Women Speak Tasmania held its three-day conference in Westbury from 20–22 November 2024, bringing together members from across the state for planning, reflection, advocacy, and fellowship.
The conference began as a member-led initiative inspired by Emma, who recognised the value of bringing our members together in person. Living in different parts of Tasmania can make regular face-to-face connection difficult, and this gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen friendships, share ideas, and celebrate an important milestone for our organisation—the launch of the WST website.
Celebrating the Launch of the WST Website
The launch of our website marked the culmination of more than a year of work. Building the site was not without its challenges, including finding a reliable developer and managing the costs and time involved in creating a platform that reflected our goals and values.
More than simply a website, it is an accountability project. It provides a permanent and publicly accessible record of our advocacy work, including letters, submissions, petitions, and correspondence sent to politicians, government departments, and decision-makers. By making these documents available to the public, we aim to promote transparency and help hold those in positions of authority accountable for their responses—or lack of response—to issues affecting women and girls in Tasmania.
A Perfect Setting in Westbury
Emma selected the historic township of Westbury as the location for the conference. Nestled in the Meander Valley, Westbury is one of Tasmania’s most picturesque heritage towns, known for its Georgian architecture, tree-lined streets, village green, and relaxed country atmosphere.
Members stayed at the charming Westbury Gingerbread Cottages, where we settled in on Wednesday evening. The heritage-listed cottages provided comfortable accommodation and a welcoming space to gather. The first night was spent sharing a meal, playing board games, and enjoying lively conversation—a fitting beginning to a conference focused not only on advocacy but also on building community.
Advocacy in Action
On Thursday, members travelled to Deloraine for breakfast and a walk through the town before visiting the electorate office of Guy Barnett.
A delegation met with his electorate officer to raise concerns about the impact of self-ID laws on the rights, privacy, and safety of women and children. Members discussed the importance of maintaining evidence-based, sex-based protections in law and policy and outlined concerns about the legal and social consequences that can arise when sex is replaced by gender identity as a basis for decision-making.
The meeting formed part of Women Speak Tasmania’s ongoing efforts to engage constructively with elected representatives and advocate for policies that safeguard the rights and interests of women and girls.
Discovering Tasmania’s History
Later that day, members returned to Westbury and visited Pearn’s Steamworld, a unique museum dedicated to Tasmania’s agricultural and industrial heritage. The extensive collection of steam engines, machinery, vehicles, and memorabilia provided a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history.
A particular highlight was the exhibition Women on the Land, which celebrated the contributions of women to rural and farming communities across generations. The stories of resilience, hard work, and community service resonated strongly with our members and served as a reminder of the vital role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping Tasmanian society.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 conference was both productive and enjoyable. Alongside planning for the year ahead, members had the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the achievements of the organisation.
As we look towards 2025, we do so with renewed energy and a stronger sense of purpose. The friendships strengthened during our time in Westbury, combined with the successful launch of our website and ongoing advocacy efforts, have provided a solid foundation for the work ahead.
Women Speak Tasmania extends its thanks to Emma for her vision in organising the conference and to all members who contributed to making the event such a success. We look forward to another year of committed advocacy on behalf of women and girls across Tasmania.
Together, we remain committed to promoting transparency, safeguarding sex-based rights, and ensuring that the voices of Tasmanian women continue to be heard.