Great Celebration of International Women's Day in Kyneton
Guest speaker, Dr Nouria Salehi OAM
The International Women’s Day celebration at Kyneton Town Hall on 6 March was great fun for the 220 women guests - and a roaring success for the Zonta Club of Kyneton.
Guest speaker, Dr Nouria Salehi OAM, provided a first hand insight into the problems especially for rural women living in Afghanistan over the past 10 years of so. Her slides illustrated some of the projects she has assisted to set up to re-establish the sustainable development of communities within Afghanistan.
Dr Salehi founded AADO, Afghan-Australian Development Organisation, in 2006. The organisation works mainly through volunteers to provide educational opportunities, ranging from basic literacy, educational training for teachers to health care and vocational training especially for women in rural areas in Afghanistan. AADO also supports the Afghan community in Australia.
The dinner also provided an opportunity for recognition of Kim Baker, the Zonta Club’s Young Women in Public Affairs award winner in 2012. Marion Orr made a presentation to Kim who then gave a short talk acknowledging the assistance the award had given to her and describing the path she is taking now in her tertiary studies with the aim of becoming a paramedic.
Despite the heat (still 24 degrees at 10.30!) women enjoyed meeting and talking with old friends and new acquaintances. Club president Ronda Walker explained that: “Thanks to some financial assistance from the Macedon Ranges Shire, the evening was accessible to a wide cross-section of the community”. The event was complimented with excellent catering by Tastefull Catering Services and hospitality students from local colleges helped in the kitchen and waited on tables.
Marion Orr made a presentation to Kim who then gave a short talk acknowledging the assistance the award had given to her .
Australia Day Breakfast 2013
The Zonta Club of Kyneton, in conjunction with the Lions Club of Kyneton, the Rotary Club of Kyneton and the RSL provided a free breakfast for locals and visitors on the cool and blustery morning of Australia Day. It was heartening to see our newer members taking part in this activity and learning the art of controlling polystyrene cups in the wind!
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Birthing Kit Packing Day
The Zonta Club of Kyneton welcomed the participation of members the Rotary Club of Kyneton, Kyneton Secondary College Z-Club and the community recently to put together 1000 birthing kits that will bring new hope to mothers giving birth in a developing country.
13 years after the first birthing kit was developed, produced and distributed, Zonta and the Birthing Kit Foundation recently celebrated the production of one million kits. It’s a huge achievement by this group of women and other volunteer groups across Australia. The Zonta Club of Kyneton has now contributed 8000 of these kits which have been distributed in Fiji, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Kenya.
The birthing kit, which costs less than a cup of coffee, contains 6 items necessary for a basic yet clean birth, a piece of plastic, rubber gloves, gauze, soap, string and a razor blade. It was designed to address the colossal death rate of women in developing countries, estimated by the World Health Organisation currently at 800 per day, 99% occurring in the poorest Asian and African countries. For every death it is estimated that 30 women contract infections for which they have no treatment. Many of these deaths are due to infections which are entirely preventable in a clean environment.
The project to create kits was initiated within Zonta and was handed over to the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) after its rapid expansion. The foundation co-ordinates the distribution of kit components to service clubs for their birthing kit assembly days and then manages the donation of the finished kits to health focussed NGO’s in Asia and Africa. The NGO’s distribute them to birth attendants and train them in their use. In this way the kits get to the neediest women, often in extremely remote or in very difficult areas.
The Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) is a not for profit organisation which has grown to be the 3rd largest distributor of birthing kits in the world after the UN agencies. For more information about the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) visit the website at www.birthingkitfoundation.org.au
The Zonta Club of Kyneton welcomed the participation of members the Rotary Club of Kyneton, Kyneton Secondary College Z-Club and the community recently to put together 1000 birthing kits that will bring new hope to mothers giving birth in a developing country.
13 years after the first birthing kit was developed, produced and distributed, Zonta and the Birthing Kit Foundation recently celebrated the production of one million kits. It’s a huge achievement by this group of women and other volunteer groups across Australia. The Zonta Club of Kyneton has now contributed 8000 of these kits which have been distributed in Fiji, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Kenya.
