Photo gallery: Women of Year announced at empowering event
An inspiring Toowoomba woman has won a prestigious award at a special event ahead of International Women’s Day. See who won and check out our photo gallery here.
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Inspiring women from across the region attended a luncheon on Friday ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.
Hosted by the Zonta Club of Toowoomba, the annual event celebrated incredible women making a difference in the community, raised funds for charity and highlighted important issues.
“I feel so honoured and privileged to be able to help our community but I also want to recognise all the volunteers who help make my projects happen,” Ms Hold-Carpenter said.
“For me it’s not about the accolades because I love what I do and it really fills my cup.
“But something as prestigious as this (award) helps get my project out to help more people.”
Each year an award recipient is recognised for making a significant contribution to the Toowoomba region and helping women at an educational, economic or social level.
Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll was keynote speaker of the event as this year’s theme was Leaving a Legacy – Addressing Domestic Violence.
Toowoomba Zonta Club president Libby Gleeson said while domestic violence was a difficult subject to discuss, it was equally important to raise awareness on the topic.
“Part of International Women’s Day is to celebrate the wonderful things women do in our community,” Ms Gleeson said.
“But we also want to use the day to raise the conversation about domestic violence.”
The Zonta Club of Toowoomba distributed Keeping Children Safe – a series of eight children’s books to schools across Toowoomba on Friday.
Designed to educate young people about issues including body image and consent, Ms Gleeson said “education was key”.
This year the luncheon raised funds for charities Hope Horizons and Blush Cancer Care.
If you are affected by domestic violence, please phone the DV Connect Womensline on 1800 811 811, Mensline on 1800 600 636, White Ribbon Australia on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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