THE Zonta Club of Port Macquarie is inviting like-minded community members and organisations to an afternoon tea at the Westport Club on 18 May, to hear how it is working towards a “better world for women and girls”.
Called “Discover Zonta”, the meeting at 2.30pm in the River Room is considered the club’s most important of the year as it looks to expand its membership base.
President Elaine Schofield and Secretary Margaret Bateman are currently supported by a committee of 11 and a core of 100 volunteers.
Both credit Zonta with changing their lives.
“I was looking forward to giving something back when I retired,” Elaine told News Of The Area.
“Zonta’s values and objectives aligned with mine, and provided me with great social contact when I moved to Port Macquarie in 2022.”
Margaret has been a Zonta Governor and a Director on the International Board as well as committee secretary.
“Over 29 years, Zonta has become my family,” she told NOTA.
“I have been through a lot and they have always been there for me.”
The Port Macquarie club celebrated its 30th anniversary in April.
It is affiliated with Zonta international, which has been dedicated to helping women and girls since 1919.
Both share a philosophy based on three pillars:
1) NO to gender-based violence.
2) NOW to climate justice and its impact on women and girls.
3) YES to gender equality.
The club runs numerous fundraising events including Christmas in July, a Charity Golf Day, art displays and lunchtime speakers.
Funds raised support international projects and provide local scholarships and awards such as Districts 24’s Achievement Award for Young Indigenous Women and the Student of the Year award at Nautilus College in Port Macquarie.
The local club also participates in Zonta International’s Young Women in Leadership Award.
Anyone interested in attending the upcoming meeting can contact secretary.zontaportmacquarie@gmail.com.
By Bill HARROW
