CELEBRATING WOMEN WITHIN THE DIOCESE OF BATHURST AND BEYOND #BreakTheBias

Christina Trimble, Executive Director of Schools, welcomed the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day – #BreakTheBias, which is aimed at alleviating the conscious and unconscious biases and stereotypes that prevent women from moving forward. Since 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) has marked a call to action for progressing women’s equality and diversity and celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Christina Trimble stated, “In homage of the day and of women within the Diocese and beyond, the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst Diversity and Inclusion Committee hosted the annual International Women’s Day Dinner on Thursday 10 March 2022 at Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst.”

Eighty attendees at the dinner included staff and students from Mackillop College (Bathurst), St Stanislaus’ College (Bathurst), James Sheahan Catholic High School (Orange), La Salle Academy (Lithgow), St Matthews Catholic School (Mudgee), Assumption Primary School (Bathurst) and Holy Family Primary School (Bathurst) and representatives from the Independent Education Union. The event was organised by CEDB Diversity & Inclusion Committee Angela D’Amore, Chair and committee members Darlene Murdoch, Leanne Fawns, Jackie Groom (IEU), Julia Evans, Angela Johnson, Principal and Joyce Smith.

The evening featured music played by St Stanislaus’ students and guest speaker Isabella Harris. Isabella is an ex-student of the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst, having completed her K-12 schooling at St Matthew’s in Mudgee. She is in her final year of a Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours) and Master of Architecture, at The University of Sydney. She was recently awarded a National Council of Women’s NSW Australia Day Award for her research and academic record. In her speech, Isabella outlined, “I am passionate about inclusive and sustainable architecture, and committed to a future focus on social and humanitarian architecture.  Furthermore, I have been a strong advocate for further education concerning domestic violence and the provisions for safe and secure housing for victims of such violence, particularly women and children.” Isabella currently works for AECOM, has her own business as a freelance designer and is an academic tutor for The Women’s College at The University of Sydney.

Christina Trimble proudly stated, “Isabella is a prime example of the invaluable contribution of women to our society and a brilliant representative of the young women of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst. We look forward to another wonderful IWD event in 2023.”

IWD guest speaker Isabella Harris with St Matts students and staff (her alumni).

IWD dinner guests students from MacKillop College.