Celebrating #TSVwomen
From the boss ladies to the quiet carers, this town wouldn’t be the same without our #TSVwomen! To celebrate International Women's Day, we're shining a spotlight on our incredible local women!
Know a local lady who deserves some love? From 3-16 March, swing by our Wall of Women near Bonds Outlet and write their name on a heart. We’ll pay it forward with $2 for every heart to the Townsville Women’s Centre*.
*T&Cs on our website.
Melanie, The Women's Centre
Describe yourself in three words?
Baha’i, Feminist, Educator
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
Tahirih was a courageous Persian poet and advocate for women’s rights who ultimately gave her life for justice.
What do you love most about Townsville?
The river with its pelicans, jumping barramundi, crocodiles, geese and goslings and rain trees.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Unity, justice and peace are inseparable and are achievable when we arise to meet the challenge of fulfilling our twofold purpose of personal and societal transformation.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
Climbing a mountain.
Kelly, Centre Management Office
Describe yourself in three words?
Dog-Mum, God-Mum, Traveller
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
Michelle Obama, an iconic first lady, lawyer and author. She used her platform to advocate for women and girls and continues to inspire many with her powerful voice.
What do you love most about Townsville?
The people and the lifestyle – Whether it’s strolling the strand, climbing Castle Hill or watching the Women play State of Origin at QCBS Townsville really does have it all.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
If you believe you can, you will.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
Planning my next adventure – I love travelling and making memories.
Megan, The Women's Centre
Describe yourself in three words?
Courageous, Tenacious, Considerate
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I am inspired every day by all women, who I work with, live with, have book club with, my family and my friends, my mentors, so this is a hard question. Recently one woman comes to mind that inspires me, this is Gisille Pelicot. Against all odds, Gisele not only survived abhorrent crimes perpetrated against her, Gisele showed us the unwavering strength of women against all adversities, to continue to fight for justice and accountability for those who perpetrate significant harms against us. During the court process, Giselle wore a scarf, with Aboriginal art work on, which was gifted to Giselle from the Older Women's Network in NSW, sent on behalf of all women with the message: "on behalf of all the women who want to express their solidarity, we cannot be there to be in court, so we wanted to send a gift that you could wear to know that women across the world are thinking of you and standing in solidarity." Giselle’s been referred to as a feminist hero, and is truly an inspiring woman.
What do you love most about Townsville?
What I love most about Gurrumbilbarra (Townsville), is the natural beauty, "Gurang" the Great Barrier Reef , the beautiful mountains (so many Mounts in Townsville) and riverways, the beaches and islands.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Be yourself, be proud and reach for your dreams, believe in yourself.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
With my family.
Julie, Centre Management Office
Describe yourself in three words?
Kind, Driven, Honest
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
My mum. She was a widow in her early 30s, who had her life turned upside down and had to manage two young children alone. Her strength and determination just amaze me.
What do you love most about Townsville?
The Outdoors. Townsville has some really beautiful nature spots and I make it a mission to keep finding new places to explore closeby.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
I’ll share a Lady Gaga quote here “Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are”.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
If I had an extra hour in the day, I’d totally spend it with my dog! We love an outing for coffee, treats and a long walk.
Renee, City Chic
Describe yourself in three words?
Loyal, Empathetic, Honest
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
My bestie! She is such a beautiful, kind and dedicated person to everyone and everything in her life. She is sunshine in human form. I want to be just like her when I grow up!
What do you love most about Townsville?
Our winter. That crisp freshness in the air we get and clear blue skies.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Be yourself! Don't feel the need to conform. Do what makes YOU happy!
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
In my happy place (my couch) with snacks and a good book!
Lydia, The Tea Centre
Describe yourself in three words?
Hardworking, Dependable & Astute
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
Edith Cowan: Inspired me because she was the 1st Australian woman to make it into Parliament Office & proudly & openly fought for the rights of women and children.
What do you love most about Townsville?
Going to the Strand and dining out at the restaurants on the beach front.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Don't marry young, work hard, save your money and travel the world.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
In bed with a good book enjoying a hot cup of tea.
Kelsey, Centre Management Office
Describe yourself in three words?
Sensitive, passionate, creative
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I can't pick just one—I’m surrounded by incredible, empowering women every day who never cease to amaze me.
What do you love most about Townsville?
The laid-back tropical vibe and the people. NAFA and The Strand are definite highlights—along with the obvious, TSC!
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Being sensitive is your superpower, in a world that often demands strength.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
I’d spend more time outdoors in the sunshine, being present and soaking it all in.
Meagan, Centre Management Office
Describe yourself in three words?
Compassionate, Authentic and Passionate
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I can’t pick just one, so I’m breaking the rules and giving a shout out to three local women – my friends Sheree, Nat and Jesse who have all built successful businesses while raising families and remaining top notch women!
What do you love most about Townsville?
Our community spirit! We celebrate our own and look out for each other. When someone's doing it tough, the community rallies around them and I just love that.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Find a way to be okay with knowing not everyone will like you. Listen to the ones who believe in you, invest in yourself, and think of your failures as successful lessons.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
Coffee with my mum or a friend.
Morgan, Centre Management Office
Describe yourself in three words?
Determined, Sensitive, Mum
Who is a woman that inspires you and why?
I've been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by so many brilliant women and have drawn inspiration from all those that I have walked alongside in life's journey.
What do you love most about Townsville?
The laid-back lifestyle.
Advice you’d give to the young women of Townsville?
Be proud of the reflection you see in the mirror and always remember your self-worth and never stop achieving self growth.
If you had an extra hour in the day just for yourself, how would you spend it?
Making earrings or hair accessories with my daughter.
Our Cleaners, Townsville Shopping Centre
The friendly faces who keep our centre looking its best every day. Some have been here for years, others are new, but they all bring smiles, laughter, and a great sense of pride in what they do.