International Women’s Day close: which women inspired you?

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KATIE MULLENS

WITH International Women’s Day just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about the women who inspire me.

And at the top of the list is my Nanna, Barbara Jean. Born in Granville in 1936, Nanna had to drop out of school at just 13 years of age after her father died, so she could help support her family.
Just 13, and she was already working as a secretary in Parramatta to make sure that her family was looked after.

Nanna’s example has taught me about the importance of hard work and determination. She was focused on serving the needs of others ahead of her own and making sure that other people are looked after.

Nanna was so proud when I moved to Parramatta 20 years ago to study at Western Sydney University, not just because I was the first in my family to get a university degree but because Parramatta is a place she held very dear to her heart.

She was even prouder when I was endorsed as the Liberal candidate for Parramatta just a few months before she passed away.

I’m a firm believer that people who work hard, should have their hard work rewarded – whether you’re working hard to own your own home, start your own business or build a great life for your family.

Unfortunately for the past three years many people in our community have found that no matter how hard you work, you just can’t get ahead.

With rents up 17 per cent, food prices up 12% and electricity up 32%, just trying to cover all your bills feels like struggling in quicksand.

The decisions that our government will make in the next 12 months will either help us get out of the quicksand or send us even deeper.

These decisions will either help rebuild business confidence, increase investment and tame inflation or will see the number of local business closures continue to grow.

We need to get the cost-of-living crisis back under control, and ensure that hard work and aspirations are once again rewarded.

But back to International Women’s Day.

My Nanna has served as my guide and inspiration, encouraging me to put my hand up for the opportunity to represent our community and help others.

This International Women’s Day I will be celebrating her and other amazing women who had made their mark in our community at events across Parramatta.

I’m particularly looking forward to City of Parramatta’s Empower Her: A Day of Community and Creativity celebrations on Saturday, March 15 at Parramatta Town Hall.

This free event will showcase some of our local female entrepreneurs with markets stalls from more than 20 women-led businesses, free workshops led by the University of NSW on how to build a stronger financial future and family-friendly entertainment.

While I’m out and about at the International Women’s Day events across Parramatta, please come and say hi or reach out to me via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Facebook or Instagram.

Katie Mullens is a Parramatta Solicitor and Federal Liberal Candidate for Parramatta.

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