Inspiring Women

Wild Wishes

Inspiring women

“doing interesting things with interesting people and adding value” David Moffatt

Wow … what a week in Australian politics. As I’m sure you know, with the promotion of Julia Gillard, we now have inspiring women in leadership positions in every tier of government. These ground breaking women should be celebrated and supported, no matter what you might think of their politics. What they have achieved in a male dominated world is remarkable.

Freda Du Faur, who was the first woman to climb Mt Cook, is very much in my mind this week, as a small team of inspiring women from Australia and New Zealand work towards honouring her life and achievements. These women are mountaineers and climbers who believe that we gain happiness and meaning by setting and achieving remarkable goals. They are currently planning a series of events, from climbing all the peaks that Freda climbed, including some in period costume, to encouraging all women to undertake “first time” challenges.

In encouraging ordinary women to achieve extraordinary goals, Wild Women On Top also embraces this philosophy. We have been inspired this year by our “Chardonnay set” team who trekked the remote Kangshung Face of Everest, climbing 5,500m passes in snow; pushing boundaries and achieving goals they never thought possible. These girls are all now Hard Core.

We have also been motivated by Hard Core members Meerie Barkle, mother of 10, and Linda Smith, 51, who climbed up to 6,700m up the North Col of Everest. And, our Jatbula team, including Marna Wainberg, 60, and Jennifer Hole, 65, who just returned from carrying full packs though the remote wilderness of the Northern Territory.

I encourage us all to seek out interesting adventure challenges which bring happiness and health to ourselves and those around us. As role models to our children, family and friends, by prioritizing your health you will add value to the lives of others. If nothing on the Wild Women On Top calendar tempts you, ask your coach to organize something else that does.

Several of our Trek Training groups are organizing their own Wild Walks, and some groups are even looking fear in the face by going abseiling in the Blue Mountains for the first time. Plans for a “Grand Traverse” of Mt Kosciusko via Hannel’s Spur, in honour of Freda Du Faur, are also beginning to take shape so stay tuned.

There’s no excuse to not have something amazing in your diary to keep you fit and healthy over the coming winter months. Keep Trekking, keep making a difference to the lives of others and remember the words of TS Eliot: “Only those who risk going too far can possible find out how far they can go!

Di Westaway

Managing Director Wild Women On Top