The Edward River community is invited to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 with inspirational guest speakers Alice and Fiona Waters, local advocates for transgender, gender diverse and non-binary youth.
The 2023 International Women’s Day Luncheon will be held in the recently restored Deniliquin Town Hall.
The free event is presented by Edward River Council in partnership with Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group, with funding support from the NSW Government through the Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Events Program.
International Women’s Day is globally recognised as a celebration of the cultural, economic, social and political achievements of women.
This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity, which aims to get the world talking about the need to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination and seek out more opportunities to be inclusive.
Fitting with that theme, the keynote speaker is Deniliquin teenager Alice Waters.
Alice is 16 years old and attends Deniliquin High School.
As a proud transgender teenage girl, Alice has embraced both her true self and the power of advocacy at an early age.
She was part of a delegation that visited Parliament House last year to discuss legislation on how our communities can best support transgender children and adolescents.
As an advocate for Transcend Australia, Alice has spoken for transgender, gender diverse and non-binary young people to have their voices heard.
“I am at peace with who I am and tranquil in the knowledge that I am worthy,” she said.
“All transgender teenagers deserve the chance to feel this way and secure in knowing that their future is bright.”
Alice’s mother, Fiona Waters, will be joining her as a guest speaker at the lunch and is proud to have this opportunity to share some of her family’s story.
“The main lessons I have learned in life have come from my own children and the various journeys, challenges and experiences they have had so far,” she said.
“I believe the main way we can make change in our world is through discussion, listening to alternate views and showing our vulnerability.”
MC at the lunch will be Lourene Liebenberg, an advocate for mental health in Deniliquin.
Mrs Liebenberg believes that listening to young people is fundamental in increasing awareness and support for their wellbeing.
“With love and support from her friends, family and community, Alice has been allowed to find her authentic voice which she is using to advocate for other young transgender people, many who have not received similar support from their own communities, and that is to be greatly admired.”
Mayor Peta Betts said she was looking forward to hearing Alice and Fiona speak on this year’s theme.
“People from across the Edward River region come together each year for International Women’s Day, enthusiastically honouring the achievements and contributions of women in our community,” she said.
“This year the International Women’s Day theme encourages us to actively support and embrace equity.
“Alice and Fiona are inspiring examples that each of us has the power to use our voices to collectively forge positive change.”
Tickets to the 2023 International Women’s Day Luncheon are now available via Eventbrite or in person at the Edward River Library.