$1000 GRANTS TO HELP CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Queensland women and community groups can receive up to $1000 to help them celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2007.

Minister for Women Linda Lavarch said grants were available for International Women's Day celebrations under five categories:

·Recognising women’s leadership

·Working towards a healthier community

·Working towards a safer community

·Encouraging women in the workforce

·Celebrating cultural diversity.

"I urge people to celebrate with an innovative event in the true spirit of International Women's Day,” Mrs Lavarch said.

"This is an opportunity for local groups to consider ways to help build understanding and recognise outstanding women in their communities,” she said.

The grant program has been announced earlier this year due to the overwhelming level of interest shown in these grants.

“We’re ensuring that everyone will have an opportunity to put their best ideas forward for International Women’s Day 2007,” Mrs Lavarch said.

“This will be the second year of the IWD grants program and we’ll be opening it up to a wider range of activities that support the government’s goals for women in Queensland.”

Grant applications close on Monday, 30 October. For more details or to obtain an application form, go to www.women.qld.gov.au/grants or phone Women’s Infolink on 1800 177 577.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Linda Lavarch’s office, on 0407 131 654.