Rhonda Radley, Mandy Davidson and Jane Hillsdon were guest speakers at the Locals Talk event at Port Macquarie Library on March 10.

They each shared insights during the talk which celebrated International Women’s Day.

The global day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

Mrs Radley, a Birpai woman from Port Macquarie, spoke about being change makers.

“I stepped up into that space about four years ago,” she said.

Mrs Radley said her story was a bit about reviving culture through language and practice.

Her story is shared with a group of Aboriginal women who have also stepped up.

Mrs Radley said we sometimes underestimated the power of our stories.

“I think we all have big stories and when someone tells me their story, I feel blessed, because I always learn something from that,” she said.

International Women’s Day prompted Ms Davidson to consider what it was like to be a woman in 2018 in Australia.

“We live in a society that’s not perfect but I’d like us to focus on the many benefits and blessing we have in this country,” she said.

Ms Davidson said we needed to support each other, both women and men.

“We really do rely on so many role models in our communities,” she said.

“For me, stepping into my thirties meant it was time to step up.”

Ms Davidson has a passion for health, fitness, wellbeing, charity and events.

Meanwhile, Ms Hillsdon shared five observations as a woman in business including the under-representation of women on boards.

The Dragonfly Marketing founder and managing director also posed solutions to the challenges she raised.

“As women, we need to support women and we need to go out of our way to support women,” she said.

The speakers answered questions from the crowd.

Abut 45 people attended the Locals Talk event at Port Macquarie Library.

The library will host a monthly Locals Talk event to showcase the talent in our community.

There will be a different theme each month.