10 Mar, 2021

International Women’s Day celebration at the Adelaide Town Hall

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor celebrated International Women’s Day today with an event to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

The Lord Mayor together with her Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Couros invited female students from CBD schools Adelaide High, Adelaide Botanic High, St Mary’s College and Pulteney Grammar School to come to the Adelaide Town Hall for afternoon tea in the council chamber.

Students had the opportunity to hear from the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor about their careers, receive advice and ask questions about leadership, gender equality and Local Government.

The Lord Mayor said it was fantastic to spend the afternoon in conversation with the students and she encouraged them to dream big.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come and reflect on what we still have to achieve,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I want to see women equally represented in every aspect of our society, breaking down barriers, leading and achieving great things for our city, our state, and our world. 

“Adelaide should be the most liveable and creative city in the world and I want young women to be involved in shaping that. 

“For me, it’s about ensuring you actively support and mentor young women, plan for succession and always be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.” 

The Lord Mayor is only the third female Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide in 181 years. 

Mary Couros was elected Deputy Lord Mayor in December last year making it the first time the City of Adelaide has had a female Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor team in more than 20 years. 

The Lord Mayor hopes more women will consider using their voice and standing for local government to represent the community. 

“If more women stand for local government, then that becomes the norm, not the exception,” the Lord Mayor said.

Matt Halliwell