The Zonta Club of Bundaberg will be hosting their annual International Women’s Day Breakfast on Sunday 5 March 2023 at Rowers on the River, Toonburra Street, Bundaberg. Start time is 7.30am for 8.00am.

The theme for our 2023 Breakfast is "Build a better world for Women and Girls."

Ticket Price $40 includes hot breakfast, fruit and pastries as well as tea, coffee and juice. Enjoy a glass of “bubbly” or OJ on arrival. Don’t forget to bring some cash for the famous Zonta IWD Continuous Raffle. As usual we have some amazing prizes.

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Keynote Guest Speaker

Emeritus Professor Huntly recently retired after 41years working within the Queensland education sector, the last 30 of years in the tertiary sector with CQUniversity. In her 30 years of service to CQUniversity, Helen held various learning and teaching, and management roles, the most recent prior to her retirement as the Vice-President, Academic, heading up the largest division within the university.

Professor Huntly was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to tertiary education in Central Queensland.

Our second speaker is the dynamic and creative Suzy Evans of Oodies Café fame.

In 2014, Suzy Evans and her sister Jenny opened what is one of Bundaberg’s most popular cafés. The pair created a unique ambience where positivity and kindness thrive.

Oodies is the heartbeat of North Bundaberg. The famous café is home to a massive spoon collection, amazing food, coffee and music nights.

Bundy born and bred, Suzy grew up on a family farm between Oakwood and Avondale growing capsicum, eggplant and zucchini.

In the mid 90’s Suzy left school and at age 15 went straight into full time work.

At 17, Suzy gave birth to Zach – who has become one of the city’s finest baristas and a talented muso. When he was 8 months old Suzy returned to full time work in the family farming business which was a centrally located packing shed servicing local farmers.

Suzy worked in agriculture, retail and even had a stint in night clubs to save money as a single mother with plans to study at university. When the chance came to manage a funky furniture shop it shelved plans for further study, but other doors started to open. Suzy met her husband and transferred to Brisbane where she lost 30kgs through a Jenny Craig program. Suzy then wanted to help other people lose weight and change lives, so she became a consultant herself. After 2 years Suzy moved back to Bundaberg to eventually manage the local Jenny Craig centre and then became a state trainer for consultants.

After 7 years and feeling a little burnt out Oodies Café was born.

“This journey has taught me the most about myself. It has broken me down and built me back up into the resilient strong woman I am today. I am more resilient than ever. I am more vulnerable than ever. I am more emotional than ever. I am crazier than ever; I feel the most out of control as ever, but I have realised that this is me and all of these things are what makes me who I am.”

Suzy is committed to her volunteer work with Bush Kids, improving her business, educating others about the flaws in breeding bulldogs and helping young individuals who may have had a rough start to life.

If anyone is qualified to help and inspire others it is Suzy. Bullied at school, moved out of home at age 16, was a single mum who relocated to Brisbane with no support, started a successful business with no money and has always worked her way up the ladder without formal training or qualifications.

Hear more about Helen’s and Suzy's journeys and their contribution to build a better world for girls and women.

Join us on Sunday 5 March 2023 as we celebrate global achievements, agitate for change and raise funds to support the world’s women and girls.

Attending our fundraising breakfast is a fantastic way to show that you support the world’s largest movement for gender equality.