In late January, club members had the privilege of attending Parliament House in Sydney to attend the NCW NSW Celebrate Being Australian 2026 event . Each year, our club sponsors an award, which is given to a student from the UTS School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Sushitha Vijayan Kumar, Bachelor of Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney (Final year
2026) was Zonta Sydney’s nomination for this Celebrate Being Australian award on
Wednesday 28 th January at Parliament House. Dr Angeline Low acted as Sushita’s
sponsor.
The event was a joyous occasion with 9 awardees receiving their certificates and the
day being completed with inspiring speeches from Dr Olga Boichhak, PhD MPA,
Director of Sydney Social Sciences and Advanced Research Centre, University of
Sydney (SSSHARC) whose expertise is in the role of digital media in wars and
Professor Gabrielle Caspar who is a Sydney gynaecologist with a special interest in
women’s health and human rights including violence against women. Professor
Caspar is Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of
Medicine, The University Notre Dame Australia.
The Awards were presented by The Hon Jodie Harrison MP Minister for Women,
Minister for Seniors , and the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and
Sexual Assault. Councillor Yvonne Weldon AM a Wiradjuri women, and independent
Councillor for the City of Sydney gave a wonderfully inclusive Welcome to Country.
Leshia Bubniuk, President of the NCWNSW spoke of the generosity of over 30 years
of this event with the help of sponsors to provide financial ‘bursary’ support to over
300 women undergraduates. Closing remarks were made by Fiona Dorman from
Adelaide, President of the National Council of Women Australia. Rosemay
Abrahams from Zonta Sydney and Executive member from NCWNSW was MC for
the stimulating and happy event.
Zonta Club of Sydney 