About 40 women packed into the hall at Pius X Aboriginal Corporation where they heard from a variety of local women (and one man) – including Annella Carroll (a New Zealand-born Samoan), Soteria Foster (Samoan), Cr Kerry Cassells (Irish heritage), Linda Woodbridge (American) and Dr Hamze (Lebanese) –  who shared personal stories about their different cultures and how that has come to shape who they are today.

The biggest message to come out of the day was to not judge a book by its cover.

“Everyone’s got to stop seeing people as being a colour or a race; we’re all human beings and we need to stick together in this climate in Moree,” Cr Kerry Cassells said.

This was the first time Pius X has hosted International Women’s Day.

Pius’ Stephanie Duke organised the day and came up with the idea to celebrate women of all nationalities through the speakers and the sharing of cultural food.

“For me, there’s too much racism and discrimination; we need to come together as women in the community,” she said.

“We thought it was really important to celebrate as it’s all about empowerment,” Pius board member Jess Duncan added.

“It’s a day to focus on the issues affecting women around the world and a time to celebrate and appreciate the women in our lives.”

At the end of the event coloured balloons were released to symbolise the letting go of old ideas and embracing new ones.