Training for �Թ��� members Wednesday 4 March 10 – 11am. 

 Canva is a user friendly online graphic design platform enabling users to create professional-quality visual content without advanced design skills.  Some clubs are already using this software.  There’s a free and paid version. 

Watch the introductory video here

 To register email Sue Johnston: .com

Date & Time: Feb 14, 2026 04:00 PM  in  Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

As organisations committed to human rights, peace, and the wellbeing of women and girls, we unequivocally condemn this violence and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, compassion, and community safety for all.

Gillian Lewis, President of BPW Australia, said violence motivated by hate has no place in Australia.
“Leadership at times like this means standing together to protect human rights, dignity, and the safety of every community,” she said.

In the wake of the most devastating terrorist attack of the 21st century in Australia, people of all cultures and faiths are coming together to mourn. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Jewish communities across Australia, acknowledging the profound distress caused by the horrific terrorist attack on Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi on 14 December.

Fiona Dorman, President of the National Council of Women Australia, said the tragedy underscored a shared responsibility across society.
“Our hearts are with Australia’s Jewish communities. This moment reminds us of the responsibility we all share to reject division and to actively foster understanding, empathy, and respect,” she said.

We stand in solidarity with all communities who are hurting and reaffirm our shared commitment to dignity, safety, and mutual respect.

Australians are mourning the loss of innocent lives and reflecting on the devastating impact this violence has had on individuals, families, and communities. This tragedy has deeply shaken our nation and caused immense pain to those directly affected, as well as to Australia as a whole. There should be no place in Australia for hatred or violence directed at Jewish communities, or at any community.

Terry Maunsell, President of Soroptimist International Australia, said history showed the importance of collective leadership.
“Australia is strongest when leaders act together in moments of crisis. This is a time for unity, compassion, and decisive action to ensure all communities feel safe,” she said.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the violent attack targeting those attending a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach. This moment calls for unity, empathy, and care. We call on our leaders to work together in unity for the sake of all Australians.

Across the country, Australians are demanding more for and from their nation: to remember lives lost, to recognise acts of bravery, and to call for reflection and positive action from those in positions of power.

Bridget Mather, Chair of �Թ��� Australia, said women’s organisations had a critical role to play in moments such as this.
“Women’s organisations have a vital role in calling out hatred and strengthening social cohesion. We must confront antisemitism and all forms of racism while reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, peace, and community safety,” she said.

This is a time for national leadership - including from politicians and community leaders at all levels - to actively promote unity. It is not a time for divisive or politicised commentary, but for fostering understanding, empathy, and community, and for taking appropriate national action.

As women’s organisations, we recognise the vital role civil society plays in fostering compassion, promoting human rights, and supporting communities in times of crisis. We advocate for and celebrate equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion for all.

In honouring those whose lives were lost, we reaffirm our shared commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and respectful Australia. Australia must actively reject racism in all its forms, with an urgent focus on addressing antisemitism, while also recognising the importance of confronting islamophobia, fascism, and discrimination against migrants and First Nations peoples - particularly where it involves threats, hatred, or violence.

Australians remember that following the Port Arthur massacre, Australians came together and our political leaders worked as one to provide solace, strength, and hope. Australia needs that same unity to happen again - Now!

We thank leaders who have already stood up and called for unity, and we call on all Australians to contribute to a culture of respect and care, so that our nation may heal and move forward together.

Signed,

Gillian Lewis
President, BPW Australia

Fiona Dorman
President, National Council of Women Australia

Terry Maunsell
President, Soroptimist International Australia

Bridget Mather
President, �Թ��� Australia

Webinar Hosted by: �Թ��� E-Club NSW/ACT 25 November 2025 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM AEDT Join the �Թ��� E-Club NSW/ACT for an online event featuring renowned journalist and DV advocate Jess Hill, speaking on Coercive Control. Jess is an internationally respected speaker, and this is an event not to be missed.

Lily’s lasting legacy includes:

 Assisting in the formation of the �Թ��� Clubs of Blue Mountains and Blacktown

 Initiating the club’s 30-year TAFE Award project

 Launching the club’s involvement in the Young Indigenous Woman Award

Lily’s service, warmth, and tireless advocacy make her an extraordinary role model for

Zontians everywhere. She truly lives and breathes the �Թ��� Spirit — and we could not be

prouder to celebrate her achievements.

We were privileged to be inspired by a host of remarkable speakers who challenged, empowered, and moved us with their insights and experiences. A dedicated Sustainability Workshop and our Marketplace of Sustainable Products showcased innovative ideas and practical solutions for a better world.

Across the weekend, attendees engaged in impactful business sessions, reflected during our Annual General Meeting, and celebrated achievements through the presentation of numerous awards. We also took a moment to honour and remember the Zontians who have gone before us — women whose legacies continue to shape our journey.

