Country Witches

Last night I had the privilege of watching the last show of the Country Witches Association which is the collaboration between Mandy Nolan and Áine Tyrrell. There were lots of laughs, incredible music, some tears and deep and important discussions about the reality of being a woman at this time in history. Discussions about domestic violence, being a woman in the public eye and being a woman who speaks up against injustice and brutality.

As a recently-elected councillor, my eyes have been thrust wide open by the intense scrutiny and aggression that is often heaped upon women in our community who dare to lead and stand up for injustice. While I haven’t been subject to this myself, I have watched other powerful women in our community, who have led with integrity, be subject to this. This is done under the guise of making people accountable however, it often feels like bullying and has consequences of silencing some of them and possibly making others feel threatened to speak out.

That an inspirational person like Áine Tyrrell is leaving our community is a great loss for us all. That a brave and intelligent person like Mandy Nolan was unsuccessful in the federal election campaign is a blow to climate protection and social justice.

However, it was a powerful last night to be surrounded by people who were committed to the values of collective action, peace, environmental and social justice, and it made me want to be a better person.

I reflected on the way home with a friend who thought that I already do a lot for our community. And I asked myself, in 30 years what will my grandchildren say? Did I do enough? I’m not sure what they will say. But women like Áine, Mandy and Sarah Ndiaye are examples in our community and perhaps we can all be inspired to do that little bit more.

Michelle Lowe, Byron Bay