THREE speakers were given the topic 'enlighten us but make it quick' for Quota's International Women's Day lunch in Forster.
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In past years the Forster Tuncurry Quota club hosted the 2428 Woman of the Year awards as part of International Women's Day (IWD) celebrations.
"I don't think any of us have any mascara left - we were all laughing so much."
- Audience member Diane Carroll
But this year it was up to bush poet Claire Reynolds, ex-policewoman and stand-up-paddle board instructor Charne Lindsay and playwright Maggie Young to...well...enlighten us but make it quick.
Claire Reynolds had the audience in stitches with her tales of travelling in the outback with her husband.
"I don't think any of us have any mascara left - we were all laughing so much," Diane Carroll said afterwards.
Charne told of her work as a policewoman in various locations including Bankstown, Revesby, Cobar and Griffith and of course the Manning and Great Lakes. She returned to Forster in 2007 when she attained the rank of Sergeant of police. She has now left the NSW Police and, among other things, is a stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) instructor.
She grew up in Forster and was a student at Forster High School until year 10, then finished her senior schooling and university studies in Sydney.
Playwright Maggie Young told of her fascination with one of the region's first independent women pioneers Isabella Mary Kelly. She has adapted the book written by Maurie Garland on the topic into a successful play staged at halls across the region including the Tuncurry Memorial Hall. Isabella the Play will be staged next at the Barrington Hall on May 23 at 2pm.
International Women's Day (IWD) is officially on March 8, but communities across the world hold events in the week leading up to this date. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events are held to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.
Quota members decorated tables at the Cape Hawke Surf Club with large cardboard licorice lollies because - women are like licorice allsorts - we are all sorts.
