What it's Really Like to Be a Woman in Australian Politics
Cherie Bromley, Community Programs Manager at Byron Community Centre, Sabine Muschter, founder of The Community Hub, and Fiona Sheridan, General Manager of Sourdough Business Pathways (left to right).
The Community Hub, in collaboration with the Byron Community Centre and Sourdough Business Women, are holding a fundraiser on Wednesday, 6 October to ignite debate and discussion about the journey of women in politics - past, present and future.
Let’s Talk: Women in Politics will bring together local and national female politicians to share their stories, insights and perspectives on why Australian women are still largely underrepresented in politics.
The event will be hosted by Mandy Nolan, who will be in conversation with Tamara Smith MP, Greens Member for Ballina, Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC, Chair of the NSW State Development Committee, and Jenny Dowell OAM, former mayor of Lismore. These four women will share their expertise and experience of their careers in Australian politics from various angles. The speakers will discuss why there are so few female politicians and what we can do to change it, with audience members invited to participate in the concluding Q&A session.
“In the lead up to local government elections in December, the time is right for more women to step forward and nominate,” says Jenny Dowell. “Being a councillor and Mayor was the best job I've ever had despite the challenges. I hope that speaking of my experiences might encourage other women to think ‘I could do that’. Our councils are better when more women are elected.”
Sabine Muschter, founder of The Community Hub, a new one-stop portal for Byron Shire locals to connect to all things community, is excited that, “after Let’s Talk Menopause, we can present Women in Politics as the second in a series of informed conversations held at the Byron Theatre to connect, inform and inspire our community.”
“I'm delighted that the Byron Community Centre can present this informative and factual series of talks funded in part by the Byron Shire Council Community Initiatives Program,” says Cherie Bromley, community programs manager. “The profits from this critical topic documenting women in politics will go towards our Feel Good Fridays support group, a weekly opportunity for vulnerable women to access support and improve wellbeing.”
The Sourdough Business Women’s October Hub will be hosted upstairs on the Byron Community Centre verandah prior to the Let’s Talk event.
“Sourdough Business Women is all about collaboration, support and the development of leadership for women in business in our community,” says representative Fiona Sheridan. “So we’re thrilled with the opportunity to work with The Community Hub and Byron Community Centre in presenting what should be a fascinating and frank conversation with female leaders in politics. We’re also looking forward to hosting this month’s Byron Sourdough Business Women’s Hub upstairs on the verandah. Overall, this should be a very stimulating evening.”
Let’s Talk: Women in Politics will take place on Wednesday, 6 October from 7pm – 9pm, preceded by the Sourdough Business Women’s Hub from 5:30pm – 6:45pm. Tickets available online at byrontheatre.com.
MC and Speakers
MC Mandy Nolan
As a comic with over 30 years in the business, Mandy is used to standing her ground in rooms of adversarial men. A mother of five, she believes that standing for change is to not be complicit. An activist, opinion writer and a courageous person. Mandy is the Greens candidate for Richmond.
More information: https://mandynolan.com.au/
Tamara Smith
Member for Ballina in the Legislative Assembly of the NSW Parliament. In March 2015, Tamara became the first woman to hold the seat of Ballina and the first Greens MP in a regional seat in any Parliament of Australia. Tamara is in her second term and was re-elected in March 2019.
More information: https://www.tamarasmith.com.au/
Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC
Former Chair of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (Australia) was elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 2003. She has served in a number of portfolios including as a Shadow Minister and Parliamentary Secretary, and is currently Chair of the NSW State Development Committee. She is a professional writer and was Director of the Virginia Chadwick Memorial Foundation (supporting the Great Barrier Reef).
More information: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/members/Pages/member-details.aspx?pk=25
Jenny Dowell OAM
Served 12.5 years on Lismore City Council, representing the Labor Party with eight of those as the popular former mayor (2008-2016). She is renowned for her work locally with the arts and helping her community in various volunteer roles. Jenny is now an actor, book reviewer, mayoral mentor and on multiple formative committees.
Event Details
Let’s Talk: Women in Politics
Wednesday 6th October, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Tickets: $20/$15 concessions
Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. Tickets at this link
Sourdough Business Women
The October Sourdough Women’s Hub will be held prior to the Let’s Talk: Women In Politics session. Join us upstairs on the Byron Community Centre verandah to connect with like-minded business women and female leaders of the local region.
Tickets: $20, 5:30pm - 6:45pm. Nibbles provided. Drinks available from the Verandah Bar.
Tickets at this link. Tickets for both events can be purchased separately or together.