Women from across Victoria shared the challenges of balancing work, family and their many roles at a women’s weekend in Port Fairy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This program focused on creativity, wellbeing and personal growth and attracted almost 60 participants from Melbourne, Geelong and the south-west.
The two-day event included range of workshops such as art, storytelling, mindfulness, yoga, singing, drumming and interactive discussions.
O2 Media owner Karen Foster moderated a panel of south-west women in a session on Saturday titled “Celebrating involvement: How passionate women positively impact their community”.
Panelists included professional south-west women Lucy Doherty, Adele Kinneally, Carolyn Woods and Bron Levett.
Ms Foster said it was a stimulating discussion and the panelists were open and frank with the audience.
She said the presenters talked about finding your passion, impostor syndrome and how to overcome it, stepping up to lead in the community, and finding creative opportunities in the community.
Women’s weekend attendees ranged in age from teenagers to women in their 70s.
“They all had diverse questions around work-life balance and balancing the needs of career and family,” Ms Foster said.
“It was a really good discussion about the things that are problematic for modern women.
“I came away quite inspired.
"We talked about how women have so many different roles these day – they’re mothers, daughters, sisters, colleagues, employees and friends – and how you balance these competing needs.
“Our advice was to be present in whatever you are doing,” Ms Foster said.
Participants were encouraged to have a theme or idea of how they want to live their life and to live deliberately.
“Be proactive in how you live your life and not be buffeted by whatever comes along,” Ms Foster said.
Co-ordinator Lucy Marshall said the weekend encouraged participants to step outside their comfort zone in a fun and safe environment.
“There’s been a really good energy about it,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of great feedback. Everyone is relaxed and they’ve been engaged in the workshops. I think everyone’s had a great time.”
Kirkstall mother-of-three Sarah Parkinson took some rare time out to attend and said it was a positive experience.
“The main message I have got from the weekend is to set your goals and achieve them,” Mrs Parkinson said. “You can do whatever you want to.”