THE Zonta club of Mackay is a group of ladies passionate about improving women of all ages.

The club was first chartered in October 2002 and to date have addressed education, health along with economic needs of women in our local community.

The history of Zonta originated 100 years ago by a small group of pioneering women who came together in Buffalo, New York. Their vision was to encourage all women to realise their potential while using their expertise both individually and combined by providing service to their community.

This is where their vision became a reality and Zonta International was born. One vision all those years ago has now grown to more than 29,000 women in 63 countries, working together with the main aim being gender equality for women and girls globally.

The Mackay Zonta Club focuses on enhancing the status of women by participating in projects for example International Women’s Day held in March.

Each year the club’s aim is to support important events and programs in our community.
This is where their vision became a reality and Zonta International was born. One vision all those years ago has now grown to more than 29,000 women in 63 countries, working together with the main aim being gender equality for women and girls globally.

The Mackay Zonta Club focuses on enhancing the status of women by participating in projects for example International Women’s Day held in March.

Each year the club’s aim is to support important events and programs in our community.

The group advocates for these major programs by educating our community and providing a much-needed voice to the region.

Reclaim the Night is one of those events, held in October each year being Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

The first reclaim the night marches were held in 1978 in Sydney and Perth. Reclaim the night has evolved since 1978 and now includes violence against women but still the focus is on sexual violence.

Those people that participate in Reclaim the Night march to build strength and unity and believe everyone has the right to feel and be safe.

The event signifies a united front with the message that violence of any kind is not acceptable.

The movement honours those without a voice who have been silenced.

Another event is the Candle Lighting Ceremony.

This event is held in May being Domestic Violence Awareness Month and brings community members together to support those who have been affected by domestic and family violence.
Candles are lit along with a minute silence in remembrance of those who have lost their lives because of domestic and family violence.

Other days that promote awareness is that of White Ribbon Day and UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Zonta Club of Mackay recognises women in education with hosting events like the annual women in science breakfast and the young women in public affairs award, which targets young women in senior secondary schools by recognising young women’s leadership.

The club also provides a scholarship to for a woman whose goal is to attend CQ University by completing the STEPS program. The Mackay club sponsors Z Clubs in our local schools in the Mackay District.

The Z clubs and Golden Z clubs are for those students in high school or university with the aim to develop leadership skills, promote career research and participate in relevant community, school, and international projects.

If your school is interested in starting a Z Club or you are becoming a member of Zonta Mackay, you can email the Mackay Club President – [email protected] for further information.

Roborn the Rose