March 8, 2023
South Burnett women have marked International Women’s Day (March 8) with functions around the region over the past few days.
There were get-togethers organised by the Wondai Women’s group, at the Cherbourg Ration Shed and by Hen Pen in Nanango.
But one of the better-known events – organised annually by Kumbia women – was held on Sunday at the Kingaroy Town Hall.
The lunch was hosted this year by the Kumbia State School P&C and catered for by Kumbia-based JC Catering.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day was “Embrace Equity”.
“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination,” P&C president Jodie Black said during her welcome speech at the lunch.
“A world that’s diverse, equitable and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
“Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all ’embrace equality’.”
Guest speakers on Sunday were former Division 6 councillor Ros Heit, former Kumbia Police officer-in-charge Sgt Selina Arthur and 2021 Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network “Woman Of The Year” Rebecca “Beck” Cross, from Kumbia.
Ros urged the diners to embrace equity but also “embrace inequities” in their lives.
“It’s the only way to become stronger and more resilient,” she said.
“When things go bad, my recommendation is surround yourself with loved ones and basically keep putting one foot in front of the other and hopefully each step gets that little bit easier.”
She shared her personal journey of setbacks and successes, including her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, taking up running, and the formation of the Wondai parkrun group and the Wondai Country Running Festival.
Beck spoke about the development of her boxed beef business and how she manages to balance family life with her work.
The sixth generation South Burnett cattle breeder is also secretary of the South Burnett Grazing Network and active in AgForce, the Red Earth Community Foundation, Baked Relief and the Kumbia P&C.
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Kumbia’s popular International Women’s Day function has been a fundraiser for the local kindy for the past five years … but not this year!
The Kumbia Kindergarten was forced to close on December 22 last year, which was a huge blow for the small community.
Kumbia P&C president Jodie Black said that due to the hard work and dedication of Kumbia parents and the school community, the town was extremely fortunate to be granted a “State-delivered” kindy at the school.
She paid tribute to Kumbia resident Mia Dugdell for being one of the main driving forces behind the successful campaign.
So this year’s IWD lunch was hosted by the Kumbia P&C as a fundraiser for the school.
“To participate in the State-delivered kindergarten, your child must turn four by June 30 in the year they attend,” Jodie said.
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