2016 AGM – Committee Reports – Service

Service Report 2015-2016

Chair: Tancie Thompson

Committee: Marion Frederick, Sandra Gray, Pam Harrak, Judith McDonald

International Women’s Day

On Saturday March 5, 2016, a very successful brunch was held at the Palmwoods Hotel, to celebrate International Women’s Day. Seventy-four women attended and enjoyed the presentation by guest speakers, Linda Dennis and Shine Jang, who spoke about services available to newly-arrived migrants on the Sunshine Coast. Thanks to the committee for the excellent organisation of this event.

Birthing Kits

On Saturday July 25, 2015, Maroochy Zonta members and a number of supporters gathered at the Coolum Baptist Church hall, to assemble and dispatch 600 birthing kits. Members provided a wonderful lunch and all present enjoyed the opportunity for fellowship after the task was completed.

Young Women in Public Affairs

Only one eligible application was received. Marion Frederick, Diane Faulkner and Sandra Gray met to consider this application. Although the applicant showed promise, the application was deemed incomplete. The club decided to give a one-off $100 Encouragement Award and suggested she consider applying for the 2017 award.

Mature-Age Bursaries

Maroochy Zonta is the only club offering these bursaries. This year we are offering an additional $500 bursary, due to the generosity of Cheryl & Paul Geoghegan, who were impressed by information given about this initiative, at the IWD brunch. Nine eligible applications have been received, and Marion Frederick, Jenny Garde and Sandra Gray will meet to shortlist and interview finalists.

Breast-care Cushions and Drain Bags

A small number of DVDs has been placed, as part of a borrowing library, in the new breast-care clinic at the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital, Buderim. Since the end of May 2015, 14 drain bags have been delivered to Nambour General hospital, Ward 1B; 88 breast-care cushions and 80 drain bags have been delivered to Sunshine coast Private Hospital, Ward 4B. Many thanks goes to long-term supporter, Sylvia Simpson, who at the age of 90+, is no longer able to assist in this way. Fortunately, three of our newer members, Judith McDonald, Donna Bellringer and Chris Brigg, have taken on this project and have already produced many of these items.

Pamper Packs and Christmas Hampers for Emergency Accommodation Facilities

As we have done for many years, Zonta members donated a variety of toiletries, groceries and gifts to be assembled into pamper packs and hampers for distribution to families in refuges on the coast. Representatives from Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre, Sonshine Sanctuary and SunnyKids were guests at the November dinner when these gifts were presented.

Marion Frederick & Sandra Gray