INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GRANT FOR LIVINGSTONE CELEBRATIONS

Livingstone Shire women will celebrate International Women’s Day with a special health and lifestyle expo thanks to a funding grant from the Beattie Government.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech today said the Livingstone Shire Council had been awarded a grant to support women in the region, through the Office for Women’s International Women’s Day 2007 Grants program.

The Beattie Government will provide grants totalling more than $20,000 to 35 Queensland organisations, to help the community celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday.

“International Women’s Day is a day when women traditionally march for their rights and its origins include women rallying for peace and better working conditions,” said Mrs Keech.

“Organisations throughout Queensland will be holding events that explore the diverse roles women play in society and the challenges they face in their professional lives.

“These grants empower women through networking opportunities and community activities and give them an opportunity to voice their issues.”

The grants will help organisations throughout Queensland hold functions, discussions, meetings, debates and exhibitions that promote International Women’s Day, with many of the activities involving diverse cultural groups.

The grant will help Livingstone Shire Council stage its Lifestyle in Livingstone function, which will feature health information and displays, entertainment and speakers addressing health in the home, workplace and community.

Grant categories this year included encouraging women in the workforce, recognising women’s leadership, working towards a healthier community, working towards a safer community and celebrating cultural diversity.

“The Beattie Government is pleased to be able to support International Women’s Day – a day celebrated around the world and recognised by the United Nations,” Mrs Keech said.

“Our International Women’s Day theme for 2007 is ‘Women at work: Know your rights, it’s your future’.

“Now more than ever, women are encouraged to speak out about their needs at work and the issues affecting their lives”.

For a full list of grant recipients and more information on International Women’s Day visit www.women.qld.gov.au/iwd or phone 1800 177 577.

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or Samantha Denley 3224 2295