Look out Friday – we’re coming at you with our weekly dose of good cheer.
As part of our #spreadingthegoodstuff series, today we’re taking an insider’s look at the Echuca Moama Girls Night Out (GNO) initiative and the profound impact it is having on the lives of men, women and children in our community who are living with cancer.
The GNO initiative began in 2008 and is the much loved creation of a small collective of women (me included) who have experienced first-hand the impact of cancer upon loved ones.
The GNO movement connects, embraces and engages the sisterhood of our community to shape a strong and vibrant network of women who are there for each other in times of need.
GNO is first and foremost a celebration of women – of the joy they bring to one another, and of the amazing work they do in their relationships, in their families, in their communities and in their own lives.
In addition to that, the concept is about showing gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful team at Echuca Regional Health (ERH) oncology, without whom so many local lives would be so much more difficult.
All proceeds raised through GNO events go directly to the GNO Oncology Department Supportive Care Program, established in partnership with ERH to provide extra care and financial support to cancer patients for things like counseling, rent payments, wigs, alternative therapies, lymphodeama sleeves, fuel cards, accommodation and child care.
Since inception, GNO events have raised more than $200,000 for the supportive care fund and the concept has been overwhelmingly embraced by thousands of women in the community.
In 2015, Girls Night Out has been chosen as the beneficiary to the inaugural Imagine The Possibilities conference to be held at Moama Bowling Club on September 17.
This full day conference will explore the challenges that women in regional communities face in their careers and personal lives, and will provide practical tips and insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, social media, communication and self-care.
The event features a stellar line up of presenters including keynote speaker Lisa Messenger – founder and editor-in-chief of entrepreneurial lifestyle magazine The Collective, which is distributed across more than 37 countries.
Joining Lisa in the presenting stakes is social media guru, digital strategist and coach, Kylie Lewis from Of Kin, and Anne Fitzgerald – the dynamic executive manager of member services and marketing at ClubsNSW.
As well as hearing from these top-class speakers, conference guests will have the opportunity to attend a series of workshop sessions with specialists in their fields, providing practical tips and inspiration to apply at work, home and in the community.
More details can be found at the GNO facebook page (link) and Moama Bowling Club facebook page (link).
Professional and personal development days featuring speakers of such outstanding calibre are rarely held in rural settings, so this event is a must-see for women across the region.
Whether you work for a business, manage a business, own a business or operate a business from home – Imagine The Possibilities is designed with you in mind.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in senior management, an employee, trainee, consultant, budding entrepreneur, or volunteer – this event will help you make positive change in your life, remain true to your passion and embrace your own life’s journey.
So hop to it folks – we’d hate you to miss out on a seat.
X Lee
#spreadingthegoodstuff
