Celebrating Women’s Achievements
by Leigh Robshaw

Talented Maleny women are joining forces to put on a great show for International Women's Day (IWD) on Thursday 8 March. Local musician, music producer and Co-op member Fatima recently received RADF funding to stage this special one-off concert at the Maleny Community Centre.

International Women's Day recognises the achievements of women and their contribution to society, honouring their struggle over at least a century for equality, justice and peace.

Three renowned Brisbane singers, Leah Cotterell, Anje West and Alison St Ledger, are headlining the event. They all appear on Fatima's highly successful Worldly Women CDs and have featured in the acclaimed concert series Women in Voice. The exceptional four-piece support band features Jamie Clark on guitar, Andrew Shaw on double bass, Kym Ambrose on drums and vibes, and Elliott Orr on percussion.

Local acts Skadi and the Sweet Chilli choir are performing their own repertoires and collaborating with the headlining singers from Brisbane in a roof-raising finale piece.

Another Maleny shining light, award-winning poet, teacher and Co-op member MTC Cronin, is to read selections of her brilliant poetry. Previously specialising in feminist jurisprudence, MTC Cronin has published 14 collections of poetry (several in translation), with three due out this year. She has recently completed her doctorate, The Catastrophe of Meaning – Writing on Poetry, Law, Justice & Desire.

With such a high calibre of talent lined up for the concert, you can be sure of a memorable night out – one where all members of our community can unite and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of women throughout history.
Mukti Lloyd, creator of the Mukti Botanicals range (stocked by the Co-op), epitomises the spirit of IWD and has generously agreed to be a major sponsor of the concert.

Tickets are $15 ($12 concession). Bar and light refreshments are available. Doors open at 6.30 pm, and the concert starts at 7.30 pm. For ticketing enquiries, call Fatima on 5494 3755. For more information on Worldly Women, visit the www.worldlywomencd.com website.

[From "Maple Street Co-op News", February/March 2007; published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]