The MRCCI’s 4th International Women’s Day Celebration was another sell out event with over 120 guests coming together to celebrate the women that enrich and shape our region.

Hosted at the magnificent Cullens Winery, MRCCI Executive Committee Member, Melissa Dath, and Cullens’ Managing Director, Vanya Cullen, led the proceedings, including a wonderful selection of speakers and live music by local talent, Andrea Frances.

The first speaker to take to the mic was Nannup Music Festival Director, Phaedra Watts. Phaedra openly shared her story of how postnatal depression led her to volunteer for the Nannup Music Club, which paved the way for an incredible career in the music industry, going on to become the Creative Director of the award-winning Nannup Music Festival while also promoting and supporting emerging and indigenous artists. In 2017 Phaedra was the winner of the Golden WAMI Award for contribution to WA music.

Next to the mic was the effervescent Enjoprenuer, Fiona Edwards, who’s heartfelt passion for saving the planet and teaching people how to clean without chemicals and remove plastic from their homes saw her rise to become the number 1 Enjoprenuer Worldwide! Fiona shared her story of how a picture perfect ocean cruise was quickly tarnished when an enormous mass of plastic waste came floating towards and around them. For Fiona it was an epiphany moment, highlighting the importance of her work and increasing her drive to keep saving the world one household at a time.

Our last speaker was our incredible keynote, the strong, courageous and inspirational Esme Bowen, who not only overcame a colossal life changing moment when a driver plowed into her car, but embraced a new direction and appreciation for the people and community that surrounded her. Esme’s support, positivity and determination saw her become the ‘one in ten’ who survive the spinal injury that she endured, and one of the few who go on to have children. Today, Esme is the Chair of the Carers Advisory Council, CEO of Volunteering WA, an advisor to Ministers and so much more!

To wrap up a memorable morning, a fundraising raffle raised almost $1000 for the region’s beloved cancer support group, River Angels, with dozens of guests heading home bearing fabulous prizes from our generous business community.

Thank you once again to everyone involved. Until next year… Shine Bright Like A Diamond.