Co.As.It. Community Services celebrated International Women’s Day last Saturday 5 March 2016 with a jubilant morning tea event at the Victoria Park Golf Complex. Hosted by Damien Anthony Rossi and Kellie Alderman, the celebration brought together over 300 women, a testament to the unified support and praise shared within the community.

Distinguished guests including the Hon Grace Grace, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Cr Vicki Howard, Michele Smith Manager Community Care PHN Brisbane North, Mariangela Stagnitti President, COMITES for Qld and NT and author Patsy Rowe also attended the event.

From upper left: Hon Grace Grace, Julie Morrow, Michele Smith, Mariangela Stagnitti and Kellie Alderman. From lower left: Co.As.It. Director Dina Ranieri, Damien Anthony Rossi and Patsy Rowe.

From left: Co.As.It. Director Dina Ranieri and Kylie Roberston Brisbane Domestic Violence Service Team Leader, Micah Projects Inc.

This year’s global International Women’s Day theme of “Gender Parity” was felt and shared by many attendees who helped close the gender gap by pledging their support on social media at #PledgeForParity. On a local scale, Co.As.It. chose to support the Fight Against Domestic Violence, promoting and encouraging its awareness and effective action.

Our special guest speaker Kylie Robertson – Team Leader from Brisbane Domestic Violence Services (BDVS) shared the overwhelming struggles faced by domestic violence victims and how we, the community, have the power not only to help, but also to prevent. BDVS operates under a larger organisation, Micah Projects Inc. and Co.As.it. Director Dina Ranieri was happy to present Ms Robertson with a donation to help support their great work.

The morning tea proceeded with a stylish runway show by Petrol Paddington. Eighteen gorgeous looks graced the runway from casual chic to glamour. The celebration concluded with our riveting drawing of the raffle which saw 28 lucky winners walk away with a prize by our generous sponsors.

Our lovely models wearing fashion by Petrol Paddington. From left: Trina Bechly, Candice Oakes, Megan Williams, Melissa Choi, Anna Muscio, Paola Matute, Marta Figlioli, Silvana Stebel, Aliandra Calabrese.

If you would like to know more about Micah Projects Inc visit their website: www. micahprojects.org.au
All the fashion from the our runway show can be viewed at www.petrol.net.au

“Thank you to all the ladies that attended the event, your support is always appreciated”