A WOMAN who has been ‘part of the social and cultural fabric of Maleny’ for 40 years has been awarded the Zonta Club of Blackall Ranges 2023 Woman of Achievement.
A humbled Gail Denver accepted the award at the annual Zonta International Women’s Day ‘Dusk on the Deck’ evening on March 8 in front of about 70 guests including Zonta District 22 lieutenant governor Petra Ludwig and Member for Glasshouse, Andrew Powell.
Zonta Club of Blackall Ranges president, Ann Koenig, described Gail as a fantastic recipient who over the decades has shown through her many volunteer roles how “passionate” she is about her community.
“She’s never idle when it comes to helping in the community.
“Her ability to work with others has enabled her to contribute to the social and cultural fabric of Maleny society for many years.
“She has her fingers on the pulse and assertively will stand up for what she believes in for others.” Gail’s rich contributions across Maleny are broad.
From the Friends of Pattemore House, where she has been president for seven years, to her management committee position with the Maleny District Sports and Recreation Club since 2008, not to mention her role as a Beef Steward for 32 years until she retired, with the Maleny Show Society.
“I like cows,” Gail quipped.
Gail was also President of the Maleny Players for seven years during which time the group produced 16 shows.
She is on the committee for the annual Australia Day Expo, a member of the Maleny Selectors Green development committee, where she teamed up with Penny Edwards in producing historical information boards about Maleny’s rich history that are on display for the public in the new park. Gail is now part of the sub-committee for the restoration and future interpretation of the Fairview Cow Bails and enjoys this new commitment. “I genuinely love this community and want to contribute where I can. This is a lovely honour and I will treasure it,” Gail said.
