Inspiring Xavier students on International Women’s Day

A FRASER Coast Councillor has stressed the importance of young women working together to help each other achieve greatness.

Division 5 Councillor Jade Wellings addressed Xavier Catholic College students at their International Women’s Day assembly on Wednesday, 8 March.

Cr Wellings said it was easy to fall into the trap of bringing people down.

“Don’t tell women what they can’t do, rather tell them what they can,” Cr Wellings said, encouraging students to focus on uplifting each other.

Cr Wellings said previous generations had worked hard to achieve gender equality, but stressed there was still more to be done.

Speaking to Prep to Year 12 students, Cr Wellings emphasised the importance of diversity – especially in public roles.

She said elected officials were representatives of the community and that all people – irrespective of their gender, cultural background or age - must be reflected.

Cr Wellings encouraged women to pursue their dreams and work towards being whatever it is they want to be.

A short video played during the assembly also featured former Xavier Catholic College student and Australian cricket superstar Beth Mooney, Chief Executive of Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Debbie Carroll and CEO of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Tanya Stevenson.

Reflecting on her own career, Mooney said there was not much support for women’s cricket when she first started playing.

However, she said the game had grown and was now offering women a chance to earn a living while playing in the biggest stadiums across the world.

Mooney said the people who support your dreams were the most important along your journey.