Our work locally has included programs and advocacy structured around family violence, immigrant women, health, education, self-esteem and leadership.

Each year, club members plan and implement programs in collaboration with local service providers and others or by club members as stand-alone activities.

Two awards are presented each year. The Evelyn de Bonnaire Scholarship for an aspiring student at Gilmore College for Girls and a new Moira Perillo award in 2015 at Deakin University Werribee campus for women returning to study. The awards are in memory of these highly regarded Charter members who gave so much to the club and the community. In addition, we encourage local students to participate in the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs award.

There are also two special District 23 projects:

We support the Birthing Kit Foundation (a Zonta Adelaide Hills initiative) by assembling birthing kits to assist women in remote parts of the world where health services are at best basic and mother/baby mortality is high. We have worked with the help of students, midwives, Guides and other volunteers.

www.birthingkitfoundation.org.au

Several times a year members get together to have a breast cushion “sewing and stuffing” day, with appropriate amounts of food, friendship and positive thought to help us as we stitch specially shaped cushions for women (and men) to provide comfort as they recover from breast surgery. The cushions are distributed free of charge to Northern Hospital and by request to individuals.

In addition, one third of all funds raised annually are contributed to Zonta International Programs for improving the health, education, economic resources and safety of women and girls internationally.

www.zonta.org

Fundraising is held throughout the year and 100% of profits are allocated to projects and awards.

• Hardware store sausage sizzles are profitable, great fun and a promotional opportunity.

• Each year we are provided with a wonderful fundraising opportunity when the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company schedules a special charity performance for the club



Occasional events including afternoons of musical indulgence featuring local artists; Soup and Song lunches that raise funds for our two scholarships.