The spirit of connection and celebration continued into our fabulous social events: the relaxed Mix n Mingle and the fun-filled Vintage Retro Evening, which brought everyone together in laughter and style.

���ܲԻ岹��’s Youth Day was a true highlight. The dynamic energy of our youth speakers, award recipients, and a compelling panel session left us all inspired for the future. Their voices, full of passion and purpose, reminded us why our work is so vital.

We listened. We learned. We laughed.
We celebrated our past and looked boldly toward the future — united in �Թ���’s mission to Build a Better World for Women and Girls.

In �Թ��� we value:

• Global Community

• Friendship

• Equity and Inclusion

• Respect

• Global Community

• Integrity

Wed 20 August marketplace forms to Armidale, this date is slightly flexible

 Saturday 23 August Club Credentials forms required 

 Week of 25th August AGM notice will be sent to clubs

 Sun 31 August 1 pm candidates practice session 

 Mon 1 September zoom link to be sent to all clubs for voting

Saturday 6 September 1 pm via Zoom voting for the next biennium D24 Board and Nominating Committee roles (no practice session as this has format has been used previously)

 Sunday 14 September 2:30pm delegates/ alternates/ parliamentarian/ Board Slido training for conference voting at business sessions. 

• A one degree Celsius rise in average temperature has been associated with a  in violence against women.

• Every 10 per cent increase or decrease in average rainfall was associated with a one per cent increase in child marriage – when crops fail, families sell their daughters into marriage.

• In 2022, there were  climate refugees and this could rise to  by 2050.

•  who are refugees, or who have been displaced because of a natural disaster, has experienced sexual violence.

If you are interested in gender-equal climate justice?  

READ the �Թ��� Australia      �Թ��� Says NOW Think Tank           

 ATTEND on Saturday 8 August the Australian �Թ��� Says NOW Think Tank session with Fiona Dorman, President of the National Council of Women Australia and Chair of the SA Premier’s Council for Women. A scientist-turned policy-advocate, Fiona brings decades of expertise in research, evidence-based advocacy, and feminist leadership.

Meeting Times: Western Australia: 1:00–2:30pm South Australia/Northern Territory: 2:30–4:00pm ACT/New South Wales/Queensland/Tasmania/Victoria: 3:00–4:30pm

JOIN the  �Թ��� Says Now and  mailing lists.

To Bridget Mather PSM Chair �Թ��� Australia Committee admin@zontaaustralia.org.au

Thank you for your letter regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (SDG 5). The Albanese Labor Government shares your strong commitment to gender equality as an essential part of sustainable development. We know that greater political and economic participation by women makes societies wealthier and more peaceful - any country that wants to develop fully must encourage the full participation of all its people.

In February, I launched DFAT's new International Gender Equality Strategy. The strategy outlines how Australia is driving gender equality in our international engagement, including our international development program. The strategy has five priority lines of effort:

1) Working to end sexual and gender-based violence and protect and advance women's sexual and reproductive health and rights;

2) Pursuing gender responsive peace and security efforts;

3) Delivering gender equitable climate action and humanitarian assistance;

4) Promoting women's economic equality and inclusive trade; and

5) Supporting locally-led approaches to women's leadership.

The work under this strategy complements our work under our International Development Policy, released by the Albanese Government in 2023, to ensure Australia's efforts are more effective in tackling poverty, supporting climate action, providing humanitarian relief and delivering health, education and economic and social development programs.

At a time of heightened global uncertainty, the Albanese Government remains steadfast in our support for human rights, gender equality, climate action, and the global rules and norms that underpin international stability and security. We are reprioritising our international development program to bolster support to our region, building economic, health and climate resilience and advancing gender equality and human rights.

Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 OFFICIAL In 2025-26, the Albanese Government will deliver $5.1 billion in official development assistance - an increase of more than $135 million from 2024 �Թ���-25. New development investments of more than $3 million must include gender equality objectives, and 80 percent of all development investments will address gender equality effectively.

On behalf of the Albanese Government, I commend the work of �Թ��� International Australia in advocating for gender equality, ending violence against women and girls and supporting gender equal climate action in Australia and internationally. We look forward to continuing to work together in support of these goals.

This interactive session will explore how Mentoring Circles can engage �Թ��� awardees (Amelia Earhart, STEM, Jane Klausman), Z Club and Golden Z Club members through informal mentorship to foster an ongoing connection with �Թ��� and inspire future �Թ��� members.

Click on the word to download the details of the meeting.  Click on to read more detailed information about the session.

All District 24 Zontians who are interested in this project are very welcome to attend the session.

