Our first meeting back this year had us learning about the Chinese New Year. I am a dog in the Chinese zodiac and my element is Gold - Conservative, desirable, cautious, and always ready to help others. I see the same element “always ready to help others” in all Bunbury Zonta members. Throughout my past year as president, I have asked for help many times and have received  without hesitation, the help I have asked for.
These past few weeks I have met and heard from inspiring women who have achieved their dreams through hard work, determination and passion. I was proud to hand out our annual “Woman in a Non-Traditional Trade” award at the South West TAFE awards presented at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre. There were many inspiring people on the night. I had the pleasure of attending the Zonta Club of Peel’s International Women’s Day Breakfast where the speaker Belinda Beatty spoke of the labels we carry around but are, and should not be defined by. Belinda spoke in such an inspiring way that it had the listeners still thinking about what she said hours later.
The Zonta Club of Bunbury’s International Women’s Day Breakfast guest speaker was just as inspiring. Samantha (Sam as she likes to be called) Ridgway taught us not to judge a book by its cover. A model and Rocketeer, beauty and brains, Sam talked about overcoming domestic violence from her mother, the tragic loss of her sister and the barriers she had to knock down to achieve her dreams and follow her passion for science and the environment. Sam was the embodiment of The International Woman’s Day theme “Be Bold for Change”. I am looking forward to hearing about Sam’s future endeavours. I’d like to say what an amazing job our Finance and Fundraising Committee did for our IWD breakfast. The venue was great, the food good and plentiful, and a lovely morning all round.
Keeping that theme in mind – Be Bold for Change – Take Action to Make a Difference, I would like to congratulate Iceland on wanting to eliminate the gender pay gap by 2022. Men and Women will now be paid equally. Big employers will have to show certification of equal pay for equal work. Iceland’s parliament will introduce the equal pay legislation this month.
Let’s all continue to take action and make a difference.

The following video link provides interesting information about the need to engage young males in the issues affecting women and girls, so that the future is brighter for all. Each young male was asked to reflect on issues affecting the important women and girls in their lives.

PR and Communications Committee

 The  PR&C Committee continues to promote happenings between the club and general public. We are hoping through our efforts we will attract more members and make our fundraising a little easier as people get to know who we are and what we stand for.

Thank you to members who have contributed to our monthly newsletter. This helps make our publication easier to put together. A special thanks to Nan Martella who is overseeing the newsletter publications. 

Our strategy is to promote knowledge and understanding within and outside our club of the objectives, goals, accomplishments, projects, and events we pursue. 

Jo Wittorff has continued her strong performance in looking after our Facebook page, most recently, photos from the International Women's Day breakfast. We find that this is a productive way to keep our members and supporters informed and up to date with relevant information about club events. Please note: Entertainment Book can be purchased through our Facebook page.

Coverage of our International Women's Day Breakfast by radio, television and newspaper was fantastic this year - we couldn't have asked for more! See the Finance and Fundraising Report for details.

Finance & Fundraising Committee
Chairman Diane Tate

55 Zontians gathered at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus for the annual Area 3 Workshop hosted by the Zonta Club of Swan Hills with Area Director Jo Wittorff. The theme of the day was 'Moving forward, together' and information, strategies and tips from each of the six Area 3 clubs assisted in developing this theme. The interactive workshop after lunch provided further opportunities to share ideas. Special thanks to inspirational guest speaker Bella Burgemeister from Bunbury (pictured left) and  our members Karen Mazzella and Jan Greive who had particular 'jobs' and represented our club well. 

Governor Judy Gorton provided updates from International and District and also delivered Lt Governor and Membership Chairman Jane Adornetto's Membership presentation entitled  'A Vital Zonta Club Life'. Valuable information gathered by Jane through Exit Surveys to past members gave an insight into why these people left our clubs - something for us to work on!

Read more and access workshop photos here.