Central Coast: Soroptimist International Brisbane Water

Soroptimist International is a global movement of over 70,000 women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories across five federations. The name means ‘the best for women’.

The Soroptimist International Brisbane Water (SIBW) club meets monthly on the Central Coast and has been active in community service in the local area since 2006. They currently have a membership of 25 women dedicated to implementing initiatives and advocacy to improve the lives of women and girls through project work both locally and internationally.

In 2020, they partnered with third year social work students at the University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus to design the seven-week ASPIRE program to support girls in the areas of confidence building, body image, positive relationships, goal setting and career path planning. This program has been implemented in many Central Coast secondary schools and SIBW provides financial support of $500 per year to these schools. Sponsors are sought to help fund the program.

A long running initiative involves collecting items for personal care packs for patients at Gosford and Wyong Mental Health Units. SIBW also support Allawah House at East Gosford, a project to provide affordable housing for older women. They advocate with local politicians on issues involving women, and participate in the 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence, an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November.

The major event of the year is the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast in March. A social committee plans fun interactive activities so members can meet and build strong friendships and connections.

For further information visit the website for the Federation of South East Asia and Pacific: siseap.org.
Or visit facebook.com/sibrisbanewater.
Contact sibrisbanewater@siswp.org for info about meetings. Theaspireprogram.com.au offers information about ASPIRE.