Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (15:09): I rise to address this motion on International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is a day when I reflect on the amazing and inspiring women who have led the way for a better future for other women.
I also thank all the wonderful women who have surrounded me with encouragement and support: my two beautiful daughters Emma and Olivia, who inspire me every day to create a better life for the women of our future and whom I continue to learn from; and my two sisters Kerry and Keeli, who cheer me on and are there for me through life. And today I think of my mum, who passed away three years ago and who would have loved to have seen me in this place. My girlfriends, my community, my mentors and my National Party sisters – all of you have shaped me in so many ways.
My close friend Aunty Faye Lynam is a local Yorta Yorta woman from the stolen generation. Her life story and truth-telling is deep and meaningful. Her unique story in history and want for a better future, not only for Aboriginal women but for all women and all of her broader community, is truly inspiring, but it is her kindness and her kind heart that I am so grateful for. Aunty Pam Pedersen is another Indigenous woman who inspires and influences me, as is Aunty Geraldine Atkinson. They are incredible women and leaders within our community.
Shara Lee is a local woman who also has an inspiring story. Shara was a homeless woman with two young children but has turned her life around. She shared her unique story of striving for a better life for herself and her children. Shara was supported by her community, but it was Shara that pushed through the challenges of life and worked incredibly hard to create opportunity and success. Shara has been progressing her career, working full time, and is a recent graduate from the Fairley Leadership program. It is women like Shara sharing her story that give other women hope and are a testament on breaking through the challenges and the barriers in life.
Another inspiring local woman is Ash Napolitano. Ash and her husband Mat lost their only child, son Hunter, who drowned in a dam. In the depths of their despair they were driven to make a difference for others and established a program that would provide children in need with critical swimming lessons and water safety education for a minimum of 12 months. In partnership with Kidsafe Victoria the program was launched in May 2021 with an aim to expand to other regional areas. I have spoken to some of the mothers whose children are participating in the program, and they said they would not have been able to put their children through swimming programs without that support. Ash is a truly inspiring woman and an amazing woman who is making such an incredible difference to so many people’s lives.
I also acknowledge today my friend and mentor, former MP Jeanette Powell, who was the first elected woman in the National Party of Victoria and the only female member at the time. It is great to see how things have changed, with six female members out of the 11 current members. Let us hope that change continues with more women being elected to all levels of government and that can be led by example. I also acknowledge Pat Smith, the first woman CEO at the Greater Shepparton City Council, which was very historic for the time and a position previously only held by men – many, many years ago. Pat is a woman who continues to inspire me and others.
As a woman in leadership, I know the opportunity and power that I have to inspire and encourage other women. It does not have to be in politics, but living my best and fulfilling life and achieving my aspirations will hopefully encourage other women to strive and achieve their aspirations and to see that there are no limitations in life, just like Shara’s story. Too often women underestimate or do not see their capabilities. I ran my own business for almost 30 years, with my clientele being 99 per cent women. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to help other women have success in life, whether it was starting a new career, owning their own businesses or their own personal development. Many of these women not only created their own success but they went on to inspire other women. That is something we should all aspire to do. However, I also saw firsthand the impact of domestic violence and the need to ensure women have the services provided and a support network around them.
It does not matter the age we are or our generational differences, we all have something to contribute. I have two very special friends. Daisy is 16 and we share many wonderful times together. Through Daisy, I see the youth of today – their challenges, their hopes and their opportunities. My 96-year-old friend Yvonne, who I only met due to circumstances during the pandemic, has so much to share with me: her wisdom, knowledge and life experiences. She is one of the most wonderful women I have ever met.
I also wish to acknowledge some of the men in my life: my husband Brendan, who has been such a powerful role model to my daughters and such a wonderful support to me – having a house full of women was not easy, and I must say, he handled the teenage years much better than me; my four brothers, who are wonderful men, of whom I am very proud; my male friends – my very closest friends Azem, Cammy and Sev, who are like family; and my five male National Party colleagues, who have shown me nothing but respect, support and encouragement. As the member for Mildura pointed out, they are now outnumbered.
I encourage all men to think about the impact they have on women in their lives and more broadly, whether it be professional or in their personal life. Any day of the year makes a perfect opportunity to support and celebrate women in our life; however, this global day recognises many women’s incredible achievements. It raises awareness and encourages advocacy for gender equality. Happy International Women’s Day.