Mura Kosker - International Women's Day dinner

On Thursday night on Thursday Island 70+ women celebrated strength, resilience, courage and love. We had come together on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day in a spirit of sisterhood, support and to delight in the achievements of women in the Torres Strait.

Sylvia, our very boisterous and exuberant MC, kept the evening flowing as she introduced various women – “aunties” – who were instrumental in starting up a women’s support group known as Mura Kosker Sorority. It was formed in 1998 by local women who felt the need to work together on issues of women's health and how it affected their families. Today they offer emergency relief, education programs, older peoples action programs, domestic violence counselling and legal aid.

After dinner we listened as two amazing women shared their experiences. Margie, a community elder and founding member, told us how as a young girl she was encouraged by one of her aunties to not hold back, to speak out and to be confident. From a young age Margie was aware that there were others less fortunate - her Mum would often take in children who were victims of domestic violence. In this atmosphere of generosity and care, Margie grew up knowing that what she wanted to do was to help others.

At age 16 her auntie took her to New Zealand to an indigenous conference. Margie knew she had things she wanted to say but who was going to listen to her? She found out when, at the last minute, she was literally pushed her onto the stage and told her to say what it was she wanted to say. After that, she found her voice and years later, still encouraged by her auntie, she founded a support group for victims of domestic violence.

Margie had written out a speech for Thursday night but in the end opted to speak from her heart – and they are always the best speeches. She was passionate in her belief that we can do anything – if you want to do it, just go out and start - it will happen. I know that she has inspired me.

Our other speaker Sam is a foster Mum. Together with her husband John they look after 5 indigenous children ranging in ages from 3 to 14. I often see this loving family around the island and have always admired Sam's calm persona - well that's how it looks to me :-)

Sam’s talk was interesting as she recounted how as a young girl in England she dreamt of travel to far off exotic places and how once she started working that dream was realised. She eventually found her way to Cairns where she met and married John and soon after they made the leap further north to T.I. to manage one of our iconic businesses - Mona’s.

Sam's other dream was to look after children in need and again on T.I. that was to come to fruition. This lovely woman was so humble when speaking about the difference she and John have made to the lives of children who have come into their care. In 2009 their good work was recognised and they received the Foster Care Award.

The evening ended with music and dancing – and this is what Torres Strait people do very well. It was such a privilege to celebrate this day with this group of women where race, age and creed does not matter. What does matter is that we recognise that by our actions, big and small, we can make a difference. We recognise that we are here to support one another in good times and in bad, to delight in each other’s achievements and to acknowledge the strength, generosity and beauty that is Woman.