Handing a chapter over

THE Zonta Club of Bendigo recently handed over a copy of their published 40 year history book to the Goldfields Library.

The club, founded as Zonta International Club in November 1980, has over its 40 years become known in Bendigo for its service projects including scholarships for young women at school and university, birthing kits, breast cushions, the Zonta bus and day centre, with many more projects all documented in their history.

After being given a grant to digitise their records in 2017, The Zonta Club developed the idea to write a book gathering together the group’s history, leading up to the celebration of the organisation’s 40th anniversary in 2021.

The creation process of the artifact took four volunteers allocated to focus on one decade each, with editorial and research assistance from two club stalwarts.

With the effects of the COVID pandemic, there was a disruption to the book’s publication timeline, which was to play an important part in celebrating Zonta Club’s 40th birthday, despite delays the historical piece was published within the 40 year milestone.

During the creation of A history of the Zonta Club Bendigo, writers continued to search through annual reports, albums of photos and minutes from Board and Club meetings highlighting aspects of Zonta Bendigo’s activities across 80’, 90’, 20’ and 2010.

Past president, Ann Horrocks said that her favourite part of putting together the book was looking back at the club’s past.

“My favourite part of its creation was seeing all the photos, members and reading what we have achieved of the 40 years, putting it all together and seeing what has been done,” Ms Horrocks said.

“We have achieved a lot in the community and supported Zonta International.

“It feels good for it to be done now, it was in the back of our minds to want to do it, and have it finished and to have it done, printed and come out as well as it did, makes us feel really happy.”

Once the group received their copies in November 2021, it was decided to donate a copy to the local library.

The Goldfields Library has gone on to purchase two other copies of the text, with one version now kept in the history and archives section.

Goldfields Senior Libraries Senior Librarian, Vivien Newton said it feels nice to have the club’s history in their resources.

“At the library, we try to collect any local clubs and organisations that produce a history to put their books in the library.

“There are always other people who are interested in it, and it means we keep the record in the public interest instead of it being hidden away at the club,” Ms Newton said.

To borrow A history of the Zonta Club Bendigo, celebrating all the Zonta Club of Bendigo’s achievements over its 40 years of service to the community and Zonta international visit The Goldfields Library.