International Women’s Day celebrated in Murray Bridge

The local Soroptimist International branch has teamed up with the Haven and Murray Bridge Community Centre to acknowledge the need for gender equality in 2023.

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Unity College students Halle Jarvis, Borscha Marchetti, Chayce Gibbon and Olivia Griffiths pledge their support for women’s equality. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

Women’s ability to change the world has been celebrated at an International Women’s Day event in Murray Bridge on Wednesday.

More than 50 women and girls came together at the Square Community Centre, on Edwards Square, for morning tea and a performance by local musician Jordan Holmes.

Attendees were invited to pledge their support for women by writing down the action they would take to help forge women’s equality.

Unity College students promised to look out for each other, stick up for each other and speak up for all women.

These were powerful actions, Soroptimist International Murray Bridge’s Anna Scheepers said.

“I want you guys to know you have the strength and power to stand up for what’s right,” she told the schoolgirls in the crowd.

“It might not feel like it at the time, when you’re put on the spot, but you can do it.”

Celebrating the day are Fusi Kalauta and Anna Scheepers; Jade Porter, Helen Mattick and Sarah Smith; and Jordan Holmes. Photos: Peri Strathearn.

The community centre, operated by the Murray Bridge Community Centre down the road and soon to have an official opening, was a fitting venue for the celebration – it is home to two key services for local women.

The Haven offers a safe place where trained volunteers can offer all women – but especially those who have concerns about their safety – support, helpful information and referrals to specialist services.

Volunteers are available from 10am until 2pm on weekdays.

The service was previously located at the community centre on Beatty Terrace.

The Murray Mallee Wig Library, newly relocated from its old home at the Murray Mallee Community Health Service, offers options to women who have suffered hair loss due to cancer treatment or other circumstances outside their control.

Soroptimists are on hand on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons to help anyone who might need it.

At the IWD event are Lina Aldyni and Danielle Moore; an enthusiastic group of Unity College students; and Prue Herringe, Lyn Palmer and Judy Schroeder. Photos: Peri Strathearn.