1 VILLAGE TALK ISSUE 6 AUTUMN 2021 A note from The Editor Dear readers, A big welcome to you, and the season of autumn! It’s time to start getting those woolly jumpers out! During the past month we celebrated International Women’s Day, a day that commemorates the social, economic and political achievements of women. As you read this edition of Village Talk, take note of the remarkable women we have here in our community. In fact, Melrose Park is home to this year’s Ryde Citizen of the Year, a Paralympian, and a Woman of the West 2020 Award winner, to name only a few. We’re lucky to have such amazing female leaders in our area and we hope you enjoy their stories. Our much-loved history section is back Local women celebrate International Women’s Day 2021. From L to R Lee Hallett, Karen Waud, Dolores Bragg, featuring fascinating photos and tales of Kim Smart, Michelle Prasad, Carmen Platt, Danielle Davis and Adriana Pielak how our area has evolved into what it is today. A big thank you to all the locals who shared their stories with us and submitted #Choosetochallenge: their own pieces to publish; it’s what makes this paper even better. Lastly, if you have a story, idea or item Local ladies celebrate you’d like to share and publish, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d love to hear from you. Just send us an email at International Women’s Day
[email protected] children being half Fijian. and fundraise for WOWS Kids Before COVID-19 hit, the Smart family made regular trips to Fiji to visit families and kids n March, over 100 women, including local climbing until we reached capacity.” being treated for cancer, and Leigh noted female leaders and businesses attended “It just goes to show how strong our community many of the youngsters were just “like his own Ithe International Women’s Day luncheon at support is, how amazing all the women here are children”.