Congratulations to Diana Bryce!
By Sonia Isaacs
LAST Friday evening, around 50 guests attended the Zonta Club of Blackall Range’s annual Dusk on the Deck event at the Maleny Community Centre. Now in it’s ninth year, the event celebrates International Women’s Day and features the organisation’s annual Woman of Achievement award.
Established 27 years ago by founding members Ann Koenig and Tricia Speers, the Zonta Club of Blackall Range is part of Zonta International, a global organisation of more than 27,000 individuals across 62 countries! Zonta’s motivating force behind Zonta International is the improvement of women’s status, and part of the local club’s activities includes donations of funds and goods to three local women’s refuges and scholarship awards to local high school and tertiary students.
The Woman of Achievement award recognises the outstanding contribution of a Blackall Range resident, who has served the community effectively as a volunteer and may not have necessarily received prior recognition. The previous two-year recipients have included Gail Denver and Val France. This year, the award was presented to Diana Bryce.
Zonta President, Margy Henderson said Diana was a very deserving recipient who had actively contributed to the Maleny community for over 30 years, particularly in her longstanding role as previous president of the Maleny Hospital Auxiliary for many years, as well as long term involvement with the Maleny Historical Society and Maleny Arts and Crafts Group. Margy said Diana was very surprised and thrilled to receive the Woman of Achievement award.
“Diana is a very special woman of achievement, and we are very pleased to honour her extensive contribution to our community. These awards are held in high esteem, and we are also very grateful that, last year, we recognised the generosity and hard work of Gail Denver, before her sad passing,” Margy said.
Speaking with GC&M News, Diana said she felt humbled to have the award bestowed on her.
“I was very surprised when Margy announced my name, and humbled to be a recipient. I am honoured to join past winners of this award, all who have contributed to a variety of community organisations,” she said.
Zonta President, Margy Henderson said another highlight of the evening was the beautiful performance of the 15 member Sweet Chilli Choir who always elevate the events to the next level. She said the club had also been fortunate to have attracted several new members during the year.
“We would welcome anyone – including men! – whose values match those of Zonta, to join us and make a difference to the lives of women and girls,” Margy said.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
