ZONTA Club of Blackall Range had a low key celebration of its 25th birthday on Tuesday October 18.
The members and invited guests acknowledged the outstanding service of the three women who had been members for all that time as well as one of our members who had 38 years of service to Zonta.
Zonta is an international organisation and was founded more than 100 years ago to empower women and girls through service and advocacy.
Notable members, some honorary, have been Amelia Earhart (USA), Helen Clark (NZ), Leneen Forde (Qld), Quentin Bryce (Qld), Dr Catherine Hamlin (Aus) and Dr Fiona Stanley (Aus).
Ann Koenig, the current president of the branch, and a 25-year veteran, said: “I am so proud of all we have achieved over this quarter of a century.”
“I acknowledge my fellow foundation members Barb Inwood and Tricia Steer. I also wish to acknowledge Judi Ross-Smith, who has been a Zontian for 38 years and who has contributed to Zonta’s work locally, nationally and internationally.”
Ann outlined the achievements of the club which included the book Sweet Sisters, two annual tertiary scholarships, a celebration of International Women’s Day, Women in Art, packing birthing kits, a local business directory for the northern end of the Range, breast cushions for cancer survivors, refuge packs for women, and participation and support for Speak Up Now, a domestic and family violence awareness organisation.
Petra Ladwig, the Lieutenant Governor, stepped forward with congratulations and presented the certificates of service.
Other invited guests included representatives from Rotary, The Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Speak Up Now, previous Zonta Club members and fellow Zontians from Caloundra.
Main image: Petra Ladwig, Ann Koenig, Tricia Steer and Barb Inwood.
