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To mark International Women’s Day, Shepparton Soroptimists rise and dine to the occasion

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MND Australia ambassador Jane Simpson, guest speaker Maxine Gee and Shepparton Soroptimist Katrina Mooney. Photo by Taylah Baker

As dawn broke two days before International Women’s Day, even the habitual snoozers woke up for an unmissable event.

The Soroptimist International of Shepparton marked the annual global affair on Thursday, March 6, with a breakfast at the Parklake in Shepparton.

The event, supported by Greater Shepparton City Council, featured sweet and fragrant pastries, perfectly sliced fruit, a trading table, a lucky door prize and a raffle.

Notre Dame College Year 12 students Angela Baxter and Gracielle Igat. Photo by Taylah Baker

However, beneath the platters and pleasantries, IWD retained its radical roots through two inspiring local women as guest speakers.

First up, Melissa Buchanan.

Entirely in her element as she took to the stage, the director of Reign Legal spoke with poise, humility and wit while recounting her humble beginnings to opening her first law practice at just 27 years old.

Reign Legal director Melissa Buchanan spoke with poise, humility and wit. Photo by Taylah Baker

Since then, she has carved a niche in family law and succession planning, providing meaningful and affordable client services to make legal support more accessible.

“I am committed to delivering legal service in a way different to others,” Mrs Buchanan said.

There is always order in the court, but the same can't be said for life — as Mrs Buchanan wisely noted.

“It’s okay if the wheels fall off; it’s not a sign of failure — I’m still learning to accept that,” she said.

“Find the joy. Life is too short not to spend it having fun.”

Following Mrs Buchanan’s parting words, a woman in white sequins approached the mic, and another sat to her left.

“I’m Maxine’s friend, but today, I’m honoured to be her voice,” MND Australia ambassador Jane Simpson said.

“For someone who can’t talk, Maxine has a hell of a lot to say.”

Maxine Gee, a Shepparton local, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2023.

City of Greater Shepparton councillor Sam Spinks, MND Australia ambassador Jane Simpson, Maxine Gee, Mayor Shane Sali, Mary Sali, Shepparton Soroptimist Katrina Mooney and Cr Anthony Brophy. Photo by Taylah Baker

The paralysing disease typically runs a fatal course within 27 months, and it took Ms Gee’s voice after just six months.

So, instead of giving a speech, she spoke through excerpts from her recently written book, I’m Not Drunk, which is set for release on Amazon soon.

She described a childhood overshadowed by her mother’s favouritism of another child, the neglect and self-doubt this brought on in adulthood, and abusive relationships that deeply affected her relationship with her daughters.

“They made the decision that their lives would be better without me,” she wrote.

“To say this tore my heart apart is an understatement.”

By 2023, Ms Gee was recognised for her work in property management but began experiencing concerning health issues that led to her diagnosis of MND.

With her mobility deteriorating by the day, Ms Gee found solace in writing, reflecting and healthy relationships, particularly with her husband, Damien, and the strong, positive women around her.

“One thing I did when I was diagnosed was write letters to people in my life, and I thanked them and told them all their amazing qualities that I appreciated,” she wrote.

“Words are so powerful, so think about the last time you really laid your emotions on the table with your friends and loved ones.

“Your words and actions can and do make a difference ... and I hope my words today have made some difference to your lives.”

Whether inspired, challenged, moved to tears, or had their funny bones tickled, the women at this event couldn’t possibly leave unchanged.

Donna Baldwin, Jamie Lea and Anita Scouller. Photo by Taylah Baker
Greater Shepparton Secondary College Year 12 students Chloe Hogg and Samantha Inong. Photo by Taylah Baker
City of Greater Shepparton councillors Paul Wickham and Sam Spinks, with Mayor Shane Sali, Shepparton Soroptimist Katrina Mooney and Cr Anthony Brophy. Photo by Taylah Baker
Adele Baensch and Greta Keenan eagerly await the guest speakers. Photo by Taylah Baker
Shepparton Soroptimists’ International Women’s Day breakfast brought together women from all facets of the community. Photo by Taylah Baker