Saturday, March 8th marked International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the remarkable women who inspire change, challenge norms, and make a difference both globally and locally, including here in the beautiful Whitsundays.
Zonta Whitsundays hosted a lively and vibrant community event to honor the incredible women of the region. The celebration was filled with an array of delightful food, exciting raffles, heartfelt awards, sparkling moments, and a lively atmosphere that had everyone dancing and enjoying the company of one another. It was a day that truly brought the community together, creating lasting memories and recognising the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in the Whitsundays.
Two exceptional women who stood out on the day were Zonta's Women of the Year, Margaret Kurzok and Faye Chapman. Their unwavering dedication to the local community over the years has had a profound impact, and they continue to inspire those around them through their tireless efforts and selfless contributions. Their recognition was a testament to their years of hard work and passion for improving the lives of others in the Whitsundays.
Awards were also presented to younger generations, some of which had won scholarships with Zonta for their amazing efforts, including Zuri Potelli, Isabella o'sullivan, Eleanor Baldock, Thalia foster.
Mayor Ry Collins who attended the celebrations stated:
"It is great to see everyone coming together, I think it's really empowering the women in our community.
"I think that the theme of this year's one is about bridging that gender gap from an equality point of view.
"I think it would be a mistake to assume that these issues will resolve themselves on their own. We can't just flick a switch and expect everything to be fixed.
"It takes the efforts of groups like Zonta,to really keep putting these things on the agenda and making sure that we're moving in the right direction with key issues for women."
"As mayor of the region, I've got a role to play in making sure that our women have a really strong place in our community, and the things I really try to focus on are safety, security and making sure that there's opportunities for women in their community."
Marlene Reiffel, Zonta Whitsundays president, also reflected on the days festivities:
"International Womens Day is important because it's recognised worldwide for women, and we need that recognition desperately.
"Not only do we need that recognition but we also can showcasing some of the fantastic people in our community."
What began as a day filled with laughter, fun, and recognition has become a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the remarkable women in your life.
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