Zonta Club of Wollongong

12/10/2026

Thirty-two U.S. states still allow child marriage. Two states have no minimum age limit at all, and kids as young as 10 are married here in the US. I interviewed Sherry Johnson, married at age 11 to her ra**st. In some states it's far-right religious groups that defend child marriage, and in others such as Illinois some progressive groups defend child marriage as "child rights." Here's a gift link to my column:

Children are still allowed to marry here in the United States because of zealots on the left and right alike.

11/10/2026

End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!
This year’s theme was developed through consultations with girls, girls’ organizations and girl-led networks as well as civil society organizations and United Nations partners. Together, they called for urgent action to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights – our 2026 theme.

The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

29/09/2026

Are we becoming numb to Domestic Violence?
In the past week the response has been much quieter. So much so, that NSW Premier Chris Minns commented that:
"this is confronting and incredibly violent, but we can’t become numb to the pain or the violence that we see."

52 Australian women have lost their lives to violence this year, including three in recent weeks. How do we make sure we don’t get compassion fatigue?

26/09/2026

As domestic violence cases surge in the region, the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre has temporarily closed its waiting list for women in need. The closure was put in place as the waiting list grew to three months for women and their children seeking help amid domestic violence.

The Illawarra has recorded the state’s second-highest increase for DV attacks, with cases soaring by 10 per cent in the past two years in the Illawarra, from 1132 incidents to 1245.

While the waiting list at the IWTRC may be closed, women are still able to put their name on an ‘expression of interest’ list for when it reopens.

“We are also providing women with information about other services that are available that they can access in the meantime,” Ms Phillips said.

“We need to ensure, and government needs to ensure, that the amount of resourcing actually meets demand so that people who experience domestic family or sexual violence can access support in a timely way when they need it.” Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre (IWTRC) CEO Elise Phillips

Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, 1800RESPECT on 180 737 72 or Men’s Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Article Nadine Morton Illawarra Morton 21st September 26

19/09/2026

Do you know what to do if a friend or family member are experiencing Domestic Violence?

Molly Ticehurst's friends didn't think domestic, family and sexual violence could impact them. Here's what they wished they'd known before their best friend was murdered.

13/09/2026

Welcome news....Australia's first purpose-built service dedicated to long-term recovery from domestic, family and sexual violence is in the Illawarra.

01/09/2026

Applications are now available for Zonta International’s Education Awards and Fellowships! 📢
Education Equality is one of Zonta’s four key areas of focus, and these opportunities help women and girls pursue education, advance their careers and become leaders in their fields.

Explore the updated award pages, deadlines and help spread the word 💬 Link in comments.

31/08/2026

Raising funds for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library by having fun at the Corrimal Rotary Club's Trivia night. Our Zonta table came 6th.

31/08/2026

Another successful Meat raffle at Wombarra Bowlo on Friday night. Thank you again to the club & patrons for this fabulous fundraising opportunity & for supporting our Zonta Club of Wollongong local & international projects. These include support for the Women's Refuge, Homeless hub, Birthing kits & Educational scholarships for women.

28/08/2026

The Zonta Club of Wollongong is holding a Meat and More Raffle with a $2000 badge draw on Friday, August 28, 2026 to support programs for women and girls.