The birthing kit, which costs less than a cup of coffee, contains 6 items necessary for a basic yet clean birth, a piece of plastic, rubber gloves, gauze, soap, string and a razor blade. It was designed to address the colossal death rate of women in developing countries, estimated by the World Health Organisation currently at 800 per day, 99% occurring in the poorest Asian and African countries. For every death it is estimated that 30 women contract infections for which they have no treatment. Many of these deaths are due to infections which are entirely preventable in a clean environment.
The project to create kits was initiated within Zonta and was handed over to the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) after its rapid expansion. The foundation co-ordinates the distribution of kit components to service clubs for their birthing kit assembly days and then manages the donation of the finished kits to health focussed NGO’s in Asia and Africa. The NGO’s distribute them to birth attendants and train them in their use. In this way the kits get to the neediest women, often in extremely remote or in very difficult areas.
The Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) is a not for profit organisation which has grown to be the 3rd largest distributor of birthing kits in the world after the UN agencies. For more information about the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) visit the website at www.birthingkitfoundation.org.au
New Leadership May 2012
The Zonta Club of Kyneton recently inducted the new Board and President for 2012-2014. Incoming President Ronda Walker was the Charter President of the Zonta Club of Kyneton and has since taken a number of senior roles in the organization both at District and International level. A retired secondary school teacher librarian, Ronda taught at Kyneton Secondary College where she held a number of senior positions on staff and took a special interest in the issues of gender equity and staff development. During her term Ronda plans to continue the work of Zonta in the community.
During the evening, Kim Baker, a student at Sacred Heart College Kyneton, was presented with the annual Young Women in Public Affairs Award which honours young women of age 16 to 19, who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government and volunteer organizations.
Guests at the dinner included several students from Kyneton Secondary College who have taken leadership roles in the newly formed Z Club at the school. Under the guidance of Zonta members, Z Clubs encourage members to develop leadership skills, explore career alternatives and participate in community, school and international service projects.
During the evening, Kim Baker, a student at Sacred Heart College Kyneton, was presented with the annual Young Women in Public Affairs Award which honours young women of age 16 to 19, who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in public policy, government and volunteer organizations.
Guests at the dinner included several students from Kyneton Secondary College who have taken leadership roles in the newly formed Z Club at the school. Under the guidance of Zonta members, Z Clubs encourage members to develop leadership skills, explore career alternatives and participate in community, school and international service projects.
Kim Baker, the Young women in Public Affairs winner for 2012.
The 2012-2014 Board members
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Five new members have been inducted into Zonta Club of Kyneton recently.
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International Womens Day 2012
Guest speaker, Christine Nixon inspired and challenged the 220 women who shared an extraordinary evening at the International Women’s Day dinner hosted by the Zonta Club of Kyneton on International Women’s Day, 8 March.
Christine spoke of her current role as lecturer in a leadership course for women designed to improve self esteem, develop leadership skills and increase community involvement. She also spoke of the importance of encouraging women to move into corporations, government and company boards. Christine encouraged her listeners to have the courage to take on new challenges, to set goals and to have a strong belief in themselves.
The culmination of the evening was Christine Nixon leading her audience in a rousing chorus of "I am Woman" and "Girls Just Want to have Fun".
The organisers were delighted to have so many local and district women come together to celebrate this important, internationally recognised day. Support from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council helped make the event accessible to a wide cross section of the community. President Margaret Lynch said that the caterers, Monsieur Pierre, provided a delicious meal and this certainly contributed to the success of the evening. Hospitality students from local colleges once again ably assisted the caterers with table service.
The Zonta Club of Kyneton was pleased to announce that the proceeds of the raffle would support purchase of lifting equipment in the new wing at R. M. Begg Kyneton Aged Care as well as international projects funded through Zonta International Foundation.
Christine spoke of her current role as lecturer in a leadership course for women designed to improve self esteem, develop leadership skills and increase community involvement. She also spoke of the importance of encouraging women to move into corporations, government and company boards. Christine encouraged her listeners to have the courage to take on new challenges, to set goals and to have a strong belief in themselves.
The culmination of the evening was Christine Nixon leading her audience in a rousing chorus of "I am Woman" and "Girls Just Want to have Fun".
