SUE Brown was running a florist shop in Bendigo's Killians Walk when she heard about the Zonta movement, 40 years ago.
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She shared the movement's commitment to helping women and girls follow their passions and potential.
And that's why she's still involved, all these years later.
Sue is a charter member of the Zonta Club of Bendigo.
The service club celebrated its 40th anniversary on Monday.
Though most of the festivities took place online, Sue's decades of service warranted a special morning tea.
Sue said she hadn't wanted a fuss made of her milestone, but thanked all those involved in the small celebration.
She told attendees it did not feel like 40 years since she joined Zonta Bendigo.
The club has been part of most of Sue's life since moving to central Victoria.
She moved to the region 42 years ago and lives on a sheep and wheat farm in Bridgewater with her husband.
One of the first Zonta initiatives she remembers being involved in was raising money for a bus to help take attendees to and from the day centre the club then ran.
Sue said she was passionate about assembling birthing kits for mothers in developing countries - one of the club's annual initiatives.
Zonta Bendigo has assembled 40,000 birthing kits in its 40 years. The broader community has helped make kits for 16 years, with COVID-19 restrictions preventing this year's working bee.
Sue has coordinated one of the club's other core activities - making cushions for breast cancer patients post-surgery - for the past 13 years.
Zonta Bendigo said it was to Sue's credit more than 1800 breast cushions had been made.
Club president Janet Cobden said Sue has been her go-to person and valued mentor.
Sue received roses, a Zonta pin and a certificate.
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