Coffs is ready for Women's Day

Coffs Harbour will celebrate International Women's Day on Thursday, March 8.

COFFS Harbour will join communities across the globe on Thursday, March 8 to celebrate women and their achievements.

"Women have achieved so much over the past century, all of which is well worth celebrating," said Coffs Harbour Deputy Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight.

"But many women, both here and across the world, still need support and recognition to achieve their potential. International Women's Day is a great way to highlight those achievements, while making sure we don't forget that there's still a long way to go.

"I always like to say that you don't have to achieve greatness or be famous, just being  you is greatness enough."

Coffs Harbour City Council, with the support of the NSW Government Office for Women's Policy is joining with a local community group - 'Women of the World' - to host a special FREE event at Coffs Harbour Racing Club from 9.30am - 2.30pm.

Local Aboriginal Elder Aunty Bea Ballangarry OAM will open the event with a 'Welcome to Country' before the day's dance, music, cultural exchange and story-telling activities begin. The whole day will be recorded on film to share with the broader community and future generations of women.

Aboriginal dance group 'Yawaar Ngujiwiny' will perform, along with the 'Agnes African Tribal Dancers', Christina Monneron's 'Latin Dance Group' and Surinder Kaur's 'Punjabi Dance'.

There will be a number of inspirational keynote speaker talks throughout the day including Katie Pitsis, founder of the 'Free Spirit Girl' business which runs workshops "to empowerand support teen and pre teen girls to find self confidence, love and respect, know who they are, stand up for what they believe in, live their lives to their fullest potential and share their authentic self with the world".

Free childcare will be provided during the event.

Please call 0419 870276 to book a place. There will also be food stalls offering refreshments at cost price or participants can bring their own food. Tea, coffee and water will be provided.