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Olympic medalist addresses luncheon

Mar 18, 2020

Eighty women joined together to celebrate International Women’s Day at a luncheon hosted by Murrumbidgee Council in Jerilderie recently.

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Mayor Ruth McRae said the event was a resounding success, and that guest speaker Dr Hannah MacDougall was well received.

Cr McRae said it was a wonderful opportunity for women from right across our area to join together and celebrate the amazing contribution we all make.“It’s especially important that we have events such as these when our community is facing so many challenges,” Cr McRae said.“I would particularly like to thank our guest speaker Dr Hannah MacDougall, who gave an inspirational address, not only about her achievements in the elite sporting arena, but also the importance of recognising our strengths, wisdom, beauty and talent.“In her current role as a community engagement advisor at the Victoria State Emergency Service and with PhD in wellbeing, Dr MacDougall is well qualified to speak about ways we can make our communities more inclusive and connected.“This is crucially important at the moment with the drought and other issues constantly affecting our lives.”

Dr MacDougall's long list of accomplishments includes being a dual Paralympian, bronze Olympic medallist and previous world record holder.

She has captained the Australian Swimming Team at both a World Championships and the Paralympic Games and is currently training for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.Dr MacDougall said she was grateful to have been invited to speak in Jerilderie.

“The amount of strength in this room with all of these women is awe-inspiring,” Dr MacDougall said on the day.