United: Soroptimist members from across Victoria gathered for the Soroptimist International Regional Meeting.
In the heart of Shepparton, an organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls is making waves, but it needs reinforcements.
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Membership has dwindled at the Soroptimist International of Shepparton.
Its 24 members have become the embodiment of ‘a woman’s work is never done’ as they juggle a robust agenda and keep their hive of charitable activity buzzing.
Yet, there’s still cause to celebrate.
On Saturday, April 20, Shepparton Golf Club hosted the Soroptimist International Regional Meeting, connecting about 30 women from Soroptimist clubs across Victoria.
Members from Shepparton, Ballarat, Brighton, Geelong and Melba were treated to a day of powerful presentations that underscored the organisation’s commitment to women’s issues.
Kath Mazzella, a Soroptimist and gynaecological cancer survivor, enriched the meeting’s agenda with her compelling story.
After battling the disease, Ms Mazzella noticed the silence surrounding women’s gynaecological health.
This spurred her to establish the Gynaecological Awareness Information Network, which has since supported thousands of women and illuminated a topic often hidden in the shadows.
Fighting fit: Kath Mazzella emphasised the importance of increasing awareness about vulva cancer.
In their own right, the Shepparton Soroptimists’ work has significantly impacted countless individuals and groups within the community.
They’ve donated $2000 to support a deaf student from Greater Shepparton Secondary College to travel overseas, funded a post-graduate allied health student’s qualifications, and raised $5000 for GV Hospice, a nursing service for people in their final stage of life.
Without strong membership numbers, these accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible.
According to a Shepparton Soroptimist spokesperson, the group usually has about 30 members.
Hence, they are calling for more women to join their ranks.
Monthly meetings are held every third Thursday at the Peppermill Inn in Shepparton, and a unique agenda is scheduled for this month.
The upcoming May meeting, ‘So…Soro.. Sorr…. Sorry, what?’ on Thursday, May 16, is catered to those unfamiliar with the organisation’s work, featuring a mini-workshop to discuss the best way to introduce Soroptimist International.
With new members, the organisation hopes to expand its reach and continue its work, ensuring a brighter future for women and girls in Shepparton and beyond.
Soroptimist International of Shepparton’s next meeting is on Thursday, May 16, at the Peppermill Inn, 7900 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Shepparton, at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.
All interested women are welcome to attend.
To register your attendance, contact Elaine Lenon on 0438 253 886 or elainelenon2@gmail.com
Warm welcome: Soroptimist International of Victoria secretary Denise Meehan with Shepparton Soroptimist Julie Ellis.
