Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle 'Women of Note' for International Women's Day

The Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle, Australia, launched “Women of Note,” a multimedia presentation highlighting the outstanding work of 10 remarkable women from the Hunter-Newcastle region on 8 March, International Women's Day. The event was subsequently offered to the general public on 13 March. The presentation took place at the Lake Macquarie City Multi Arts Pavilion (MAP mima). MAP mima is a cutting-edge 360-degree art gallery and performance space located at Speers Point on the shores of Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia.

More than 50 guests attended, including some of the featured women and/or their families. The project aimed to both celebrate local women’s achievements and raise awareness of Zonta International’s mission. By highlighting stories of resilience, leadership and advocacy, the initiative also seeks to inspire younger generations to learn from the experiences of those who came before them.

The women featured represent diverse fields and eras, from Aboriginal education and wartime nursing to science, public service and community advocacy. Among those recognized are Aunty Laurel Williams for her work in Aboriginal education; Matron Ida Greaves for her service as a military nurse during World War I; Harriet and Helena Scott, 19th-century naturalists and artists; Caroline Chisholm for her humanitarian efforts supporting immigrant women and children; Beryl Scott Nashar, a geologist and academic; Robynne Murphy, a leader in the “Jobs for Women” campaign; Dell Saunders for her decades of volunteer service in sport; Kay Fraser, former mayor of Lake Macquarie; and Deborah Wallace, a former Detective Superintendent with the New South Wales Police Force.

The 10 women were selected to align with the exhibition capacity of MAPmima and were chosen from a broader pool of accomplished individuals within the community. Organizers emphasized that many of these women overcame significant challenges to achieve success and create lasting impact.

The project was developed over eight months in partnership with Lake Macquarie City Council, with support from MAPmima Curator and Operations Manager David Rastas and Cultural Advisor Miriam Foley. Club members conducted extensive research, collaborated with local libraries and, where possible, consulted directly with the women or their families to ensure accuracy.

Zonta Club members Maree Brenton, Jill Maclachlan, Kate Magee, Cathy McDonald, Lisa Lovi, Carolyn Reggers and Caroline Rose contributed to researching and writing the featured stories, with project coordination led by Jill Maclachlan.