Exceeding expectations and achieving success were among topics discussed when women from across the state gathered at the annual National Council of Women Victoria conference on Thursday.
The members gathered to hear guest speakers and discuss current local and global events while catching up with one another.
Among the speakers were Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh, Baw Baw Shire councillor Tricia Jones and Wellington Shire youth mayor Jess Kearns, who spoke about their career paths in their addresses to the group.
The day was also a celebration of 50 years since the Central Gippsland branch was established, decades after the national council was founded in 1902.
Central Gippsland branch secretary Mavis Lynch, who was at the branch formation meeting, but took on a committee position years later, said she enjoyed participating in interesting discussions and keeping informed through the monthly meetings.
“Concerns vary from time to time. One of our recent concerns is with high caffeine energy drinks; their health effects and ready availability,” Ms Lynch said.
She explained resolutions made in monthly local branch meetings were passed onto the Victorian branch and the national council and could have an international impact.
“One concern that started discussions here was female genital mutilation. One of our members brought that up and it became an international topic,” Ms Lynch said.
NCWV president Sheila Byard said the council had achieved many milestones in the path to equal rights for women and children, such as the introduction of women police, magistrates and jurors.
