Rotary Club of Ballarat

Celebrating Womens Success - July 2022 Gallery

THE Rotary Club of Ballarat has hosted its second seasonal event, again celebrating Women's Success with an inspirational address from Katherine Armati, Director of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

This opportunity included a preview of Ballarat Lyric Theatre's production, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and was teamed with local wines[WP1] , cheese and the mood for a warm and charming night of networking in Ballarat's charismatic Her Majesty's Theatre. The Long Room was proudly bedecked with one of Priscilla's DIVA mannequins, a most elaborate feather and sequined ensemble that resonated messages of pride, diversity and success in leadership and volunteerism, backed by the support and encouragement of Ballarat Rotary Club. Following their first event in Autumn at Johnny Alloo's, the Club has attracted men and women, young and old from Ballarat's diverse communities to come together, and share Ballarat's amazing talents, expertise, and generosity.

With a clear commitment of helping develop people, community volunteerism and leadership, Rotary member and event organiser, Samantha[WP2] McIntosh said their committed group had created the event series with an aim to inspire and encourage our community to come together and celebrate the inspiring individuals living and working in Ballarat. She said we are surrounded by inspirational men and women; intelligent volunteers and business leaders and at the same time, statistics show us that women have been less represented or recognised in our community. These events are for everyone, but we will continue to highlight and Celebrate Women's Success to help us strive toward a strong representative community.

"Our club is very conscious of the need to attract new members to service clubs as well as to increase the number of women in community leadership roles. Our club is visibly tracking our own membership mix with a large thermometer and scales on large corflutes displayed at each club meeting. We really do want to be a conduit to developing opportunity, leadership, and encouragement across Ballarat, in whatever ways we can. Some clubs and businesses have already proven to do this well, but we believe there is still plenty of space for us to do better. Equally, we are aware of the myriad of successful people in our community, and we simply want to embrace and celebrate this greatness, together with a bit of a fun stage.

Ms McIntosh said, "It's amazing what you can achieve by simply surrounding yourself with wonderful, successful, and inspirational people. Let's hope we can encourage more locals to step up and achieve their potential, surrounded by all the positive and diverse, strength and experience that might have previously been overlooked.

Ballarat's Rotary club's incoming 2022 President, Warren Payne said, "Our next event is shaping to be a Spring Event, swathed with internationally renowned local art, framed in floral gardens and painted with the tones of local South Street Magic. These events are created to be unique, intriguing and sort after. The fourth in the series, our summer event will possibly be hosted on our beautiful Lake Wendouree with sun and fun".

The Rotary Club of Ballarat manages Springfest, works with the 9780 District of Clubs to run the Ballarat Swap Meet, and many other community-focused projects.

Thanks to all whom helped make our night wonderful.

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