Zonta International Convention Reception

The 22^nd Governor of Queensland and Zonta International Past President, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; Zonta International President Ms Ute Scholz; Directors of the Board of Zonta International and the Zonta Foundation for Women, District Governors; Convention Chair Ms Judy Gorton; international committee chairs; Executive Director Ms Megan Radavich, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people.

As Governor of Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House this evening to celebrate the beginning of Zonta’s 66^th international convention and the success of the past biennium under the leadership of President Ute.

As most of you will know, this is only the third time in Zonta’s long history that a convention has been held in Australia and the first time in Queensland, so I also take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome on behalf of all Queenslanders to those who are visiting us here in Australia’s Sunshine State for the first time.

Zonta has made a remarkable contribution to advancing the status of women in the century since it was established. Women globally now have more economic power, increased independence, and greater equality in education and the professions, but, as every one of you is all too aware, violence against women and girls remains an intransigent problem, everywhere in the world.

It is in this field that Zonta has made such a significant impact in recent years and I congratulate all of you, as leaders, on your ongoing commitment to long-term initiatives such as the Zonta Says No campaign and the project to eliminate child marriage.

In fact, you may have noticed that Government House is bathed in an orange glow this evening, as we join other prominent landmarks, including Brisbane’s Story Bridge and Victoria Bridge, in lighting up orange this week in support of the Zonta Says No campaign to combat violence again women.

While equity for women and girls is unlikely to be achieved in our lifetimes, new generations of Zontians, and those amazing girls and young women in Z Clubs and Golden Z clubs, are devoting their passion and energy to Zonta’s goals. That generational transfer is one of the keys to Zonta’s enduring success since 1919 and it is encouraging for us all, both women and men.

Also key to Zonta’s success is its diversity of membership and I am delighted to see representatives of no fewer than 18 countries here this evening.

By working together across national borders (not to mention time-zones!), you have reinforced Zonta’s underpinning objective of advancing international understanding and goodwill, and have contributed to the ultimate goal of achieving peace.

Thank you for your hard work and advocacy over the last two years, both internationally and in your own communities…

Thank you for continuing to strive to build a future in which no woman or girl lives in fear of violence…

And thank you all for your continued belief in Zonta’s vision of achieving equity in an unequal world.

Have a wonderful Convention and I look forward to joining you at Friday’s official opening.