ZOOM link & Meeting details are available under Member resources section, From the Governor’s Desk, 2025 May

Marie Dayton, Service Chair

Meet Joanna Maranhão, a remarkable woman with a powerful story for January

Joanna is a Brazilian Olympian, survivor, advocate and researcher. She is also the coordinator of the Athletes Network for Safer Sports. As a professional swimmer, Joanna specialized in the individual medley and distance events. She competed in four Olympic Games and won eight medals at the Pan-American Games.

As a network coordinator at the Sport and Rights Alliance, Joanna is responsible for fostering global connection, collaboration and mobilization between athletes and allies impacted by abuse in sport. Previously, Joanna led the campaign to expand Brazil's statutes of limitation to allow survivors of child sexual abuse more time to report and seek justice, succeeding in establishing a new law that bears her name, the Joanna Maranhão Law.

Joanna holds a master's degree in sports ethics and integrity from the University of Leuven in Belgium and a bachelor's degree in physical education from Faculdade Maurício de Nassau in Brazil. She also speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish.

The award came about when Prof. Alexie Papanicolaou, from Western Sydney University, attended the �Թ��� Blue Mountains Awards night in November, 2023. He was impressed with the support being offered to women to pursue their educational aspirations and saw that Western Sydney University’s goals were aligned with those of �Թ��� – that being to empower women and girls, particularly through equality and education. The result was a very generous donation of $24,000 to support women studying STEM subjects in the Greater Western Sydney region. We thank Western Sydney University wholeheartedly for this support.

A working party from the �Թ��� Clubs of the Blue Mountains, Nepean Valley and Macarthur was established to design and administer the award. Having advertised through �Թ��� Clubs across Greater Western Sydney; government and non-government schools; TAFE campuses, Vocational Training organisations and home-schooling networks, we received 37 amazing applications. Eventually, 9 exceptional candidates were selected to receive awards.

Each recipient demonstrated enthusiasm, skill, confidence and dedication to their STEM studies. All exhibited a clear understanding of the social responsibility of women in STEM and are not intimidated by a male dominated environment. We see a bright future for women in STEM. Here are some details of the top four winners:

Carla Charon, a Year 12 student from Elderslie High School and in the �Թ��� Macarthur area was awarded $4000. Carla received her award for a research study in Alzheimer’s Disease. She demonstrated an understanding of the validity of data and the processes involved in medical research. Carla is passionate about finding ways to improve medical processes for people as indicated by excerpts from her acceptance speech:

“�Թ���’s mission to support women in STEM holds special meaning for me. Historically, STEM fields have been shaped by predominantly male perspectives, which are especially noticeable in fields like medicine. In clinical trials for pharmaceuticals, the male-to-female ratio are often high. This lack of female representation can lead to gaps in understanding how women may respond to medications differently to men, further impacting treatment efficacy and safety. Diffusing imbalances like this is what the �Թ��� scholarship represents; it is more than just financial support—it’s a call to bridge these gaps and to ensure that our future contributions as women create a more inclusive and informed world.
Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. After putting in my best effort, it feels like a powerful milestone, one that reinforces my commitment to achieving my dreams and contributing to my dream career in healthcare. Thank you once again to �Թ���, to Western Sydney University, and to everyone who has supported me. This scholarship means the world to me, and I am truly excited for the journey ahead. Thank you.”

Yelleina Alabaso, a Year 11 student from Bankstown Girls High School and in the �Թ��� Sydney West area was awarded $4000. Yelleina received her award for achievement in Mathematics and Technology as the lead women coder at an international robotics competition. As part of the only female team, and successful finalists, Yelleina learnt about the challenges of design, including failure. She is excited, passionate and a critical thinker as demonstrated by excerpts from her acceptance speech:

“I am grateful to be chosen as a recipient of this scholarship, as it is an invaluable opportunity for me to continue developing my passion in STEM. The scholarship will open up new opportunities for me such as access to efficient technology, such as a laptop, to support my studies and hobbies, as well as provide resources for future events. Additionally, this opportunity will assist in preparing me for university and beyond, opening doors to work and skill development that will serve me in my future career.

Once again, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the �Թ��� organisation for not only supporting me as an individual, but also for empowering and believing in young girls like myself to pursue our dreams without the barriers and limitations we might otherwise face. In a field that has historically been dominated by men, your support means the world to us. Thank you for seeing us, for acknowledging our potential, and for giving us this chance to make a difference. Thank you”

Katrina Thomas, a Year 12 student from Broughton Anglican College and in the �Թ��� Macarthur area received $4000. Katrina received her award for achievement in Technology, particularly in coding, helping to develop a patient survey for Sydney West Health.  She honed her problem-solving skills by working with a team to develop user friendly software. She sees a future role in providing leadership to other women in the health field.

“Winning this scholarship isn’t just about financial support – though my bank account and I are both immensely grateful! To me, this award represents a belief in my potential, my curiosity, and yes, even my questionable lab results. With this support, I’m motivated to keep pushing boundaries, to keep trying and to make an impact in STEM that goes beyond my original hypotheses.

