International Women’s Day was celebrated across the Bundaberg Region from breakfast to high tea on Sunday.
The International Women’s Day high tea, inspired by local environmentalist Vera Scarth-Johnson, was hosted by the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, with ladies dressed in bright and floral attire to fit the occasion.
Guest speaker was president of the Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association, Jean Stephan, who travelled from Cooktown to attend the International Women’s Day high tea event. She also took the opportunity to see some of Vera’s work that she had never seen before.
Jean said there were about 150 of Vera’s artworks on display at Nature’s Powerhouse in Cooktown, a gallery dedicated to Vera.
“It is very, very special to be down here for this event and the hospitality has been amazing,” Jean said.
“I am really blown away by this exhibition and the work that Stef and Annette have put in, it’s just amazing.
“All these pieces are new to me and it is something else to see them now.”
Jean said although she had never met Vera, she knew painting floral of the Endeavour Valley was Vera’s life’s work and Vera was able to turn the first sod of soil at Nature’s Powerhouse before she passed away in 1999.
“It was short notice that I decided to come down for the International Women’s Day function, but I thought if it was any time that one of us should be here, it is now,” Jean said.
Attending the high tea, Val Doggrell said she was excited to see Vera’s artwork as she had two pieces herself.
“I have always had an interest in Vera’s work and my husband Lincoln purchased her work from an art show here in the 60s,” Val said.
“I didn’t know about the exhibition in time to loan my pieces to it, but I am excited to see the variety of artwork here today.”
International Women’s Day Breakfast
Rowers on the River was packed on Sunday morning for the International Women’s Day Breakfast, organised by the Zonta Club of Bundaberg.
Audience members at the sell-out event were treated to an inspiring group of speakers: Kate Rehbein from One Little Farm, Linda Vickers from Bundy Limes and Rose Fraser from Bundy Fungi.
They all spoke about their journeys and experiences in agriculture in the Bundaberg region.
All have been driven by the desire to produce and sell top quality products, with the underlying message to buy local and support local farmers.
