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Soroptimist International South West Pacific

Together we Thrive: Real Stories of Membership Success Webinar 

DATE: Sunday 13th April 2025
TIME: 3:30 pm AEST (Duration 1.5hr - 2hr)

Welcome to 2025. I hope you all had a relaxing time over the festive season and are now ready and energised to plan for the Soroptimist year ahead.

During April Membership Month, we are excited to invite you to an opportunity to attend a SISEAP webinar. You will hear from members and clubs about their insights on a successful member recruitment strategy. It will be an opportune time to pick up tips and enthuse our clubs into 2025.

Four speakers from across Australia, Asia, and New Zealand/Pacific will share a short presentation on the 'how', the outcomes and their experience of a thriving recruitment action plan.

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE

Introducing the Speakers:

Kristeen Johnston QSM,

Grad.Dip Business Studies

2024-2026 SISEAP Membership Convenor

Kristeen Johnston has built a successful career in sales and training, notably as an award-winning employee of Johnson & Johnson Medical. She earned a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in 2004 and transitioned to consulting in training and business development after her retirement in 2007.

A dedicated volunteer, Kristeen served as President of Dress for Success from 2012 to 2014 and became a Life Member in 2014. In 2022, she helped establish Dress for Success Aotearoa New Zealand's first permanent opportunity shop, 'Dressed in the Hutt.'

She joined Soroptimist International of Wellington in 2012, holding various leadership positions and serving as National President of SI Aotearoa New Zealand from 2020 to 2022. Kristeen is passionate about the economic empowerment of women and girls, emphasizing education and sustainable employment.

In recognition of her community service, she received a Queen’s Service Medal in 2024 and was named Wellingtonian of the Year. Outside of her professional work, Kristeen enjoys creative activities, cooking, yoga, photography, and staying active in politics.

Anthea H Penny

2024-2026 SISEAP President Elect
RGON, Adv. Dip. Nursing (Distinction); DHM, (Massey); MHealthMgt, (Hons); FCHSE

Currently semi- retired Company Director; member, member of SI North Canterbury, New Zealand and President Elect SISEAP, plus Chair of Governance and Board member Soroptimist International. Managing Director, R H Penny Ltd, Australasia; an experienced Company Director; skilled in the development/facilitation and presentation of strategic thinking, governance, leadership, teamwork and quality improvement programmes, in health and voluntary sectors internationally. An experienced Chief Executive in the New Zealand health industry, Anthea was a ministerial appointment to the New Zealand Health Quality and Safety Commission’s board (2010 to 2013); a Senior Associate, International Foundation for Integrated Care, UK (2011 to 2014) and the inaugural recipient of the 2004 New Zealand Institute of Health Management Silver Fern Award for Excellence in Health Service Management.

Sue Baskett

Immediate Past President SI Penang

Sue Baskett, with a background in Computer Science and as an Image Consultant, has over 30 years of experience in the NGO sector, with involvement in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia while living there. She served as the Honorary British Vice Consul in Medan, Indonesia for eight years and held leadership roles for 10 years, including President and Vice President of several NGOs, as well as Chairman of Medan International School (MIS). Sue was deeply engaged in humanitarian efforts, including facilitating relief after the 2004 Tsunami in Aceh Indonesia and contributing to various earthquake recovery efforts in Medan Indonesia. Her work, alongside her spouse, has been recognised by both the British and Belgian governments.

In 2008, Sue moved to Penang and joined SI Penang in February 2010, where she became an active member. She served as the Constitution Convenor, Membership Extension Convenor and ICT Convenor, playing a pivotal role in establishing SI Penang’s social media presence. Sue served as President of SI Penang from 2023 to 2024 and continues to contribute as the Immediate Past President. She currently serves on several other local NGO boards in Penang Malaysia

Ann Fang

2025-2026 President SI Penang

Soroptimist International Penang (SIP) proudly announces the appointment of Ann Fang as its new President, along with the induction of a dynamic Executive Committee and Convenors for the 2025-2026 term. This new leadership team is set to advance SIP's mission and drive impactful initiatives for the community.  

Ann has been an active member of SIP for 8 years, bringing with her a background in marketing and communications in NGOs and the private sector. She plays a pivotal role in establishing SIP's programs such as 'Girls in STEM', 'Period Poverty & Sustainability', 'School Shoes Project', 'My Vision, My Future' and 'Let's Talk - Glowing Up'. 

She aims to continue the legacy of her predecessors by creating more practical and impactful programs to help underprivileged women and girls in education and empowerment. 

