Marcia has something to say

Marcia has something to say

SYDNEY Town Hall will be filled with the voices of women breaking through the ceiling as Women Say Something takes over for a gala night as part of Mardi Gras — with the latest inclusion to round out the event’s First XI line-up being Marcia Hines.

With the theme being Dancing on the Ceiling, women from all walks of life will take centre stage in an evening of dialogue, entertainment, film, food and wine, and inspiring stories.

Talking to the Star Observer soon after her place at the table was announced, Hines said: “I just love the idea and concept.”

She will be fielding questions without notice as well as performing a song, but it was the on-the-spot feel that drew her to the event.

“I think if the questions were structured it wouldn’t be for me,” Hines said.

However, her favourite topic was Sydney — and Mardi Gras.

“Sydney adopted me as a teenager and this time of year is so colourful and it is just so beautiful to be part of Mardi Gras,” she said.

Sizzling at 60, Hines shows no sign of stopping — her turn in Women Say Something comes just as her her first album of original songs in 20 years is about to be released.

Another icon attending the event is Clover Moore, who is currently serving her third term as the Lord Mayor of Sydney. She will be bringing first-hand insights into the world of women in politics.

Moore told the Star Observer she was also looking forward to the event: “I’m excited to be part of Women Say Something. Last year’s event was a huge success, and I’m looking to sharing a stage with such a diverse and interesting group of women.

“This kind of event is an essential part of making sure women feel supported. I hope everyone who attends takes away something really worthwhile — whether it’s some advice they can apply to their own situation, some inspiration from the people around them, or a great connection with someone they just met.

“I believe we all have opportunities to dance on the ceiling — we just have to recognise them and act on them. I’ll be encouraging people do something about the things you can do something about. If you see a problem, or have an idea for a better way of doing things, then do something about the problem, do something with that idea.”

Among others in the line-up is Cate McGregor, the highest ranking trans* individual in the Defence Force, as well as a well-known cricket commentator. McGregor has been instrumental in pushing an agenda in the Australian army against unacceptable behaviour towards women.

From the world of sport, beach volleyball star Natalie Cook will be bringing her experience as the first female Australian athlete to compete at five Olympic Games.

“We’re celebrating women who have been inspiring and successful in their chosen fields,” WSS founder and artistic director Steph Sands said.

“It’s an empowering and entertaining event. People can hear individual stories and be inspired by other women who have ‘made it’ regardless of any adversity they have had to face along the way, while at the same time be entertained by women who use their voice in other ways — such as music and lyrics.”

Dancing on the Ceiling will be an event not to be missed, bringing together a diverse range of women to share their stories and struggles, and discuss issues ranging from feminism to family and pop culture to politics.

INFO: Women Say Something’s Dancing on the Ceiling is on Friday, February 28. For details and tickets, visit mardigras.org.au

 

You May Also Like

Comments are closed.