Area 2 Meeting – Longreach 2015

What a great weekend we all enjoyed at the Area 2 Meeting in Longreach. Our heartfelt thanks are due to President Shirley Watts and the Longreach Zontians who so ably hosted the meeting. The hospitality of the western people is legendary of course.

The meeting was a wonderful mix of presentations, workshopping, networking, fun and fellowship which created a very enjoyable few days. Emcee for the meeting was Vicki Rayner who kept the meeting in order and to time.  Our thanks to Alleyne Johnson of Qantas Museum for her part in the organization of the weekend i.e. the venue and the food. The supporting social gatherings organized by the Longreach Zontians were nothing short of fantastic. A visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame to attend one of the shows is a must when visiting Longreach so check out the livestock photos! Norma is never sitting in the front row again and maybe Juanita paid the price of being the youngest member of Zonta present. We also enjoyed Saturday evening dinner seated in the main museum area of the Qantas Museum and were served a very delicious three course meal. Both the meet and greet dinner on Friday evening and the Saturday evening dinner were  attended by some of the partners of Zontians.

 The Meeting was attended by 28 Zontians representing the clubs of Longreach, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Maryborough and Hervey Bay and we missed our Zontian friends from Gladstone and Gympie who weren’t able to attend this time. Attendees included District 22 Governor Judith Trevan-Hawke, Lieutenant Governor Ans Van Erp and Area 2 Director Jan Landsberg. Judith’s presentation to the meeting included an update on District matters, information re nominations for District positions and the coming October Conference. “Don’t sell Membership – Sell the Story” was the title of Ans’ presentation and Jan covered the two topics of Re-Branding and Social Media. Ans also presented a presentation prepared by District Treasurer Elaine Harrington on Club Finances in Elaine’s absence. it was also our pleasure to welcome Dianne Leggo from the Bundaberg club who is a long term Zontian and who has served at both International and District levels. Thanks to Juanita who got us off our chairs and had us moving – well, nearly all of us. The service presentation given by Longreach Zontians must be mentioned as it was in verse form and sung to the well-known tune – We will we will rock you by Queen.

Zonta Club of Longreach Inc. – Service Report   

Guest speaker Jayne Douyere, the sole Radiographer/Sonographer at the Longreach Hospital, gave us insight into the pathway her career has taken and also spoke of the tasks she performs in her job at the hospital. Guest speakers Karen and Darryl Godsiff also presented a very moving story of living through the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand. Both presentations were very well received.

Again, many thanks to President Shirley Watts and the Longreach Zontians for giving us such a memorable weekend.