The organisers were delighted to have so many local and district women come together to celebrate this important, internationally recognised day. Support from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council helped make the event accessible to a wide cross section of the community. President Margaret Lynch said that the caterers, Monsieur Pierre, provided a delicious meal and this certainly contributed to the success of the evening. Hospitality students from local colleges once again ably assisted the caterers with table service.
The Zonta Club of Kyneton was pleased to announce that the proceeds of the raffle would support purchase of lifting equipment in the new wing at R. M. Begg Kyneton Aged Care as well as international projects funded through Zonta International Foundation.
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Breast Cushion Day
The Zonta Club of Kyneton recently gathered for a busy sewing bee to create a basketful of breast care cushions.
Originally designed by a NSW Zonta Club member 18 years ago, the Zonta Breast Care cushions provide comfort to women (and men) in the post-operative phase of breast surgery. Made from polyester wadding with a satin cover, they aid recovery by allowing the person to sit, sleep and rest comfortably and by preventing pain from bumps while walking around and any discomfort from wearing seatbelts. The cushions have a strap to allow the user to wear it over the shoulder.
The Zonta Breast Care Cushion Project now manufactures and distributes over 7000 cushions every year to breast cancer sufferers across Australia. They are also made in Zonta Clubs around the world, in countries as diverse as Germany, Canada, the USA, New Zealand & Macedonia.
In Kyneton, the Breast Care Cushions are available free of charge to anyone- no personal details required- through the Kyneton Family Medical Practice at 9 Market St Kyneton or through any Zonta Club member.
Originally designed by a NSW Zonta Club member 18 years ago, the Zonta Breast Care cushions provide comfort to women (and men) in the post-operative phase of breast surgery. Made from polyester wadding with a satin cover, they aid recovery by allowing the person to sit, sleep and rest comfortably and by preventing pain from bumps while walking around and any discomfort from wearing seatbelts. The cushions have a strap to allow the user to wear it over the shoulder.
The Zonta Breast Care Cushion Project now manufactures and distributes over 7000 cushions every year to breast cancer sufferers across Australia. They are also made in Zonta Clubs around the world, in countries as diverse as Germany, Canada, the USA, New Zealand & Macedonia.
In Kyneton, the Breast Care Cushions are available free of charge to anyone- no personal details required- through the Kyneton Family Medical Practice at 9 Market St Kyneton or through any Zonta Club member.
Stepping into Spring in Style!
At the recent "Stepping into Spring" Fashion Parade hosted by the Zonta Club of Kyneton, the one hundred and ninety guests from Kyneton and district looked as glamorous as the models on the stage as they enjoyed the fun, fashion and food at the Kyneton Town Hall.
Four fashion houses from Kyneton, Debz Fashion on the Move, Sugar Lily and Amped Skate n Surf from High Street along with Piper St Bazaar presented the new season’s fashions very professionally as their models moved across the stage. Compere Jane Williamson kept the show moving with guests amused by her light hearted banter.
Prior to enjoying the parade and the delightful meal from Monsieur Pierre from Mollison St Kyneton, guests were entertained by the amazing voice of local girl, Katie Nolan. Later in the evening Paulina Fuentis delighted guests with a selection of Latin American songs and dances.
This annual function is the major fundraiser for the Zonta Club of Kyneton. The proceeds go toward the Young Women in Public Affairs Award and to providing annual scholarships for young women attending local primary and secondary schools.
Make a note in your diary now for the fourth Wednesday in October next year so you can also enjoy this great night out! Zonta Club of Kyneton can be contacted through their website. zontakyneton.org.au
Four fashion houses from Kyneton, Debz Fashion on the Move, Sugar Lily and Amped Skate n Surf from High Street along with Piper St Bazaar presented the new season’s fashions very professionally as their models moved across the stage. Compere Jane Williamson kept the show moving with guests amused by her light hearted banter.
Prior to enjoying the parade and the delightful meal from Monsieur Pierre from Mollison St Kyneton, guests were entertained by the amazing voice of local girl, Katie Nolan. Later in the evening Paulina Fuentis delighted guests with a selection of Latin American songs and dances.
This annual function is the major fundraiser for the Zonta Club of Kyneton. The proceeds go toward the Young Women in Public Affairs Award and to providing annual scholarships for young women attending local primary and secondary schools.
