At the fabulous International Women's Day events held at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre on Saturday 8 March I had the privilege of opening a vibrant community art exhibition art exhibition called "The Art of Persistence: Celebrating 50 Years of International Women's Day". There were workshops and a grand parade with music, drumming, and dancing, including performances from Wagana Aboriginal Dancers and Hands, Heart and Feet. They brought lots of energy and colour on a rainy day. The spirit of the International Women's Day event honoured the persistence and ongoing efforts of women in driving social and cultural change.
The event was brought to life by the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, MWA Arts Collective and local Ngadjuri artist Anastasia Vickers. They all came together to present an exciting new community arts project. What I loved seeing most was a number of younger women engaging not only in a spirit of togetherness but also recognising the women who walked before them. There was a recognition of the persistence of women throughout history challenging the social norms, sometimes being labelled "the bad girls". I think I might have been labelled as one of those during my university days. The arts project highlights the previously untold story of the Blue Mountains Reclaim the Night Banners, a powerful symbol of the community's commitment to end gender-based violence. Cherie Brandon from the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre shared:
What many may not realise is that anti-violence material, like our Reclaim the Night banners, are often subject to high levels of vandalism. Just last year, we faced multiple acts of aggression towards these banners.
The exhibition focuses on the restoration and reimagining of those banners. What was once damaged is now transformed into a new and thought-provoking display of resilience, capturing the enduring spirit of persistence and protest in the ongoing fight for social change. Ms Brandon further explained:
While we often repair and restore these banners quietly behind the scenes, this exhibition gives us the chance to showcase them as reimagined art pieces, celebrating their continued presence as symbols of strength and solidarity.
The exhibition offered the community the opportunity to engage in two workshops: Re-Story, Re-Envisage, Repair with the MWA Arts Collective, and a women's weaving workshop. The event was also an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight for gender equality, to celebrate women's contributions, and to acknowledge the ongoing persistence needed for meaningful change.
On a rainy day after a big week in Parliament and when I am feeling a little exhausted, as most of us do when we head home, there is nothing like being amongst the people in my community to lift me up, especially if there is a bit of dance and song involved and people who thank us for representing them in this place. The event was one of those moments for me, especially when a young woman called Ailie, who I find quite an inspiration in our community, gave me a big hug, thanked me for my work and told me, as I was feeling quite exhausted, that it was the women who trod that path before her, like me, who inspired her. She is a powerhouse and one to watch out for—a future member. I wish a Happy International Women's Day to all of my community and thank to those who pulled that event together.
