celebrate international women’s day with fernanda borges in belgrave

Ms Fernanda Borges, a leading East Timorese politician and the only female party leader in the national parliament, will be visiting Australia as part of International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations. I am pleased to be able to support Ms Borges visit to Yarra Ranges where she will speak at the screening of the documentary film Heru Ini Lafu: Weaving Life at the Earthly Pleasures Café in Belgrave on the 3rd March.

IWD celebrates the achievements of women, and provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made. It is also a day to think about the challenges ahead on the path to equality.

This year also marks ten years since the people of East Timor voted for independence in a historic ballot. Fernanda Borges will speak about the critical role played by women in the struggle for independence, as well in cultural regeneration and national development. She will call for justice for the crimes against humanity perpetrated against the people of East Timor.

Heru Ini Lafu is a meditative and unique film that journeys into rural communities to show a side of East Timorese life that is rarely seen on the Australian screen. The film highlights women's contributions to the independence struggle and celebrates their critical role in cultural regeneration and national development. Most importantly, the film reveals the beauty of East Timorese culture and details the creative processes of traditional Tais weaving. It also demonstrates the positive role played by Australian community groups in women's empowerment and the fight against poverty.

I am proud to be supporting Ms Borges visit to Yarra Ranges and invite you to join with me to hear a wonderful woman, see a thought provoking film and enjoy a delicious organic lunch. Tickets cost $25 ($20 conc), if you would like to make a booking please call Earthly Pleasures Café on 9752 6744.

celebrating 100 years of the vote

Today I had a spot on the “Shire Show”, a regular show on Yarra Valley FM (99.1). As a councillor I’ve done many things, but this was the first time I’ve taken part in a guest spot on community radio.

I was there promoting a fantastic upcoming event that myself and the other Yarra Ranges women councillors, Jeanette McRae and Monika Keane, are hosting.

Come and celebrate

100 YEARS of women’s right

to vote in Victoria

When: Saturday 20th September, 2008, 7pm till late
Where: Coldstream Community Centre, Kelso Street, Coldstream (Melways Ref: 281 B10).
Tix: $70 / $50 concession – includes dinner, live music and entertainment East Timorese style, drinks at bar prices.

Bookings Essential: Contact Kelly 9294 6106

The night features the Tracey Roberts Trio, Ego Lemos (one of East Timor’s leading musicians), Art display and sales as well as a silent auction. All proceeds from the night will go to ETWA’s (East Timor Women Australia) Gimme Shelter Campaign.

Gimme Shelter aims to raise funds for weaving centres for women in remote communities in East Timor.

The women live in difficult environments far from hospitals, supermarkets, public transport and all the services we take for granted. Life is often hard and it’s really difficult for most women to live healthy lives but even more difficult for the two in five women who lost their husbands during the 24 year Indonesian occupation.

While women lack material wealth, they have amazing weaving skills. By utilising these skills, they have opportunities to earn the cash needed to pay for simple things like a bus ride to a hospital and school fees for their children’s education. Recently, women in three remote villages in the south-east of the island mobilised and together they weave traditional cloth for international markets. They’re hopeful and confident but they need help to create sustainable work environments.

Gimme Shelter is about helping women in these groups. Gimme Shelter will raise funds for solar panels to light up the women’s lives, buildings to protect them from the wind, sun and rain, equipment to make life easier and training to help them develop sustainable enterprises.

Working collectively is also important for East Timorese women. Solar panels will enable the groups to weave in the evening. A space to work together will help them support each other. Equipment will simplify the weaving process and training will help them manage their cooperatives more effectively and sustainably.

Gimme Shelter is helping East Timorese women weave a positive and sustainable future for their families and communities.

STOP PRESS - POSTPONED

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the Celebration of 100 Years of Women's vote event being held on the 29th March has had to be postponed. Watch this space for details of the new date. I'm sorry to all who were looking forward to it, but don't despair, it wont be long before a new date is announced.

join the celebration - 100 years of women's vote

In recognition of the efforts of Victoria’s suffragists and the contributions made by women in all areas of society, I along with my colleagues Cr's Monika Keane and Jeanette McCrae invite you to join in celebration for a night of fantastic food, fabulous entertainment and wonderful art. The event is a fundraiser for East Timor Women Australia and will feature East Timorese art, dancing and music.

Details are:
7:00pm to 11:00pm Saturday 29th March

Coldstream Community Centre, Kelso Street, Coldstream (Melways Map 281 B10)
Cost: $70 waged $50 unwaged

All proceeds are going to East Timor Women Australia (ETWA). The night has a East Timor theme - food, singing, dancing, artwork & craftwork display and sales, features local artist as well Tracey Roberts and will be fantastic.

ETWA's Gimme Shelter appeal is raising funds for Weaving Centres where women can work collectively with appropriate spaces, equipment, solar panels and training. Event proceeds will assist in empowering these women to manage their cooperatives more effectively and sustainably.

All welcome, don't forget your dancing shoes! To book contact Kelly Delaney on email K.Delaney@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or phone 9294 6106.