Feb
26

Celebrating International Women’s Day with our local community

International Women’s Day is a very special day of the year. It’s a day where we get to celebrate all the incredible women in our lives and acknowledge the hard work, they put into the things they’re passionate about each day. Whether they’re creative chefs serving up delicious dishes for the local community, fashion designers creating gorgeous gowns, or simply hard-working mums who are dedicated to teaching their children how to navigate the world, we’re constantly inspired by the women around us and how their diverse range of skills help to make the world a better place. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re taking the theme ‘inspired inclusion’ out into our local centres and showcasing some of our incredible retailers, staff, and community members who are paving the way for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world.

Today, we’re chatting with Pat Rayner from Wyndham City Council and learning more about them.

I have a Bachelor degree in Community Development, have been with Wyndham Council for the past 10 years as the Team Leader of the Point Cook Community Learning Centre.  I have had the pleasure of working and supporting community groups and members both in the centre and across the neighbourhood on a variety of projects. Some of the highlights have been working with CoLocal during the inception of the Point Cook PopUp Park. Working with the Point Cook Cultural Community, on the Multicultural & Lunar Festivals and Yarn Bombing the town centre purple for the Point Cook Relay for Life. 

What inspired you to want to play a larger role in your community?
I love seeing the connections between people and the magic that can come from people coming together, sharing stories and sharing space with one another.

What does the phrase “inspired inclusion” mean to you?
To me, inspired inclusion means a willingness to understand and value one another. I feel that in my own journey, being someone who is a role model for their own daughter, is something that motivates me. It motivates me to find ways for people to come together and explore what inclusiveness means to them.

Who are some other women in your community that inspire you?
There are so many, but some that come to mind who inspire me in my day to day work are Sara Mitchell - Co-Local, Constance Ng - Community Volunteer, Prem Prem - Community Volunteer, Phebe Yeo – 8Senses & Becky Cui - Just Art Studio. Each of these women are strong, selfless community members. Susan McIntyre and Jasmine Hill have inspired me through their community engagement as volunteers and subsequent community support through their Councillor positions for Wyndham City Council.

How do you think other women can help make their community more inclusive?
Being open to share and be vulnerable with one another so that we can learn from one another beyond age, culture, interest and gender.

What is it about working with your local community that you love the most?
I have a love for working with people – it just feels right.

The next time you’re heading into Stockland Point Cook, say hello to Pat Rayner and tell them about some of the women who inspire you. Happy International Women’s Day! For more everyday inspiration, updates on the latest trends and exclusive offers, register now as a Stockland Member to receive monthly updates, latest news, and exclusive events from your local Stockland Shopping Centre.

This information has been provided by our Stockland retailers. All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information is correct at the time of the content going live. However, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of that information. The information may change from time to time without notice. Stocks are limited and only available while stocks last with individual retailers. Products may vary from location to location. Prices may also change without notice. Please contact our retailers for more information.