Speakers inspire guests

Inspirational tales of women’s success were on the agenda last Friday when Rockingham’s business community celebrated International Women’s Day.

The sit-down lunch at the Gary Holland Community Centre paid tribute to the triumphs of women past and present, something organiser Mabel Laidlaw said was vitally important.

“International Women’s Day is not for women — it’s about women,” she said.

“We have two wonderful speakers today who have triumphed in the world of business and in other areas of their lives.

“Christina Matthews is currently the first ever female chief executive at the WACA, and Holly Ransom has achieved much through her volunteer work — we are very fortunate to have them.”

Miss Ransom, the reigning Young West Australian of the Year,said it was important to have positive role models for women who would become the leaders of tomorrow.

“It is hugely important that young women have positive role models, and that we work towards developing the young leaders of the future,” she said.

“Unfortunately, there aren’t many female leaders and we need to change that. “There are some fantastic women out there, and fantastic men, who want to see these changes too.”