The South West Pacific federation of Soroptimist International celebrated 30 years of service last weekend at the South Island regional conference in Gore.
Region South immediate past-president Jeanette McIntyre said more than 40 women from seven South Island clubs attended the conference.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.
Members of Soroptimist International strive to be a global voice for women, through awareness, advocacy, and action.
Mrs McIntyre said the theme for the conference was ‘‘Gore - Heart of the Country''.
‘‘We are the country music capital of New Zealand, after all.''
The delegates were entertained on Saturday at the Longford function centre by the Gore Country Music Club.
Mrs McIntyre said the conference, which was opened by Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks, allowed the delegates to reflect on the work they did nationally and internationally to advance the cause of women and children, especially in the areas of education and health.
‘‘We were very lucky to have Betty Loughead with us, after whom the Betty Loughead Soroptimist Scholarship is named.
‘‘This scholarship allows for women anywhere in New Zealand to have a second chance at education.''
‘‘We are very lucky in Gore, as the closest Soroptimist club to Otago University, to have been involved in handing over a number of these scholarship cheques in the past,'' Mrs McIntyre said.
She said the delegates were also able to reflect on the project they had been involved in internationally called ‘Hands Across the Borders'. The project involves helping women and children receive education and healthcare in Thailand and Cambodia.
She said the conference was ‘‘very satisfying''.
At the social hour on Friday night, delegates were entertained by the Hi-Tops quartet.
Nelson club member Donna Kennedy was appointed new president of the southern region on Saturday.
The membership cup was presented to the Nelson and Waimea clubs, a sign that Soroptimist numbers were growing, she said.
‘‘It's the friendship and the eagerness of women from different walks of life to belong together and support each other that makes Soroptimist special.
‘‘It was great to be able to see how we have supported so many women - it's a buzz,'' Mrs McIntyre said.
