International Women’s Day was a great success thanks to the women of the Byron Shire. As the theme was ‘celebrating women’s community’, it was indeed heartening to see so many women contributing their talents as performers, debaters, MCs, and facilitators and providers of activities. In addition, it was also fantastic to see so many women choose to spend the day with us in Mullum.

The Byron Echo reported an attendance of 300 women and children, and the Byron Shire News’ Christine McNeil reported: “Around the park there were shady stalls with tarot card readings, origami making, fabric painting, as well as activities for children. There was non-stop entertainment on stage, including the Big Debate Team…”

The Great Debate addressed the statement: “If women ruled the world it would be a better place!” The speakers, all asked to be provocative, outrageous and entertaining, fulfilled their charter and won hearty applause (and some good-natured heckling) from the audience. Although the clapometer measured a win for the affirmative team, many of us felt every speaker offered worthy arguments and amusing visions of a different world!

The closing ceremony, introduced by Zenith and accompanied by Chiccan on her crystal bowls, included a short meditation. Zenith focused on women’s community, comparing individuals to feathers, which when joined with other feathers on the wing of a bird becomes powerful enough to fly: A lovely image to take with us.

Marlena and Zenith were again superb as Mistresses of Ceremony, and before the day closed, they publicly committed themselves to compere next year’s event! The general feedback is that it is a great community event for women, and that it should be an annual event. Thanks again to every person who contributed to the success of the day.