Turia Pitt’s visit to Bingara has truly struck a chord, with many people travelling from across the region to hear her experiences first-hand at The Roxy at 6pm on Thursday March 13.
Invited as a guest of the Upper Gwydir Landcare Association, Turia will launch the UGLA ‘Gwydir Women of Mettle: Forging Leaders’ project that will host a series of events throughout 2014.
The ‘Gwydir Women of Mettle’ project is supported by Upper Gwydir Landcare, through funding from the Australian Federal Government initiative ‘Caring For Our Country. The events are designed to engage and empower women living in regional areas with the skills to adapt to change while giving them the confidence and opportunities to take leadership roles in their communities.
Turia Pitt is well versed in having to adapt to change.
In 2011 the beautiful 25-year-old Pitt mining engineer was trapped by a fire during an ultra-marathon in the Kimberley that would change her life forever.
Turia, who was always a high achiever, has refused to let the tragedy define her. And two years after her accident, there is no stopping her.
Without an ounce of self-pity, bitterness or blame, Turia has bravely shared her story in her autobiography, Everything to Live For, and has touched people everywhere with her determination to “never, never give up.”
Having inspired thousands of people across Australia, Turia Pitt is being recognised for her incredible strength and resilience, with a number of awards.
Last Friday she won the NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year Award. The award was announced by Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Women Pru Goward ahead of International Women’s Day.
The Award recognises the achievements and stories of women who are making a difference in society. “Her story is astounding and her contributions are truly inspiring,” Premier Barry O’Farrell said in a statement.
“Her strong determination to push boundaries and to help others has seen her prepare for various fundraising activities this year such as the Variety Cycle from Sydney to Uluru and the 20-kilometre Lake Argyle Swim,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“Turia continues to inspire others by sharing her awe-inspiring story as a motivational speaker to school students and businesses.”
Turia was not able to collect her award in person last week as she was in Laos. As an ambassador for Interplast, Turia was visiting hospitals in the country to experience first-hand the work the charity does in providing free reconstructive surgery to people in developing countries.
Having flown back to Australia on Sunday prior to her visit to Bingara on Thursday, Turia remarked that she “likes to be busy.”
Despite having to grapple with overwhelming physical challenges, endless operations, daily therapy…nothing will stop Turia’s resolve to achieve whatever she wants out of life – something she feels we are all capable of.
Tickets to this event are $15 which includes complimentary drink and canapés on arrival, a presentation by Turia Pitt followed by Q & A session, with proceeds to Interplast, for whom Turia is an ambassador.
Bookings are essential and can be made on-line at www.trybooking. com (search Turia), through UGLA by phone: 67 242 052 or in person at the UGLA office: 35B Maitland St, Bingara. E-mail: ugla@gwydir. nsw.gov.au or visit the website: www.ugla.com.au
