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Say cheers to breaking glass ceiling at Cullen

Warren HatelyAugusta Margaret River Times
Celebrating International Women's Day are Chamber executive officer Annie Mcfie with businesswomen Kellie Tannock, Rachel Yugovich, Emily Dickinson, Marli Nagtegaal, Chamber president Melissa Rose, Rapids Landing Primary School principal Lisa Helenius, and Miriam Bailey.
Camera IconCelebrating International Women's Day are Chamber executive officer Annie Mcfie with businesswomen Kellie Tannock, Rachel Yugovich, Emily Dickinson, Marli Nagtegaal, Chamber president Melissa Rose, Rapids Landing Primary School principal Lisa Helenius, and Miriam Bailey.

Women and their allies are encouraged to book last-minute tickets to this year’s International Women’s Day celebration at Cullen Wines.

Monday’s now-annual hosting, by Cullen Wines doyenne Vanya Cullen, will offer drinks and networking opportunities along with guest speakers, who will add to the event’s reputation for deeply moving personal stories.

Margaret River Chamber of Commerce executive officer Annie McFie told the Times this year’s sixth celebration was at risk of booking out.

“We have a fantastic line-up of presentations from local women in business, including Kellie Tannock, who will be presenting Chicks in the Sticks, a Short Random History of Margaret River’s Gutsiest Women, and Sana Turnock, who will be presenting on how to use your voice and speak out in her talk, titled Courage to Use Your Voice,” Ms McFie said.

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“There will be entertainment from Banjo Lucia, and Lynda Donovan will be hosting the River Angels fundraiser that attracts some fantastic prizes.

“Ticket numbers are limited this year, so we really urge you to register early.” Ms Tannock told the Times she had a long interest in local history, which she brought with her to the region 10 years ago after an even longer career in journalism.

Ms Tannock said there were so many women who contributed to the life of the region, she was spoilt for choice, and was still paring back the list for Monday’s planned talk.

“There is a hell of a lot of great stories about the women of Margaret River, and including among the traditional owners,” she said.

She said the days of group settlement included many inspiring stories, with women central to establishing the first hospital, as well as a respite house for rural women during pregnancy.

Research for Monday’s talk included close consultation with Wadandi elders. “Margaret River itself was a matrilineal area for Indigenous people, so the women had a big say in the decisions that were made ... in day-to-day life,” Ms Tannock said.

She described her presentation as “random” and hoped attendees would get good value on the day.

Ms McFie said the event was open to all interested parties.

International Women’s Day this year will also mark the 50th anniversary of Cullen’s ground-breaking biodynamic winery.

Festivities start kick off at 9.30am Monday. Tickets can be booked via admin@mrcci.com.au.

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