Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

There is a famous poem that says:

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.

I am delighted to welcome into Parliament House today, members of the Purple Power Surge Girls—in particular, Wendy Cooksey, who is from my electorate of Indi; and Pam, Julia and Ida from Albury.

Wendy and her colleagues are members of a fascinating group—the Red Hat Society. Sadly, they had to take their hats off coming into Parliament House and have, sadly, been held up! These women have a passion for a global society where women connect, support and encourage other women in the pursuit of fun, friendship, freedom and fitness, and they support women all over the world to do that.

Over lunch today we had a fantastic conversation about growing old disgracefully—wearing clothes that look glorious, but the colours are a little off. We have shared stories of friendship, of supporting each other and of being there for each other as we grow older. I am so proud to represent all the red hatters of Indi in this Parliament House—the groups in Albury-Wodonga, such as the Purple Power Surge Girls; and the groups in Wangaratta and the groups in Benalla. I am really proud to be the voice for older people right across rural and regional Victoria. I am particularly proud to be the voice of older women.

I say congratulations to Wendy and all the red hatters. Thank you for taking the initiative to come to this, our House—especially the House for older rural and regional Australians. (Time expired)

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