By Sheree Hoddinett
For 31 years the Zonta Club of Caboolture has been working hard to do their bit to change the world for the better. There is always something happening behind the scenes as they are an international service club advocating for building a better world for women and girls.
As part of their commitment to making a difference, the Zonta Club of Caboolture is holding a Women and Girls’ Wellbeing Expo… See, Do and Be Better on November 23 (9am-12noon) at the Morayfield Community Hall.
As the Chair of Advocacy for the club, Lynda Galway got the ball rolling on the expo because she was coaching a client who was experiencing domestic violence.
“When I asked who she was getting support from I was surprised to discover she didn’t know where to go and how to get access to our local services. This was the inspiration for the Wellbeing Expo,” Lynda said. “Our aim is to connect women and girls in a relaxed and safe environment with all types of organisations: community, not-for-profit and profit-based that support women and girls and their wellbeing.”
Providers at the expo so far include: CADA, Share the Dignity, Queensland Police, Headspace Caboolture, Courageous Girls, Dragon’s Abreast Pumicestone, Vibrant Family Chiropractic, Elizabeth Eaton Counselling & Parenting Support Service, Foundations for Health, Weight Reduction Club of Caboolture, Kyabra, Get Around Cabo Carfree, Helen Edward’s Coaching, Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre, Moreton All Body Care, Jennifer Richardson (Vidafy Global), Simply Health Group, Tracey Walker (Turning Point 4U), and Reiki Renew.
The free expo will feature workshops and stalls, so visitors can have a chat, ask questions and get information concerning the relevant area of wellbeing.
“Zonta Club of Caboolture is funding this event because we want it to be a free event so we can connect as many women and girls as possible with wellbeing providers from the local area,” Lynda said. “The expo will be a wonderful opportunity for women to connect, share and learn about their wellbeing in many areas of their life. Information and education about wellbeing helps to raise self-awareness and empowers women and girls to make changes in their life for the better.”
The significance of November 23 for the expo is due to it being the weekend before the United Nations 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
“From November 25 to December 10, Zonta Clubs all over the world will advocate to stop violence against women, just as we do,” Lynda said. “Our club will be present at the Morayfield Shopping Centre running a stand to share information about domestic violence and to give out safety cards. Our orange figures will be showcased all over the district to raise awareness, Caboolture Square will be lit with orange lights remembering the victims of domestic violence and we are running our expo.” A bit about the club
The Zonta Club of Caboolture was chartered on August 3, 1993. They currently have 21 members – 20 females and one male.
They raise money for local and international service projects.
Locally, you may find them raising money by manning the sausage sizzle at Bunning Morayfield, holding fashion parades and also Christmas gift wrapping at Morayfield Shopping Centre.
Zonta International was founded in Buffalo, New York, USA on November 8, 1919 with nine charter clubs. It has grown to include 66 countries across the globe. Zonta International is non-partisan and non-sectarian, with membership open to men and women with experience in business or the professions.
Its mission is the Empowerment of Women Through Service and Advocacy.
“Zonta’s convention for 2024 was held in Brisbane from June 27-30th this year,” Zonta Club of Caboolture president Pam Berkett said. “It was wonderful to see Zontians from all around the world come to our city to attend this convention and visit our beautiful city.
“We would love to hear from anyone in our local area if they are interested in learning about our wonderful club.”
Current service projects
They deliver breast cushions, drainage bags, seat belt buddies and turbans to Caboolture Hospital for patients who have had breast surgery.
They supply items to Caboolture and Burpengary Police Station soft rooms for women and children facing domestic and family violence.
Vouchers are given to five local groups at Christmas time to hand out to families in need.
An award of a gift voucher is given to a Year 11 female student from public and private schools in our local area at their awards night. This is called The Banksia Award.
Packing birthing kits for third world countries once a year.
2025 S.T.E.M. Awards
Applications are now open to young women who wish to receive a grant of $1000 to further their education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It’s the annual Sandra Cooke S.T.E.M. Award. Sandra was a charter president and past president of the Zonta Club of Caboolture. The award will be presented to the successful applicant at Zonta Club of Caboolture annual International Women's Day on Friday March 7, 2025. To apply, visit www.zontacaboolture.org.au.
Club members meet for a dinner meeting (6.30pm) on the last Wednesday of the month at the Jacaranda Café at Bolton Clarke Caboolture, corner of King and George streets.
For further information, visit the website www.zontacaboolture.org.au, email zontaclubcaboolture@gmail.com or follow them on Facebook – Facebook.com/zontaclubofcaboolture.
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