The Zonta Club of Blackall Range marked another year of community impact at their annual Changeover Dinner, held this week at Flaxton Gardens. The event brought together members, community leaders, and distinguished guests to celebrate the club’s 2024 achievements and officially welcome new leadership for the coming year.
High-Profile Support for Women’s Empowerment
The evening’s proceedings were attended by several notable figures, including Andrew Wallace MP, the Federal Member for Fisher, alongside Past District Governor Lyn Agnew and Governor of Zonta District 22 Petra Ladwig, who formally inducted the incoming office bearers. The presence of these community leaders underscores the role Zonta plays in addressing women’s issues across the Sunshine Coast hinterland. President Margy Henderson, who continues in her leadership role, was joined by an enlarged board.
Substantial Community Impact in 2024
The club’s efforts throughout 2024 demonstrated a comprehensive approach to supporting women and girls both locally and internationally. Through a series of successful fundraising initiatives including the popular Valentine’s Trivia Night, monthly plant stalls, and the annual Zonta Hinterland Business Directory, the club generated vital funds to support their mission.
These efforts enabled donations to key local organisations including Sonshine Sanctuary, which provides crisis accommodation for women and children; Lily House, which provides women in crisis a loving, safe environment to empower them to be great mothers; and Breaking Thru, which assists more young people develop life skills to be independent and confident while providing disability management and NDIS support services. The club also provided educational scholarships, supported women’s refuges, and assembled an impressive 600 birthing kits destined for women in developing countries.
The club also honoured Gillian Allen as their Woman of Achievement on International Women’s Day, recognising her outstanding contributions to the community and exemplifying the leadership Zonta seeks to celebrate and nurture.
Part of a Global Movement
Since 1923, Zonta International has provided nearly US$50 million to projects benefiting women in 76 countries, making the Blackall Range club part of a significant international network. The local club has proudly supported this global mission for nearly 30 years, focussing on gender equity projects that span from grassroots community support to international development initiatives.
Zonta International envisions a world where women can achieve their full potential, a vision that directly informs the Blackall Range club’s local activities and community partnerships.
Addressing Critical Community Challenges
As the club looks ahead, President Henderson acknowledged the persistent challenges facing women in the community, including rising rates of domestic violence, elder abuse, and homelessness. “With new members, an enlarged Board and new energy, I feel we will achieve a lot to improve the lives of women and girls, both locally and internationally,” she said. This focus aligns with Zonta’s mission to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy, addressing both immediate local needs and systemic issues that affect women globally.
Getting Involved
The Zonta Club of Blackall Range meets monthly for dinner meetings in Maleny on the third Tuesday of each month from January to November. The club actively welcomes new members and guests who are keen to make positive change for women everywhere, whether through equity advocacy, fundraising, public relations, or the organisation’s many service initiatives.
The club’s approach encompasses three key areas: advocacy for gender equality, service projects that empower women and girls, and education support through scholarships ranging from high school through tertiary study.
Those interested in learning more about membership opportunities or the club’s work can contact membership@zontablackallrange.org.au or write to PO Box 402, Maleny, 4552.
The Changeover Dinner represents both a celebration of achievements and a renewal of commitment to Zonta’s founding mission of building a better world for women and girls, ensuring that everyone can thrive regardless of gender.
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