To mark International Women’s Day, Shepparton Soroptimists rise and dine to the occasion

The event, supported by Greater Shepparton City Council, featured sweet and fragrant pastries, perfectly sliced fruit, a trading table, a lucky door prize and a raffle.

However, beneath the platters and pleasantries, IWD retained its radical roots through two inspiring local women as guest speakers.

First up, Melissa Buchanan.

Entirely in her element as she took to the stage, the director of Reign Legal spoke with poise, humility and wit while recounting her humble beginnings to opening her first law practice at just 27 years old.

Since then, she has carved a niche in family law and succession planning, providing meaningful and affordable client services to make legal support more accessible.

“I am committed to delivering legal service in a way different to others,” Mrs Buchanan said.

There is always order in the court, but the same can't be said for life — as Mrs Buchanan wisely noted.

“It’s okay if the wheels fall off; it’s not a sign of failure — I’m still learning to accept that,” she said.

“Find the joy. Life is too short not to spend it having fun.”

Following Mrs Buchanan’s parting words, a woman in white sequins approached the mic, and another sat to her left.

“I’m Maxine’s friend, but today, I’m honoured to be her voice,” MND Australia ambassador Jane Simpson said.

“For someone who can’t talk, Maxine has a hell of a lot to say.”

Maxine Gee, a Shepparton local, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2023.

The paralysing disease typically runs a fatal course within 27 months, and it took Ms Gee’s voice after just six months.

So, instead of giving a speech, she spoke through excerpts from her recently written book, I’m Not Drunk, which is set for release on Amazon soon.

She described a childhood overshadowed by her mother’s favouritism of another child, the neglect and self-doubt this brought on in adulthood, and abusive relationships that deeply affected her relationship with her daughters.

“They made the decision that their lives would be better without me,” she wrote.

“To say this tore my heart apart is an understatement.”

By 2023, Ms Gee was recognised for her work in property management but began experiencing concerning health issues that led to her diagnosis of MND.

With her mobility deteriorating by the day, Ms Gee found solace in writing, reflecting and healthy relationships, particularly with her husband, Damien, and the strong, positive women around her.

“One thing I did when I was diagnosed was write letters to people in my life, and I thanked them and told them all their amazing qualities that I appreciated,” she wrote.

“Words are so powerful, so think about the last time you really laid your emotions on the table with your friends and loved ones.

“Your words and actions can and do make a difference ... and I hope my words today have made some difference to your lives.”

Whether inspired, challenged, moved to tears, or had their funny bones tickled, the women at this event couldn’t possibly leave unchanged.