Zonta Rockhampton Centenary High Tea

Members of Zonta Rockhampton with their guests celebrated the Centenary of Zonta International in a real ‘birthday party’ way on Saturday 1st June. The function at the North Rockhampton State High School Hospitality Centre was a great success with 66 attending and enjoying High Tea with all the trimmings. Decorations in the colours of the ZI Centenary of teal and gold were a bright feature of the room.

It was the club’s pleasure to welcome Lieutenant Governor Bridget Mather to the celebrations. Bridget spoke briefly about the Centenary and then presented new member Cara Edwards with a Centenary Certificate and Centenary Pin to mark the Centenary biennium.

Outgoing President Meredith Sutherland was MC and very ably led the event proceedings. Incoming President Catherine Dunbar welcomed our guests to the afternoon of celebration.

The afternoon’s entertainment, presented by talented soloist Francesca Higgins, held everybody’s attention. Francesca has competed in multiple eisteddfods and choirs over the years and has performed in school musicals, RRC Musicals such as The Boy from Oz and Dusty as well as RMU musicals. Francesca has studied music in Sydney and has performed in a choir at the Opera House. She also had a lead role in the musical The Witches of Eastwick in Shellharbour NSW last year. Francesca has just been chosen for the lead role of Christine in the Rockhampton Musical Union production of Phantom of the Opera, which will be performed at the Pilbeam Theatre later in the year. Thankyou Francesca.

Two UNICEF videos were viewed by the guests which gave a very good idea of the partnership which Zonta International has with the United Nations Agencies. The videos covered the areas of health, education and domestic violence, which are major concerns for Zonta Clubs around the world. A Service and Advocacy display also highlighted Zonta’s work.

There was a very successful multi draw raffle and the lucky door prize was donated by Jenny of AusLavender. A quiz about Zonta International had everybody thinking.

The food – what do you say when it is not only beautifully presented, professionally served by Secondary Students, delicious to taste as well as being part of their academic assessment program for the year. Congratulations to those students and to Gaye and Cindy who are the ladies behind the wonderful outcome.

To end the celebration, President Catherine presented Meredith with a bouquet of flowers to mark the end of her very successful term as president and Francesca was also presented with flowers in recognition of her part in the event.

Thanks to all the Zontians who contributed to this successful event.