SOROPTIMISTS are business and professional women and members of an international network of clubs across 130 countries intent on making a difference in the lives of women and girls.

In Canberra the chartering of a new club for our district was celebrated at Beaver Galleries, Deakin, with members of the established Canberra club joining international and interstate guests from Soroptimist International to participate in the establishment of SI ACT Monaro.

President of the club is Jane Gray who brings years of SI experience to her role, including a stint as the president of the first Canberra club. That club was established in 1955 at the Hotel Civic with Dame Pattie Menzies as its honorary member.

Among the guests was president of the NSW Region Lesley Lawson, president of Soroptimists International of South West Pacific Carolyn Hudson and from NZ Laurie Swift who oversees membership of the federation. And showing their support, the contingent of seven from SI Brisbane Waters, which is on the Central Coast and nowhere near Brisbane, came for a fun Canberra weekend as well as the main event.

What these Soroptimists do is important and their current focus is on domestic violence and support for victims. Sadly, it’s a growing need in our community, but the challenge is in good hands.