Warragul Uniting Church is preparing to host a light lunch that features a panel of accomplished Gippsland women talking about facing up to the increasingly challenging aspects of rural and regional life.
The lunch will be chaired by Uniting Church VicTas Moderator Sharon Hollis.
“Our theme is Courage Doesn’t Have to Roar and we are keen to explore the resilience of women in regional areas, and Gippsland in particular,” Ms Hollis said.
“We also want to challenge whether the loudest voice is always the most courageous. I hope that a wide range of people living in this region will attend and that they will be excited by this discussion.”
Ms Hollis is no stranger to resilience after experiencing the loss of her partner through suicide in 2013. Since taking on the role of moderator in June this year she has already hosted a series of carers’ lunches during Mental Health Week.
“I have learnt that life has an enormous capacity to lure you back in, even when you are grieving,” Ms Hollis said.
“I think that my personal experience of adversity gives me a deeper perspective on what really matters, particularly as a woman in leadership.”
The lunch panel guests are women who have seen the challenges and joys of living in the Gippsland region. Tracey Gibson (CEO UnitingCare Gippsland), Carolyn Turner (Editor The Warragul & Drouin Gazette) and Arfa Sarfaraz Khan (President United Muslim Sisters of the LaTrobe Valley) will bring their diverse experiences to the discussion on resilience.
“As editor of the local newspaper I am fortunate to hear the views of a wide range of people living in this region, and meet many women who overcome tremendous adversity quietly and bravely,” Ms Turner said.
“I’m looking forward to joining the panel and digging deep into this topic of courage and resilience, particularly from a woman’s perspective.”
The lunch is by donation and bookings are essential. It takes place on Thursday 10 November at 12.30 pm, Warragul Uniting Church (210 Sutton Street, Warragul).
To book your place, phone the church office on 5623 6625 or email Lynda.nel@victas.uca.org.au
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