Zonta Bendigo

08/06/2026

💛 HELP US SAVE LIVES — ONE BIRTHING KIT AT A TIME 💛

"No woman should die giving life."

Yet every year, around 300,000 women and babies lose their lives during childbirth, many from preventable infections.

For the past 20 years, a simple but powerful idea has been helping to change this. A clean blade, gloves, gauze, a plastic sheet and cord ties — basic items that, when packed into a birthing kit, can mean the difference between life and death for a mother and her baby.

This year, the Zonta Club of Bendigo has set an ambitious goal: to assemble 2,000 birthing kits for women in vulnerable communities around the world.

The best part? Just $5 provides one complete birthing kit.
Our fundraising target is $5,000, and every donation, large or small, will help us get closer to providing these lifesaving kits.

Imagine the impact:
💛 $25 = 5 birthing kits
💛 $50 = 10 birthing kits
💛 $100 = 20 birthing kits
Together, we can help ensure safer births, healthier babies, and stronger communities.
Please consider supporting our campaign and helping us give more mothers the chance to welcome their babies safely into the world.
Because no woman, anywhere in the world, should die giving life.

Donate here:
https://www.mycause.com.au/page/399173/zonta-bendigo-birthing-kit-fundraiser?

“No woman should die giving life.” But the stark reality is this: around 300,000 women and babies still die each year during childbirth, many from preventable infection. This year, the Zonta Club of B

04/06/2026

👉 Sandy Venn-Brown is hoping to drive interest in women's advocacy around the globe as the new president-elect of Zonta International.

LINK TO FULL STORY IN COMMENTS 👇

29/05/2026

This National Reconciliation Week, Zonta District 23 recognises the strength and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Now more than ever, we must stand with First Nations women as they navigate persistent gaps in safety, health, economic opportunity and justice.

Reconciliation is not passive. It requires us to listen to Indigenous women’s voices, support their solutions, and work together for real systemic change 💗

Resources:
🖤 https://www.reconciliation.org.au/.../national.../
💛 https://natsiwa.org.au/
❤️ https://www.wiyiyaniuthangani.com.au/
👣 https://humanrights.gov.au/.../articles.../close-gap-2021

25/05/2026

Today, on International Missing Children’s Day, we remember the thousands of children who go missing each year and the families left living with uncertainty and grief. In Australia, many of these cases are linked to family violence, unsafe home environments, or parental separation disputes, issues that disproportionately affect women and children.

As we lead into National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, we would like to highlight the recent case of Kumanjayi Little Baby in the Northern Territory. Five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was reported missing from Ilyperenye town on the night of April 25, 2026. Following a massive search, her body was discovered in bushland roughly 5 kilometres south of the camp on April 30. Her death sparked immense grief and triggered protests and vigils across Australia, with thousands of mourners wearing pink, her favourite colour.

This tragedy highlighted deep systemic issues and inequalities within the child protection and social support systems across Australia. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of these realities and the need for stronger protective systems. Zonta District 23 stands with families still awaiting answers and support efforts to improve prevention, early intervention, and community awareness so fewer children are placed at risk.

Links & Resources:
💗 https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6p57mnz9lo
🌸 https://www.missingpersons.gov.au/news/international-missing-childrens-day-2026
🌷 https://www.afp.gov.au/our-services/community-events-engagement/international-missing-childrens-day

Support Services:
📞 13YARN
📱 1800RESPECT

25/05/2026

🖤💛❤️ National Sorry Day 🖤💛❤️

Today on National Sorry Day, Zonta District 23 stands with First Nations women and girls. National Sorry Day is a time to recognise the pain and strength of the Stolen Generations and to acknowledge the ongoing intergenerational impacts on Indigenous women and their families. We know that many of the systemic barriers Indigenous women face today are rooted in past government policies of forced removal.

We honour the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who continue to lead healing, advocacy, and change in their communities.

Resources to learn and support:
🖤 https://natsiwa.org.au/
💛 https://humanrights.gov.au/.../bringing-them-home-chapter-17
❤️ https://healingfoundation.org.au/stolen-generations/

Zonta remains committed to gender equality and to walking alongside Indigenous women in creating a future where every woman and girl is safe, heard, and valued.

22/05/2026

20/05/2026

CLOSING DATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!

Are you (or do you know) a young woman about to begin a University degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics in 2026? The Zonta Club of Bendigo’s Ann Horrocks STEM Award offers $1,500 to help you step confidently into a field where women are still under-represented — and where your ideas and talents are truly needed.
If you completed Year 12 or a TAFE equivalent in the past five years (excluding Health Sciences), this is your opportunity to let your potential shine and shape the future.
💰 $1,500 Award
📅 Applications close 31st May 2026
🔗 Apply now: www.zontabendigo.org/awards.html
Please share with daughters, granddaughters, students, colleagues and friends — opportunity starts with encouragement!

20/05/2026

WHY MUSCLE MATTERS – Your Secret Weapon to Healthy Ageing

Zonta Club of Bendigo is delighted to support our valued sponsor, Kieser Bendigo, in promoting this important community event featuring Dr Jackson Fyfe from Deakin University.

Join this engaging and practical presentation exploring why muscle strength is one of the keys to healthy ageing, independence, longevity and quality of life. Learn evidence-based strategies to build strength, improve health and stay consistent with exercise.

📅 Thursday 28 May
⏰ 6:30pm – 7:45pm
📍 Circular Lecture Theatre, La Trobe University Bendigo

Topics include:
✔ Why muscle is critical for healthy ageing
✔ The connection between strength, longevity and quality of life
✔ Simple ways to begin – and maintain – an exercise routine
✔ Staying strong, capable and independent

An added bonus – proceeds from ticket sales will support Bendigo Health’s Move for Mental Health initiative.

Tickets are limited – register here:
https://events.humanitix.com/why-muscle-matters-your-secret-weapon-to-healthy-aging

08/05/2026

Zonta Australia proudly congratulates Sandy Venn Brown from the Stanthorpe(Qld) District 22 club on her success in being elected to International President Elect for the 2026-2028 biennium. Sandy - it will be a privilege to work with you over this biennium and the next one as International President!

Zonta is a global organisation of around around 25000 members in 62 countries…why don’t you join us!

08/05/2026

Celebrating Leadership, Service and Growth at Zonta Club of Bendigo

What a wonderful evening at the Zonta Club of Bendigo Changeover Dinner!

We were delighted to welcome Area 4 Director Donna as we celebrated another successful year of service, advocacy and friendship. The evening was made even more special with the induction of our sixth new member for 2025–26, Jane, a wonderful sign that our club continues to grow and thrive.

Congratulations also to Siti, our club nominee for the Zonta International Women in STEM Award, recognised for her outstanding achievements and potential.

A highlight of the evening was the installation of incoming President Sue Clarke, along with the 2026–27 Board of Directors and office bearers. Outgoing President Rosalie reflected on a memorable year of fundraising, scholarships, advocacy and projects supporting women and girls locally and internationally, and thanked members for their dedication and teamwork throughout the year.

Sue then presented Rosalie with a gift in recognition of her leadership, commitment and years of service to the club.

The evening also provided a special opportunity to honour members celebrating significant Zonta years of service:
🌟 Linda Marchesani and Sally Thomson – 10 years
🌟 Sue Clarke – 15 years
🌟 Rosalind Deacon – 20 years
🌟 Naidene Parry – 25 years
🌟 Dale Little – 30 years
🌟 Rosalie Lake – 35 years

Thank you to all our members for the passion, friendship and service you bring to Zonta. Together, we continue to make a difference for women and girls in our community and beyond. 💛