International Women’s Day: Chamber of Commerce president Kim Starkie praises locals

Having recently been asked if I would feature in an editorial for International Women’s Day, I asked if I could put some words together. You see, International Women’s Day is a chance to highlight many women in our community, not just one, and as the president of the Manjimup Chamber of Commerce and Industry and organiser of Women in Business events, I see many within our region achieving greatness. These are women who came into my head recently, or I have admired or been inspired by for some time. We have some incredible women, and here are those I want to acknowledge and thank for their commitment to what they do, to others and to the bigger picture. For their excellence in business, Suzanne Daubney, Chris Utech, Ann Fouracres and Tegan Studsor. For their reach in the community and support to others, Kelsie Collins, Tracy Lambert, Wendy Eiby, Helen Rose, Fiona Browne, Mary Guadagnino, Sharon Johnson, Jodi Johnson, Franzine Karamfilies, Pat Martin, Rachel Hopcraft, Jenni Markotis, Joan Radojilmic, Erin Brown and Jodie Pearce. For their influence in agriculture, Aimee Bendotti, Nic Giblett and Alexis Gandy. For their entrepreneurship and successful new business bringing life to Manjimup, Annie Giacomel, Bree Serafini, Brooke Cutts, Chanti Slade, Kirily Aitken, Jayde Darin, Melissa Robertson, Astrid Pratt, Tamsyn Lagana, Jade O’Neill, Georgia Muir, Kate Baker and Leeanne King. To all those women who volunteer any of their time for any service or to someone. Whether it be making a cake for a fundraiser, a meal for a friend in need, picking up some groceries, volunteering time, energy and passion to an organisation, it all makes this town a better place. For those rocking their profession and juggling a busy family life, Kylie Butler, Charis Rich, Debbie Muddle, Tracy at Mie Nails and Barbie Kingston. For those who are successful with longevity, Jannette Stanley Smith, Michelle De Salvo, Tracy Barlow, New Beauty, Mensland and Dianna Western. I will likely meet others and have new local life heroes if I was asked again in a month’s time or when I read this back think, oh I missed someone … But if we all share a compliment about another, show kindness and see the value in supporting other women, we can only ever grow stronger. Here’s to a world full of wonderful women, and a fair few awesome ones here in our town. Kim Starkie is the Chamber of Commerce president.