‘We can learn from each other’: International Women's Day Luncheon 2022
March 3, 2022
The efforts of Northern Tasmania’s frontline health staff throughout the pandemic have been recognised at the Clifford Craig Foundation’s annual International Women’s Day Luncheon.
A sold-out crowd of more than 230 guests filled the Ball Room at Country Club Tasmania on Wednesday to hear from guest speaker, Tasmania’s Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC.
Her Excellency was joined by “Local Hero” – Tasmanian Health Service Nursing Director Primary Health North Fiona Young – who also shared her insights on the state’s response to COVID-19, as part of a Q&A hosted by event MC Sara Redman.
THS Nursing Director Primary Health North Fiona Young.
Speaking to The Examiner newspaper, Ms Young said she was "humbled" to have been asked to speak at the event, but said she was there to represent all women in the Tasmanian Health Service after a difficult few years.
"I think it really does evidence how well we have functioned at an organisational level, and how flexible we are and we need to be," she said.
"I am really honoured. I am really, really proud to work in our health service.
"And I feel humbled, I do think it's really important to recognise everyone in our health service. So this is for our health service."
Now in its 14th year, the Foundation’s International Women’s Day Luncheon celebrates the achievements of women in our community and around the world, while raising funds in support of the Launceston General Hospital.
Officially recognised on March 8, Internal Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
This year the theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Break the Bias’.
As the first Tasmanian woman to be appointed as a Federal Magistrate, Her Excellency said International Women’s Day provided an opportunity to reflect and consider where we are on the road to equality, while celebrating the achievements of women.
“We can learn from women who have been both inspirational leaders and catalysts for significant change,” she said.
“This year’s theme is ‘break the bias’. This is important because bias can affect the way employers recruit, hire, promote, evaluate performance and leadership, and make decisions.
Event MC Sara Redman with Guest Speaker the honourable Barbara Baker AC.
“Diversity in decision makers and objective assessment criteria are important, to ensure that unintended bias does not affect appointment and promotion processes.
“In reflecting on my own career and other women’s experiences I feel that different leadership styles, both masculine and feminine, should be valued in the workplace, the broader community and in society.”
Tasmania’s 29th Governor, Her Excellency was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in June 2021 for her eminent service to the people of Tasmania through leading contributions to the law – particularly in the area of family law and as a mentor for young women.
Her Excellency retired as a judge of the Federal Circuit Court of Australia in 2021 after becoming the first Tasmanian woman to be appointed as a Federal Magistrate in 2008.
She is known for her enormous contributions made to the administration of justice, the advancement of specialist advocacy in the family law jurisdiction and the promotion of women at the bar.
In 2022 the Clifford Craig Foundation is celebrating 30 years of supporting the Launceston General Hospital through innovative medical research, education and improved patient facilities.
Since 1992 the Foundation has awarded more than $7 million in funding to more than 200 individual medical research projects.