Linna Khorn

2024-2026 Assistant Membership Convenor - Asia

Linna holds a master’s degree in development management from Norton University, Cambodia, a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Design from SETEC University, Cambodia, diploma of Advance Behavior Change Communication for Health Practitioners, Project Management and Digital Media for Health Outcome certificates.

Linna has over twenty-five years of experience with international non-government organizations: managing and leading Marketing and Communication (MarCom), Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) for public health, sub-grantee management, offline and online campaigns/events management, social media management, digital media, content development, graphic design, video production, media outlet and private sector engagement.

Linna has joined Soroptimist International Phnom Penh since 2028, involving server positions starting with President Elect position, Club President, Southeast Asia Pacific Federation Representative for SI International President Project in Cambodia and Assistant Membership Convenor for Asia.    

Linna is industrious and energetic. She ensures satisfactory performance and accomplishment by engaging my professional competency and behavior. She acts with integrity, holds accountability, builds good relationships, develops talent, continues improvement, innovate, and develops a strategic mindset. I have strong interpersonal communication, networking, coordinating, and organizing skills and she is co-operative; she listens to the team and prioritizes their needs.

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE

The webinar concludes with a Q & A session and is free to members.

Kristeen Johnston

SISEAP Membership Convenor 2024-2026

membership.kristeen@siseap.org

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Information regarding the 2025 SISEAP Company AGM and General Meeting being held on 10 May 2025 and the Federation Meeting being held on 18 May 2025.  

Call to clubs to submit any resolutions to the company constitution to Company Secretary Theresa Lyford companysecretary@siseap.org and resolutions for the Federation meeting sent to Federation Secretary Berice federationsecretary@siseap.org

Deadline for submission 15 February 2025.

The Company By-Laws state that Resolutions for the Company AGM and General Meeting require the following:
14.2.1 For general meetings of the company – by the directors or by members (clubs) with at least 5% of the votes

14.4 Any motion which requires a special resolution (e.g. to amend the company constitution, wind up the company and change classes of membership) must be voted on at a hybrid, virtual or physical (face to face) general meeting and shall require the agreement of at least seventy five percent (75%) of all members entitled to vote.

The Federation meeting will consist of general Federation business, Best Practice Awards for Programme and  Membership, and the National President reports.  

The Company By-Laws state that Resolutions for Federation Meetings require the following:
14.2.3 For Federation meetings – moved by one member (club) and seconded by another

All resolutions will need to be written on the  Resolutions form prior to 4pm Sydney time (AEDT) on 15 February 2025 to allow for internal processing and distribution to members (clubs).

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Updated Membership Post Card

We are excited to announce that we have just received updated stock of membership postcards featuring the SI emblem! These postcards are a fantastic tool for promoting SISEAP and engaging prospective members.

Simply fill out the Shop Order Form and send it back to HQ at hq@siseap.org to process!

Get yours today and help spread the word about SISEAP.

SHOP ORDER FORM & CATALOGUE

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Each year, Soroptimist Clubs are invited to nominate a project for the Best Practice Award.  The projects need to demonstrate their excellence in planning, administering, execution and evaluation of the a project to transform lives for women and girls around the Federation,  This is a prestigious award, showcasing projects which have achieved results.

These are the winners for 2024 for projects undertaken and delivered during 2023.

Education

WINNER - SI Penang : Girls in Stem
Report ID: 20230919102648

SI Penang for their project STEM 2.0: Journey of Young Tech Professionals. 

The core objective is to inspire Form 1 female students to develop their interest in studying science subjects and to motivate them by showing the various career options as there is a decline in number of females in the STEM career. STEM 2.0 in 2023 was the second enhanced workshop with the additional feature of 4 young female engineers from Micron Semiconductor sharing their personal stories and challenges in their journey with study and work.  They developed their own workshop and incorporate STEM in the activities. This is an interactive workshop and we want to engage the students in a fun and unconventional manner and from there to introduce the basic concept of science subjects and problem-solving skills. The ultimate goal is to cultivate their interest in STEM subjects and to inspire them by showing the job opportunities out there with better prospect if they choose to study science. We hope to achieve gender equality by empowering these girls in the field of STEM as a career. SI Penang devlopoed a interactive workshop to engage the students in a fun and unconventional manner and from there we introduce the basic concept of science subjects and problem-solving skills.  View this video of one of the girls being interviewed 

HIGHLY COMMENDED - SI Bangsar: Scam Alert Advocacy Project
Report ID: 20231108125130,

SI Bangsar's advocacy project aimed to raise awareness about scams and advocate for the prevention of scams. The project involved various activities and campaigns designed to provide accurate information about different types of scams, their characteristics, and methods used by scammers. This advocacy information is important to equip people in different communities with knowledge and resources to recognize scams. The ultimate goal of this project is to empower individuals to recognize warning signs, common tactics used by scammers, and to protect them and others from being scammed. 

