Achievement celebrated

Town of Port Hedland staff came together this month to celebrate the achievements of local ladies on International Women’s Day.

Attendees heard from inspiring community leaders, including Bloodwood Tree Association chief executive Kylee Hodder and Community Migrant Service Worker Victoria Malyk.

Ms Hodder, who is a well-respected Aboriginal leader, reminded the community that cultural differences should be celebrated on International Women’s Day.

“As grandmothers, mothers, sisters and aunties we all have our own unique place in this community,” she said.

Ms Malyk shared her own journey as a migrant from the Ukraine and how she used her experience to help other migrant women in the community.

“Migrants can face social isolation in the rural areas like Port Hedland,” she said.

“My job at Pilbara Community Legal Services is about making that transition as comfortable as possible.

“We offer information services, assistance with visas and host cookery classes where local migrants can share their cultures and make new friends.”

Mayor Kelly Howlett said she hoped the session would leave female staff inspired to achieve their own career goals in the face of adversity.

“It was great for everyone to take the opportunity to network with colleagues and hear some inspirational stories from local female leaders,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have a female mayor and councillors and have a strong representation of women in our workforce (53 per cent).

“Although there is still more to be done, gender equality is something we tend to take for granted and it’s important for us to be able to reflect on how far women have come today in the workplace.”