whom share Council’s vision of creating a community that is diverse, equitable and inclusive,” said the Mayor.

Registrations for some events are essential. For more information on Palmerston’s International Women’s Week celebrations, visit palmerston.nt.gov.au/IWW

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