‘The Falls’ gardens at Longwood East were opened up for a free community event celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8.
Run by Strathbogie Shire Council, the event had three guest speakers, including Strathbogie Shire Mayor Laura Binks, who hosted the event.
Cr Binks spoke about her role as mayor, female leadership and challenges women face now like pay disparities and family violence.
“Women are transformation leaders. We have a great balance of professional and personal leadership skills. Women leaders are easier to approach, we seek to develop others and we listen intently,” Cr Binks said.
The second guest speaker, Dr Lauren Woodman, took guests on a spiritual journey with their fellow peers where they were encouraged to discuss what empowerment meant for them.
Dr Woodman founded the world’s largest women’s wellness festival Seven Sisters at just 24 years old.
This was followed by a talk from The Falls head gardener Marcelle Stoove about her career in male-dominated industries, having previously worked as a truck driver in the Kimberleys.
Guests were taken on tours throughout the grounds with Ms Stoove, who explained the history of the gardens.