What We Do
Local Action, Global Impact.
Our Service
At Zonta Northern Beaches, we are committed to empowering women and girls through service, advocacy, and educational initiatives that create lasting change. Our work spans both local and global projects, with a strong focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in our community and around the world.
Local Projects
Our local projects are aimed at empowering women and girls in the Northern Beaches by providing essential resources and support. We offer practical help to women recovering from breast cancer surgery, those leaving domestic violence shelters, and their children. Our initiatives also support education and workforce re-entry, fostering independence and stability. Additionally, we contribute to community needs, including raising funds for initiatives like providing a Guide Dog, furthering our commitment to those in need.
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We offer grants to local high school girls and women seeking further education, enabling them to fully participate in school life and pursue their academic goals without financial strain. Additionally, for women transitioning from refuges, we offer study grants to support their return to the workforce, helping them gain skills and build a brighter future.
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At Zonta Northern Beaches, we are dedicated to helping women and children rebuild their lives after escaping domestic violence. Through our ongoing relationship with the Northern Beaches Womens Shelter and the Women & Children First (Refuge) , we provide vital support to those starting fresh.
We offer kitchen starter kits to women leaving domestic violence shelters, ensuring they have the essential supplies needed to set up new homes. Additionally, we provide school starter kits for children of these women, helping them transition smoothly into new environments with the tools they need to thrive. Our goal is to offer practical assistance and hope for a brighter, safer future
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Zonta Northern Beaches members produce and distribute approximately 400 Breast Care Cushions annually to women recovering from breast cancer surgery at SAN Wahroonga and Northern Beaches Hospital. These specially designed cushions offer both physical comfort and emotional support to individuals following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, easing their recovery process.
The production of these cushions brings together volunteers for sewing, stuffing, and packaging, fostering a sense of community and purpose. In addition to our work for women, we also provide denim cushions for men upon request. As the demand for these cushions grows, there is a continual need for fundraising to cover the cost of materials, ensuring we can continue supporting those in need.
Global Initiatives
Our global initiatives align with Zonta International's mission to promote gender equality by improving access to education and healthcare. We have funded projects such as a water well in Sri Lanka, supported schools in South Africa and the Solomon Islands, and sponsored girls' education in Kenya. Additionally, we’ve distributed over 58,000 birthing kits to ensure safer deliveries in under-resourced areas, making a significant impact on the health and well-being of women and their families worldwide.
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Our members have packed and distributed over 58,000 birthing kits to ensure safe deliveries in under-resourced and crisis-affected areas worldwide. Each kit addresses the seven essential 'cleans' needed for a safe birth, helping to prevent infections and reduce maternal and newborn mortality. With an estimated 385,000 women dying annually from childbirth-related complications—many preventable—our work provides crucial support to mothers and babies. The frequency of birthing kit assembly days depends on funds raised through donations and events, with a $5 donation covering the cost of assembling and delivering one kit to a woman in need.
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We provide ongoing financial support to two girls in the Solomon Islands, helping them access education and improve their future prospects.
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We contribute to Zonta International service projects by donating a portion of our funds to the Zonta Foundation for Women, supporting self-help programs globally in partnership with organisations like UNIFEM and UNICEF.
In 2019, our Club was honored to receive the International Women’s Day Pittwater Women of the Year Award from the Hon. Rob Stokes, state member for Pittwater, recognising our ongoing commitment to the community.
We also actively participate in International Women’s Day by organising events that celebrate the achievements of women and raise awareness of the ongoing fight for gender equality.
Our Impact
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400+
Breast care cushions distributed annually to Northern Beaches Hospital and SAN Wahroonga.
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58000+
Birthing kits packed and distributed to developing countries to ensure safe births.
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100+
Student grants to high school girls and disadvantaged women re-entering the workforce.
Advocacy
Our advocacy work is dedicated to promoting gender equality, ending violence against women, and supporting the rights of women and girls worldwide. As part of this commitment, we actively participate in the Zonta Says NO campaign, which focuses on eliminating violence against women, raising awareness, and driving action to create a safer, more equitable world for women.
16 Days of Activism
Every year, we participate in this global campaign to raise awareness and speak out about violence against women. Our activities include an annual community walk , the Manly Promenade Walk, with all the organisations that make up the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence network, where we engage with the public to highlight issues of gender-based violence . “Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women”
International Women’s Day
We actively participate in this significant day, organizing an annual IWD breakfast at Newport Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. This event celebrates the achievements of women and awards Pittwater Women of The Year presented by the Pittwater member of NSW parliament.
Expanding Access to Education
At Zonta Northern Beaches, we believe that education is not just a pathway to personal success, but a powerful tool for achieving gender equality and fostering leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. Our efforts to expand access to education include a range of scholarships, fellowships, and awards designed to support young women in their academic and professional journeys.
Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award
We recognise young women aged 16-19 who are actively engaged in public policy, government, and volunteer organisations, encouraging them to continue their leadership journey and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Zonta Achievement Award for Young Indigenous Women
This award empowers Indigenous women to pursue education and leadership roles, helping to uplift their communities and inspire future generations.
Z Clubs | Empowering the Next Generation
Zonta Northern Beaches is proud to support Z Clubs, youth-led organisations that empower students to take meaningful action on social justice issues. Our Z Clubs provide a platform for young people to develop leadership skills, promote gender equality, and work towards ending violence against women and children, all while contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Z Clubs in Our Community
Zonta Northern Beaches is proud to host Z Clubs at two local schools:
Mackellar Girls Campus, Manly Vale (established in 2014)
Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood (established in 2023)
These clubs meet three times per term during lunchtime, where students engage in activities and projects aligned with Zonta’s core values of service and advocacy. Members work together to address important social issues, develop solutions, and foster a sense of responsibility for making the world a better place.