So, to everyone who made this scholarship possible – thank you for fuelling my drive and my dreams. I’m excited for what lies ahead and can’t wait to tackle new challenges – hopefully with better outcomes. After all, the future of STEM needs all of us – especially those willing to experiment so others don’t have to. Thank you for believing in me, green smoothies and all.”

Astrid Nelvita, a mature-age student studying the Advanced Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering at Granville TAFE and living in the �Թ��� Nepean Valley area received $4000. Astrid received her award for her passion and drive to develop automation to assist women in developing their businesses at home, helping them to generate income and hence, empowerment. Astrid is a mother of two, undertaking a career change and determined to make life easier for working mothers.

“Winning this award reduces the barrier for entry into further studies and it also provides me with networking opportunities with Western Sydney University. Thank you for recognising and supporting women in STEM, especially those in TAFE”

We are in discussions with Western Sydney University and are hopeful that they may partner with �Թ��� District 24 again for a similar award in 2025.

Open letter from �Թ��� International President to Gisèle Pelicot:

As the �Թ��� International President, I want to thank Giséle Pelicot of France for her braveness. 

Over a span of 10 years, more than 200 horrendous acts of rape, sexual abuse and violence were enacted upon an unconscious Gisèle by more than 50 men all orchestrated by her then husband. 

Speaking up against gender-based violence, rape and sexual assault, no matter the circumstances, is difficult. Yet, Gisèle did it; she chose to speak up. By doing so, she waived her right to anonymity and shifted the shame from the victim onto the perpetrators. 

There are no words to sufficiently describe the horror Gisèle Pelicot endured. We can only say, thank you, Gisèle.  

While the outcome of this trial cannot undo the past or erase the pain and suffering you endured, your actions to stand up and to speak out against a society that trivializes rape and abuse will leave a lasting impression. By having an open court for your case, you are uncovering the issues that so many go through in shadowed secrecy. The women and girls who suffer in silence see by your example what we will no longer accept. You are giving those women and girls a voice. 

The trial is over, but our work against gender-based violence, a severe violation of human rights, continues. We Zontians will not give up. Governments around the world should protect women and girls through enforceable legislation. Systemic change is not only needed to better protect and support survivors, but it is needed to make sure that the perpetrators in cases like Gisèle Pelicot’s are prosecuted to the full extent of the legal system and the justice their crimes demand. We must also work to address the underlying issues that led to these actions and recognize the need for psychological help and rehabilitation to prevent this from happening ever again.

On behalf of the more than 25,000 Zontians in 64 countries, thank you, Gisèle, for being resilient, strong and brave. 

Sincerely,

Salla Tuominen

2024 �Թ���-2026 President 

�Թ��� International 

Thanks to a very persistent member, Ann Selle from Botany Bay Club, NSW Parliament House was lit up in orange, the colour of hope on 25th November. This is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The palm trees at Circular Quay were colourfully wrapped in yarn, with messages related to the different types of domestic violence, and urging bystanders to Speak Up and Make a Difference.

Bernardine Guy, District 24 Governor met with several politicians at the Circular Quay site, including Jodie Harrison, MP, NSW Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. When meeting with Mark Speakman, Leader of the NSW Opposition, Bernardine thanked him for his his work on making Coercive control & Consent legislation a reality. They also discussed the crisis of Domestic & Family violence as well as how to bring men to the discussions and being a voice for the ‘missing majority’, the victims who have fled violence and are now living in poverty in the community. �Թ��� is a voice for these victims. 71 women have died so far this year.

Social media posts across NSW and the ACT by �Թ��� clubs have added much needed noise to the �Թ��� Says No campaign.

With only six years remaining until the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations in 2015 and endorsed by governments everywhere, UN Women’s new flagship report highlights gender equality trends and points to six actions that could be game changers. 

Here are some key takeaways from the.

1. The economic cost of gender inequality: The world is missing out on $10 trillion every year by not investing in women’s rights.

2. With the right policies and investments, achieving equality is within reach, and there is evidence that it makes for a better world and healthier economies.

3. Progress on gender equality globally is too slow to achieve SDG 5 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

4. The Gender Snapshot Report outlines  to turn the tide:

• Ensuring women farmers have access to land and resources, climate-resilient agroecology for sustainable food systems and food security for all.

• Clean energy transition that includes gender-responsive financing and puts women in leadership.

• Closing the digital gender divide, addressing digital violence, and increasing women’s and girls’ leadership in science, technology and innovation.

• Making sure girls go to and stay in school to close the gender gaps in education and opportunities.

• Investing in social protection systems and the care economy to reduce poverty and create green jobs.

• Climate policymaking led by women, redistributing resources to build their resilience to climate change and loss of biodiversity, and providing reparations for harms caused by carbon emissions.