Make a note in your diary now for the fourth Wednesday in October next year so you can also enjoy this great night out! Zonta Club of Kyneton can be contacted through their website. zontakyneton.org.au
Young Women in Public Affairs Award Presentation May 16 2011
President Margaret Lynch with YWPA award winner Jasmine Ryan and Judith Rothe.
Zonta Young Women's Career Breakfast
It was an unusual start to the week for a group of young women in Year 11 on Monday when they attended the annual Young Women’s Career Breakfast, hosted by the Zonta Club of Kyneton. By 8:30am the students, from Kyneton Secondary College and Sacred Heart College were tucking into a hearty breakfast prepared for them by Zontians from the Kyneton Club.
Following breakfast, the local winner of the Zonta ‘Young Women in Public Affairs’ award Jasmine Ryan, was introduced. Jasmine, a Gisborne Secondary College student, spoke passionately about her involvement in the community through scouting, the Variety Club, the National Youth Science Forum and voluntary work in Rochester following the recent floods. She is planning a career in medical research, studying at a Queensland University.
The aim of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Program is to encourage more young women to participate in public and political life by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women. Jasmine encouraged her audience to be active in their community and work toward the breaking down of barriers for women.
This theme was then continued by six other young local business and professional women who spoke about the journey they had taken from school to their current positions in the workforce. They each encouraged the young women present to follow their personal interests, to be willing to make changes in direction when opportunities presented themselves and to see volunteering as a way to gain experience and give back to the community.
The Zonta Club of Kyneton is part of an international service organization that works to advance the status of women worldwide. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization can contact President Margaret Lynch (5422 2428) or www.zontakyneton.org.au
It was an unusual start to the week for a group of young women in Year 11 on Monday when they attended the annual Young Women’s Career Breakfast, hosted by the Zonta Club of Kyneton. By 8:30am the students, from Kyneton Secondary College and Sacred Heart College were tucking into a hearty breakfast prepared for them by Zontians from the Kyneton Club.
Following breakfast, the local winner of the Zonta ‘Young Women in Public Affairs’ award Jasmine Ryan, was introduced. Jasmine, a Gisborne Secondary College student, spoke passionately about her involvement in the community through scouting, the Variety Club, the National Youth Science Forum and voluntary work in Rochester following the recent floods. She is planning a career in medical research, studying at a Queensland University.
The aim of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Program is to encourage more young women to participate in public and political life by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women. Jasmine encouraged her audience to be active in their community and work toward the breaking down of barriers for women.
This theme was then continued by six other young local business and professional women who spoke about the journey they had taken from school to their current positions in the workforce. They each encouraged the young women present to follow their personal interests, to be willing to make changes in direction when opportunities presented themselves and to see volunteering as a way to gain experience and give back to the community.
The Zonta Club of Kyneton is part of an international service organization that works to advance the status of women worldwide. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization can contact President Margaret Lynch (5422 2428) or www.zontakyneton.org.au
International Women's Day Dinner Tuesday March 8 2011
Icecap Adventures
Polar adventurer, Linda Beilharz inspired and challenged the 220 women who shared an extraordinary evening at the International Women’s Day dinner hosted by the Zonta Club of Kyneton on International Women’s Day, 8 March.
Linda used the experiences of her two month trek to the North Pole to encourage her audience to take on new challenges, focus on the positive and trust in their own strengths. She acknowledged that not many will take on walking to the North Pole but pointed out that there are many ways to find fulfilment. Linda’s parting message was “Not all who wander are lost”.
Olivia Jones, the recipient of the Zonta Club of Kyneton’s Young Women in Public Affairs Award 2010, also spoke of her future plans and encouraged other young women to take on a role in the community.
The organisers were delighted to have so many local and district women come together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this important, internationally recognised day. Support by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council helped make the event accessible to a wide cross section of the community. A spokesperson said that the caterers, Monsieur Pierre, provided a delicious meal and this certainly contributed to the success of the evening. Hospitality students from local colleges once again ably assisted the caterers with table service.
The Zonta Club of Kyneton was pleased to announce that the proceeds of the raffle would be used to support Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and Zonta International Service projects.
