INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2019 – #BALANCE FOR BETTER

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated around the world on the 8th of March and is a day to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still must go to truly achieve gender equality. Celebrated since 1911 the day is not country, group or organisation specific and belongs to everybody, everywhere.  

Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained: “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” 

Each year as we celebrate International Women’s Day we recognise the important role we all play – as women, men, non-binary and gender diverse people. It takes all of us, working in collaboration, overcoming challenges, breaking down stereotypes and gendered roles to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities. International Women’s Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action.  

The team at Gladstone News are passionate about celebrating the achievements and diversity of members of our community, both men and women. In honour of International Women’s Day over the next few pages, we celebrate a selection of Gladstone’s finest women in business.  

“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” ― Marissa Mayer, Former CEO, YAHOO

Ashleigh Kvitko – CEO of Gladstone News + Elevate Media 

We get in life and in business what we have the courage to work for.  

For me, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the incredible women in our families, our communities and our businesses. Especially on this day, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  This day also acts as a call to action for individuals and organisations to promote, enforce, and advocate for gender equality. 

Elevate Media and Gladstone News are powered and empowered by a team of culturally diverse and tremendously creative, talented women. We are surrounded by women in our community who smash past the stereotypes, stand up for their views and earn their seat at the table. These women also make up the teams I am proud to lead in the Print and Digital world and encourage young women in our community to stand up for their passions and believe in themselves.  

Controversially, on this day I also celebrate the men in my family and business who treat all women as equals. My husband, who without reservation supports me, and the businessmen who offer their words of encouragement and advice are greatly welcomed as a relatively new business owner.  

“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish, whether that’s in politics or other fields.” Michelle Obama 

Roseberry QLD – Women Empowering

AT ROSEBERRY OUR CULTURE IS TO BUILD EACH OTHER UP – WE BELIEVE LEADERS ARE AT EVERY LEVEL – THIS IS THE WAY WE WORK.

“I love it when women empower each other, that’s when true leadership shines through and should be celebrated. We take inspiration from each other to strive to do our very best, and we are there for each other if things are a challenge. When we treat people with the respect they deserve, equality will become a by-product.”

– Colleen Tribe (General Manager)

Island Sands Asset Management

Behind every successful woman is a team of other successful women!

ISLAND SANDS ASSET MANAGEMENT IS A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST SERVICING TANNUM SANDS, BOYNE ISLAND AND THE GLADSTONE REGION.

“Our point of difference that sets us apart from other agencies is the fact that we only manage residential rental properties! When you are passionate about something, you generally find that you do it to the best of your ability, and that is exactly what this team are doing!

We are a strong team of 4 women who regularly attend industry training and conferences throughout the year to ensure that we deliver exceptional services to landlords and tenants alike. As sole Director and a hands on Property Manager I have experienced both the highs and lows of property management. I am fully aware that when we are managing your investment, as a home owner or investor you expect nothing less than being kept up to date and informed every step of the way.” – Sandy Buttsworth, Director.

Gladstone Area Group Apprentices and Trainees 

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A GENDER BALANCE WE NEED EVERYONE INVOLVED.

My role of CEO at Gladstone Area Group Apprentices and Trainees are made exciting by the fact that we see more gender balance occurring across trades each year. For example, we have both female & males completing apprenticeships and traineeships in roles that were once solely male or solely female. We have females undertaking Diesel fitting, boiler making, electrical and mechanical trades that were once considered male only and we have males undertaking Business Administration and some hospitality trades that were very much considered female only trades.

I am also fortunate that the boards I sit on have very much a gender balance with myself being the chair of the GAPDL and the Gladstone Airport Corporation also has a female board chair.

Gladstone Area Group Apprentices and Trainees also have a mixed gender board. To become an employ

er of choice with people wanting to work with you, you must offer a strong gender balance where possible.

Leigh Zimmerlie – Cheif Executive Officer

BALANCE FOR BETTER  – Celebrating International Women’s Day at Gladstone Regional Council 

Council recognises and appreciates that balance is key to creating a better working world, therefore, 48 per cent of its employees are women and 52 per cent men.