Our Work
Zonta Clubs select, fund and participate in community projects fundamental to promoting women's economic self-sufficiency, political equality, access to education and health care and the elimination of violence against women.
Each year, Zontians dedicate thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars to effecting these changes, while the Zonta International programs funded by the Zonta International Foundation impact these issues on a global level.
The Zonta Club of Dunsborough participates in the following service projects and activities.
Breast Care Cushions
Possibly the most widely known Zonta service project in Australia, the Zonta Breast Care Cushion was designed by a Zonta member after hearing from a friend about the difficulty of recovering from breast surgery.
The cushion aids recovery by allowing the woman to sit, sleep and rest comfortably, as well as by preventing hurt from bumps while walking around and any discomfort from wearing seat belts. (About 2% of breast cancers occur in men, and the Zonta Breast Care Cushion is certainly provided to men on request.)
The Breast Care Cushion project has been an endorsed service project in all Districts in Australia since 2001 and thousands of women have benefited from receiving a cushion.
The Zonta Club of Dunsborough holds working bees throughout the year, with members of the community often assisting to hand-make and donate these cushions to local hospitals. They are provided to both male and female patients by Breast care nurses.
Birthing Kits
Every ninety seconds a woman dies of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. approximately 525,000 women die annually in childbirth, many from infections acquired during childbirth. For every woman who dies in childbirth, probably 30 incur injuries and infections - many of which are often painful, disabling, embarrassing and lifelong. 60 million women give birth each year with the assistance of a Traditional Birth Attendant or no assistance at all.
Zonta Birthing kits provide for a clean birthing environment that decreases the risk of death from infection and bleeding.
Z- Clubs
To truly change the lives of women and girls globally now and for generations to come, we must invest in youth development and mentor young leaders for gender equality. Zonta International believes young people are critical to achieving gender equality and ending violence against women and girls around the world.
Through the Z Clubs, Zonta members work to bring Zonta International’s mission to students around the world and to stimulate new and meaningful student-led service and advocacy projects
Geographe Bay Z Club
In 2019 Busselton Senior High School formed the Geographe Bay Z Club, A school based Zonta service club, supported by the Zonta Club of Dunsborough. Since forming in 2019 the Z Club has undertaken numerous school-based, community-based, and international projects. Covid has affected service delivery to some extent, however it meant we had to be creative and think outside the box for some projects. Some of our creative endeavors included an international pen pal project with other Z Clubs including The Z Club of Colombo in Sri Lanka and Corvallis High School in Oregon. We also ran a virtual online campaign for anti-bullying day as we were unable to hold school events.
Some of our most successful events have included ‘’It’s in a Bag’’ for Share the Dignity, with our Z Club contributing close to 300 bags over three years. School based events such as RU OK Day, Anti-bullying Day and IDAHOBIT (International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) saw Z Cub members baking cupcakes, selling sausage sizzles and chip butty’s and putting on a wonderful colour run. Community events have included our donation drives for SAFE (Saving Animals from Euthanasia) Busselton, and Street Friends WA. Along with the donation drive for blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing, students also fundraised and raised over $2000 for Street Friends WA, a not-for-profit who support homeless people in and around Perth. Students also took part in a local Lions Cancer Institute Xmas Appeal that would assist local youth with severe disabilities to attend a Xmas Outing with presents and a visit from Santa. Our Z Club raised over $600 towards this event. Our international event involves Z Club members joining forces with the student council and taking part in the Walk for Tenderfeet, a fundraiser that supports young girls in Kibera, Kenya to engage in education.
International Women's Day
Annual breakfasts are held on International Women’s Day advocating improved health, education and status of women.
Guest speakers are invited to present on topics of interest.
Various awards are presented at the event, celebrating and recognising women in the community for their achievements and contributions.
Zonta Rose Garden
The Zonta Rose Garden was established in 2000 to commemorate past Zontians. Zonta’s floral emblem is the yellow rose. Although there is a “Zonta” variety, it is not suitable for W.A. conditions. An inner core of “Gold Bunny” was originally planted, surrounded by “Freesia”. The roses were donated by club members with Jennifer Walker being a significant contributor. The Shire of Busselton built the rose bed and supplied irrigation. Members then held a busy bee to plant the roses. The club pruned, mulched and fertilised the Rose Garden for many years, but is now maintained by the City of Busselton.
The Rose Garden stands in the centre of Dunsborough in Lion’s Park and the club is proud that the yellow roses form a focal point in a much loved and used part of our community.
White Ribbon Campaign
The White Ribbon Campaign is a global movement, working to end male violence and abuse against women and girls.
By uniting as a community, we are challenging the attitudes and behaviours of the minority of men/boys who use or condone violence against women.
Stand up
Speak out and
Act for gender equality.
