This afternoon at 3pm the Lismore's Women's Festival program, culminating in International Women's Day on Monday March 8, kicks off a busy four days in our community.

There are two themes this year, Choose The Challenge and Women In Leadership.

Below is a summary of what is on, when it is on and how much it will cost (please note, a lot of events are free):

FRIDAY 5 MARCH

LEADERSHIP: Our Voice, Our Platform, Our Future as Black Women

3pm - 4:30pm, Fountain Room (and on Zoom) Facilitated by Tashaya Roberts Leadership as explained by our local First Nations’ women.

A panel with a Q&A session.

Enquiries: 0423 918 602

Cost: free

COMING HOME- a Yoga Session

5pm - 6pm, Fountain Room Presented by Sam Voolstra

A resilience-informed yoga session suitable for all. Mat based yoga session (chair options available).

Please bring a mat and a cushion if possible, wear clothes comfortable for movement.

Enquiries: 0487 963 103

Cost: by donation

FABULOUS FUNNY & FEMALE! Comedy Night

7pm - 9pm, Studio.

The annual display of “Fabulous, Funny and Female!” is back with a new line up of funny b*tches!

Featuring local comedy duo ‘Fisted Sisters’, with Brisbane’s hilarious Ting Lim, and your favourite Queen of Filth, Vanessa Larry Mitchell as host. Also featuring local funny females Odette Nettleton, Alexandra Hudson and Gemma Flanagan.

18+ recommended.

Enquiries: 0413 558 200

Cost: $18 full price, $15 concession

SATURDAY 6 MARCH

WOMEN'S MOVEMENT & MEDITATION CIRCLE

9:15am - 10:45am (doors open 9am), Studio (and on Zoom) Presented by Yemaya Centre for Reiki & Wellbeing Facilitated by Helene Collard & Nat Kassellis.

A safe place to focus inward - centre within Self and beyond.

Enquiries: 0405 656 797

Cost: by donation ($0 - $15)

WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

9:30am - 1pm (doors open 9am), Theatre (and on Zoom) Presented by Lismore City Council Facilitated by Cassandra Coleman, President of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association.

Ever thought about running for Council? This workshop will provide women with information about running as a prospective Councillor Candidate in the Local Government Elections 2021.

Please book in, as lunch will be served at end with discussion.

Zoom link: bit.ly/3jgSjDZ

Enquiries: 6625 0497

Cost: free

YOUR MONEY PERSONALITY

11am - 12:30pm, Fountain Room (and on Zoom) Presented by Lismore & District Financial Counselling Service Facilitated by Simone Hickey.

A fun, engaging workshop to find out how you deal with money naturally, how to avoid the pitfalls, and where to get some help!

Enquiries: 6622 2171

Cost: free

STOMP AND SHOUT - Feminist Superhero Pop-Up Squad

1pm - 2:30pm, Studio Presented by Zoe Xanadu Women living in a patriarchy are SUPERHEROES, part of a kick-arse lineage in solidarity with empowered women across the world. Draw on and feed into this strength as your own inner superhero enjoys power poses, a fun and easy tap-inspired Whole Squad Dance Sequence.

Please wear comfortable clothes to move in.

Enquiries: 0406 787 847

Cost: $15 adult, $10 concession

TRANS WOMEN PERSPECTIVES

2:45pm - 4:45pm, Fountain Room (and on Zoom) Presented by Tropical Fruits: Trans & Gender Diverse Steering Group.

In this session, local transgender women will share their lived experience through storytelling. The panel hopes to dispel myths and fears and find common ground.

Parental Guidance recommended, as adult concepts may be discussed.

Enquiries: 6622 6440 / fruits@tropicalfruits.org.au

Cost: free

WOMEN UP FRONT!

6pm - 8:30pm, Studio. Facilitated by Mim O’Grady.

A night of dance, music, surprise and intrigue. All women, all ages, on stages. Families are welcome. Young children are expected to sit and be respectful.

Enquiries: 0413 878 523

Cost: $10 adult, $5 concession. Kids under 10 free

SUNDAY 7 MARCH

WELCOME CEREMONY

10am - 11am, Theatre (and on Zoom).

Gather together for a Welcome to Country, music, speakers and stalls to mark International Women’s Day, and celebrate our women. Auslan interpreted.

Cost: free

2021 FEMINISM – CHALLENGES AHEAD

11.15am - 1:15pm, Theatre (and on Zoom) Presented by Deb Woodbridge and Lavender.

A panel of women speakers of diverse backgrounds discussing what feminism looks like in 2021 and beyond. Q&A session to follow speakers. Auslan interpreted. Young women in particular are encouraged to come.

Enquiries: 0400 954 906 (Deb) or 0448 876 536 (Lavender)

Cost: free

CHILEAN WOMEN'S CHANT

1:30 - 1:45pm, Theatre Presented by Deb Woodbridge Facilitated by Sayen.

A performance of this chant, which originated in Chile in response to rape culture and other forms of violence against women. It aims to empower women and give them a voice. For those who identify as women.

Enquiries: 0400 954 906

Cost: free

LAUGHTER YOGA

2pm - 2:30pm, Outside, on the grounds of City Hall Presented by Manuela Matheson.

Laugh like a kookaburra! Laughter Yoga facilitates laughter as a form of exercise and incorporates yoga style breathing exercises. Participants may be standing or sitting.

Enquiries: 0488 983 062

Cost: free

SOUND HEALING JOURNEY

2:45pm - 3:45pm, Studio Presented by Siri Shakti Yoga Sound Facilitated by Siri Shakti (Heidi Bone).

A transformational experience with sound. Relax into a deep journey through sound, taking into your inner landscape for self healing using high vibration instruments (large brass gongs, singing bowls, medicine drums) and voice.

Not suitable for young children. Participants need to sit or lie still.

Bring a mat/ blanket to cover the floor and any extras to keep warm.

Enquiries: 0431 094 483

Cost: $10

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY MONDAY 8 MARCH

Mothers’ Kitchen Table Conversation 9:30am - 10:30am (doors open 9am), Foyer of Theatre (and on Zoom) Facilitated by Jess Walker.

Facilitated conversation between mothers about parenting. Come with your hot questions, tricky moments, and share ideas on loving homes.

Coffee, tea and light snacks available.

Enquiries: 6623 2732

Cost: free

WOMEN'S WELLBEING CHECKS

Throughout the day, Foyer of Theatre Presented by Lismore Women’s Health Resource Centre Come and do a quick 5-minute health check. Information about health services available. For those who identify as women.

Enquiries: 6621 9800

Cost: free

HYSTERIA? NEUROSIS? NO IT'S REAL PAIN

11am - 12pm, Foyer of Theatre (and on Zoom) Presented by Lismore Women’s Health Resource Centre.

This forum will present guest speakers and someone with a lived experience discussing pain in many forms including physical, emotional, and psychosocial pain. For those who identify as women.

Enquiries: 6621 9800

Cost: free

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY LUNCHEON – Leadership and Community Awards.

12:30 - 2:30pm, Theatre Presented by Lismore City Council A luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day - A conversation with Mandy Nolan. Known to many of us as a national comedian, we will talk to Mandy about her views on feminism, and women in leadership.

Please note this event is 18+.

Enquiries: 1300 878 387

Cost: $45 per ticket, tables of 10 at $400.

All events are at Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore

For further info visit https://www.ywca.org.au/lismore-womens-festival/