Gunnedah Shire Council will host its own International Women’s Day event in Gunnedah this year – potentially saving ratepayers thousands of dollars in travel expenses.

Mayor Colleen Fuller said the event will be held instead of sending councillor delegates to a forum in Sydney.

“We want to do more for rural and regional women,” Cr Fuller said.

The Australian Local Government Women’s Association life member said although advocacy would continue to play a key at the Gunnedah event, she could not justify the expenses involved in a trip to Sydney given council’s expected Special Rate Variation.

From accommodation, airfares and meals, the mayor “couldn’t see change out of $5000” from the trip for Gunnedah representatives.

“So we’ll run our own International Women’s Day,” the mayor said.

The Gunnedah event is scheduled for 10am on Saturday, March 8, to be held at the Smithhurst Theatre.

The day is expected to include guest speakers and other activities to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

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