International Women’s Day: Successful women in Mid West-Gascoyne share messages to their younger self

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, the Geraldton Guardian got in touch with high-profile women in the community and asked them one simple question: with all your life experience, what would you tell your younger self? The responses were unique but shared a similar message: to remember the importance of quality family time, to be kind to yourself and stay courageous even during times of uncertainty. Melissa Price, Federal Member for Durack As someone who left school at 15, my advice would be to stay at school and get an education! There is no such thing as a superwoman — you will learn from your failures. You must always back yourself and if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Take the time to figure out what you are good at — be your unique self. Natasha Colliver, City of Greater Geraldton deputy mayor I would tell my younger self to be brave — you can have the brains, but you also need the brave. It’s a really powerful combination. Time goes by so quickly that if you are not brave, opportunities will pass you by. I think this photo is approx 1989-90 of me and my sisters (and some guy I don’t remember!) working at the legendary Los Amigos Mexican restaurant — a Geraldton icon back in the day .... I would have been about 20. Jenna Denton, City of Greater Geraldton councillor Don’t be afraid to turn the sparkle in your eye into a voice that is loud, passionate and driven by purpose. BTW, the future will be here in the blink of an eye so don’t wait for opportunity, ask for it, fight for it and sit yourself down at the table that you want to sit at because you will add value at every table. And PS: If you also want kids one day, you CAN do both ;) And PPS: Don’t stop playing tennis. You could make millions. Liz Sudlow, Northampton shire president I was lucky to grow up the eldest of four daughters of a farmer. My sisters and my mum helped on the farm. My dad believed in us, which is the best lesson young girls could learn. I learned to work with sheep, drive machinery and help with seeding and harvest. I’m grateful my parents taught me that girls can aspire and can do most things. My message to my younger self would be: cherish being young, be kinder to yourself, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and don’t worry about what other people think of you. Sandra Carr, Agricultural Region MLC Words are the secret to your universe. Words can promote or destroy peace. Words can create understanding, empathy, and compassion. Hope. Read all the words, all the books (even the ones they tell you not to), the newspaper, comics, pulp fiction, literary fiction, non-fiction, recipes, manuals, the writing on the wall, the small print, shopping lists, the back of cereal boxes. Words will guide you to your self-worth, growth and career. Words will set your boundaries, particularly very short words. Learn to let the word “no” sit as a complete sentence. Listen closely to the words. At times, words are slippery and deceiving. When someone shows you who they are through mismatching words-to-actions, believe them. Let the word “why” guide you through the world. Words are complex, frustrating and baffling at times, but trust that the words will teach you all you need to know. Your name is a word; cup it tenderly in your hands. Grow and mould it to be spoken with confidence, conviction and belief. Words are the secret to your universe — speak your truth and use words wisely and well. Merome Beard, Member for North West Central After growing up in the regions, studying and working in the city, having a sporting career and operating a regional business for many years, on reflection I would tell my younger self to understand the influence of strong role models throughout your life and recognise change is inevitable and needs to be understood and embraced. It’s never the right time. Believe in yourself, always strive to make a difference and don’t fear failure. Above all, manage and prioritise your work-life balance to spend more time with your family, friends and children who will be grown up and leave home before you know it. Meegan Taylor, Desert Blue Connect business services manager Believe in myself — nobody was born an expert. Learn and absorb and be authentic — don’t change who I am and embrace my difference. Surround myself with people who will bring out the best in me, use my voice and don’t be afraid to speak up. Lastly, find a mentor – a woman who inspires, encourages and believes in me. May Doncon, Geraldton headspace manager You are stronger and more resilient than you think. Trust in yourself and believe in your abilities. Challenges will come and go but you will overcome them with time, perseverance and patience. Leonie Noble, National Rural Women’s Coalition president Be brave. Don’t automatically say no to opportunity until you have really thought it through because the more you say no, the quicker opportunity dries up. Listen more and talk less, do your homework. You will not always automatically be right and the more you know, the easier it is to stand up and back yourself. Jennifer Critch, City of Greater Geraldton councillor I would say to my younger self don’t be afraid to try new things — travel the world and embrace opportunities when they arise. You cannot please everyone. Make decisions based on values and kindness and respect — everyone has a different point of view. Love, appreciate and spend quality time with your family and friends. Debbie Dowden, Challa Station owner operator Put the voices of doubt aside and know that you are stronger and more capable than you think. Don’t focus on the challenges, focus instead on the contribution that you can make, understanding that women have been leading since the beginning of time but often push their men into the limelight. Be brave and step into that light yourself. Lara Sadowski, Geraldton Property Team director “Find a mentor” would be the advice when instructing my younger self on professional growth. My grandmother used to say that one can learn something from absolutely anyone. Her advice served me well as it provided the lens for looking into the world as an ongoing learning opportunity. What I didn’t recognise at the time was that she was my first mentor, along with my mother. Karen Chappel, president of WA Local Government Association and Shire of Morawa To believe in myself and to embrace every opportunity. Do not be intimidated by history or expectations. Accept that life doesn’t always sail smoothly and let the bumps along the way make you stronger and more determined. Always call out poor behaviour, stand up for yourself. Accept that leadership is not a popularity contest, it is about doing what is right. That there are 24 hours in a day, use them wisely. Natalie Nelmes, Geraldton Universities Centre director Don’t hesitate to move to the regions — it will be the best move you’ll make. Keep notes of your travels though — there’s a book to be written. Joanne Fabling, Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO To my younger self, “don’t change a thing about your journey, be patient with yourself, keep asking the difficult questions and just because things have been done in certain way doesn’t mean it’s right”.