It was smiles all ‘round for the members of the Zonta Club of Perth as they celebrated 50 years of working to make a positive difference to the lives of women and girls throughout WA, across the nation and globally.
The Perth Club was the first of its kind in Western Australia and its members are women from a wide range of occupations including business owners, health professionals, CEOs, lawyers, scientists, academics, teachers, public servants and engineers.
Internationally, Zonta Clubs provide funds for projects linked to the United Nations around education for vulnerable girls, ending child marriage and supporting the prevention of gender-based violence programs.
Locally, the Zonta Club of Perth contributes to the education of women and girls, homeless women, women escaping domestic violence, Aboriginal women and girls from isolated regions such as the Kimberley, recognition of women in non-traditional areas and providing services to the community.
City of Nedlands Mayor, Fiona Argyle joined Zonta President Mary Gurgone, Zonta Governor of District 23 Sandra Burns, and a large group of members on the Nedlands foreshore last Friday, as founding members Lennie McCall OAM, Freeman of Nedlands, and Margaret Medcalf OAM, unveiled a commemorative plaque and planted a tree at Charles Court Reserve, Nedlands.
“The women of the Zonta Club Perth are a wonderful group who have had rich and fulfilling lives in a range of industries and are continuing to use their knowledge and experience to improve the lives of other women across our State and around the world,” Mayor Argyle said.
As well as its’ 50th Anniversary, the Zonta Club Perth also celebrated International Earth Day by donating 500 trees to be planted in Western Australia as part of a carbon positive project by Carbon Positive Australia. This donation was financed through a project managed by Zonta member Ute Schierhorn, using the Containers for Change WA program.
“We are living our mission to say NOW to gender equality and climate action. We planted the tree on the beautiful Nedlands foreshore with the support of the visionary Mayor Argyle and the City of Nedlands. The plaque next to the red flowering gum tree, will stand as a reminder of 50 years of service and advocacy by our Club to create a better future for women in girls”, Mary Gurgone said.
For more information on the Zonta Club of Perth Inc. visit zontaperth.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE Zonta 50th anniversary April 2022.pdf