By Sonia Isaacs
The ZONTA Club of Blackall Range held a marvellous changeover event at Stonebridge Gardens on Tuesday, June 18.
Around fifty ZONTA club members and invited guests, including Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, enjoyed an evening of excellent conversation, company, and cuisine.
Returning president Margy Henderson, along with Zonta International governor Petra Ladwig, installed the new 2024/25 office bearers and officially inducted five of the club’s seven new members.
Zonta International boasts a global membership of over 26,000 women across 64 countries, with a mission to build a better world for women and children.
In her speech, Ms Henderson highlighted some of the initiatives the club had undertaken during the year. She expressed her pleasure at the growing community awareness of the local Zonta club.
Among the club’s local activities; they put together over 600 birthing kits and established a MyCause online fundraiser, which enabled the packing of an additional 200 kits by raising $1,000. The club also awarded numerous scholarships and supported two recipients of the Young Women in Public Affairs award.
Other notable activities included hosting eight successful plant stalls, including at the Maleny Spring Fair, and organising two fundraising raffles.
The club’s inaugural ‘Almost Valentine’ Trivia Night and the recognition of Diana Bryce with the Woman of Achievement Award at the annual Dusk on the Deck function were also highlights. Additionally, the club continued its strong affiliation with Speak Up Now, the domestic and family violence prevention group.
Ms Henderson acknowledged the support from the club’s energetic and enthusiastic board members and Ann Koenig, the previous president and a great mentor. The evening also farewelled long-time member Gillian Allen. For more information, visit zontablackallrange.org.au