The week of 2-9 March 2019 is Queensland Women’s Week and The Lady Musgrave Trust is once again leading the cause with celebrations, fundraising and an awareness campaign that will see iconic landmarks across the state spring to life in purple lights.
A number of Queensland local councils will light up landmarks and monuments in their cities for the entire week to shine the spotlight on the issues surrounding women’s homelessness in Queensland.
Karen Lyon Reid, CEO of The Lady Musgrave Trust, said there were up to 10,000 homeless women across the state, and it was up to everyone to create a strong and supportive community for all women.
“Queensland Women’s Week is about recognising that we all have a role to play in creating a Queensland community that respects women, embraces gender equality, and promotes and protects the rights, interests and wellbeing of women and girls,” she said.
“We have to come together as a community and support those women who are disadvantaged.”
The week-long festivities will culminate on International Women’s Day (8 March), with the lighting of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge in purple and The Lady Musgrave Trust’s SHElter Her Cocktail Party – a ticketed event that raises money for the trust’s activities throughout the year.
“This event is the major annual fundraiser for The Lady Musgrave Trust – a wonderful event people can come along to for a good time while supporting a very important cause,” Ms Lyon Reid said.
“We’re really pleased to have the support of the Queensland Government for this initiative, and we’re delighted to be joined by The Honourable Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, who is coming along to support the event and the issue on the day.”
The Lady Musgrave Trust relies heavily on this type of fundraising, as well as grants and donations, to do their work – providing accommodation for young women and producing The Handy Guide for homeless women, a directory that lists the details for vital support services across Queensland.
“Disadvantaged women come from all different circumstances,” Ms Lyon Reid said. “But the majority have experienced domestic violence, poverty and or poor mental health.”
“The more people who hear about the important work we do, the more will hopefully reach out to support us and assist to put this guide into the hands of the women who need it most.
“We’re always looking to increase distribution at organisations in local communities, including as many hospitals, shelters, community centres and police stations as possible.”
Queensland Women’s Week is just one out of a full year of activities for The Lady Musgrave Trust that focuses on addressing the issues around women and homelessness.
“This continues our legacy of 134 years of supporting Queensland’s disadvantaged women and assisting women wherever we can.”
Monuments shining a light on homelessness for Queensland Women’s Week 2019:
- Brisbane City Council – Story Bridge on Friday 8 March, International Women’s Day, only
- Rockhampton Regional Council – Lights on the buildings in Quay Street + Heritage Façade
- Southern Downs Regional Council – Town Hall
- Logan City Council – Water towers and also possibly our main administration building.
- City of Ipswich – Lighting of Ipswich Civic Centre and Studio 188
- Mackay Regional Council – Civic Precinct Fountain
- Moreton Bay Regional Council – The Hub in Caboolture
Photo in header by Sue Whiteman.