Elimination of Violence

WINNER: SI Torrens - Lets Build a Community 
ID 20231212124150

SI Torrens project Lets Build a Community that makes a Difference: End Domestic Violence project, in partnership with Rotary Club of Mawson Lakes, Zonta Club Para Districts, Salisbury Council and John Fullbrook MP, they formed a committee, known as RoZSI’s Voice for media purposes, to promote the 16 Days of Activism in the local community with several events and campaigns. Local events provided an opportunity for closer interaction with the public while media activity addressed the wider public in the area. Coercive control was selected for particular emphasis as many in the public were unaware of it.  Read more on the facebook page 

Economic Empowerment

WINNER - SI Moreton North  - Be Inspired Awards IWD 2023
Report ID: 20231101073813

When you can see it, you can be it! Women live busy lives. Many contribute significant voluntary hours to
support others in the community without any recognition. Hosting our annual SIMNI Be Inspired IWD
Awards is our opportunity to recognise these community heroes and to also highlight the work that SIMNI members are involved locally and internationally. It showcases to the women and girls in our local region, mentors and role models, who are just like them. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart. It is possible to make a difference, regardless or age, race, or financial circumstances. By hosting an IWD event in a local and disabled friendly facility gives the local community an easier opportunity to attend an International Women’s Day Event.

Food Security

WINNER - SI Shah Alam  - Food Waste Management Project
Report ID: 20231228020708

SI Shah Alam in collaboration with Asia Pacific University, student volunteers, together with The
Lost Food Project (food waste collection and distribution center), and Pusat Kreatif Kanak Kanak Tengku Bainun are children from all walks of life (regardless of income, gender, religion, language or ability) have joined forces to address food waste by educating children, yound women and mothers on repurposing overripe or surplus fruits and vegetables into products like sauces and jams. This initiative aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability by integrating practical food management with an educational program. Key tasks include sorting food, developing a curriculum on waste management, conducting hands-on teaching sessions, and evaluating the project's impact through established KPIs. Objectives are realistic, agreed upon by stakeholders, and aim to significantly reduce food waste while educating numerous children on sustainable practices.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - SI Lautoka  - Food Security for Jasper Hostel Students 
Report ID: 20231220113706

The project evolved after a request from Jasper High school to assist with food source for their hostel students (approx 100 female students) as it was becoming expensive to provide daily meals for the students due to the rising food cost. The club members discussed the most innovative way to assist and decided to do a sustainable project to provide food for the students. The club members planted vegetables (egg plants, cabbage, tomatoes) and root crop (cassava) at the Jasper High school hostel gardens.  Cassava is a staple food in Fiji, its production is increasing, and it is slowly replacing other traditional food crops in the diet. The potential for this crop is enormous; a surplus could be easily produced and made into flour to replace part of the wheat four used for baking. Generally, cassava can be grown throughout the year.

Healthcare

WINNER: SI Albany - Multi-Sensory Time Project 
Report ID: 20231204041330

Multi Sensory Time Kits were developed to meet a community need. People living with dementia suffer
from social isolation, depression and loss of self worth. Under the direction of Club member Rosalind Sawyer, (retired Occupational Therapist), a club sub committee was formed to investigate how we could improve the lives of people with neurological disorders and their carers. We conducted a literature review and researched what other tools were available through IP Australia. We discovered that available items were generic and predominantly focused on sight, hearing, or touch (e.g. fiddle cushions) and did not promote social inclusion and discussion. We developed Multi-Sensory Time Kits with 5 themes to achieve our goal of ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. In 2022-2023 our main goal was to promote and distribute 100 Multisensory packs . Read more here 

HIGHLY COMMENDED : SI Townsville Breakwater - Safe Nights Project 
Report ID: 20230818083043

The SI Townsville Breakwater Club acknowledge the ongoing and emergent need for crisis accommodation for women and their families in the community who are the victims of domestic violence and homelessness. The club made a commitment to partner with the Townsville Women’s Centre to assist in this significant area of need. The ‘Safe Nights’ project was born and has rapidly become a project of high priority for the club and is linked to a majority of current and past activities undertaken. Donate to the project here 

Environmental Sustainability

WINNER: SI Beenleigh and SI Logan  - Federation Art Competition Living with Nature
ID 20231201064116 and 20231221011025

The Environment is at the forefront of world endeavours in current times. It is of particular importance to youth as they will inherit the world in which we live. The project emphasised the biennium theme ‘A Voice for Change” and one of the Federations Presidents 5E’s- Environment. Youth are seen as the way forward in issues concerning the environment. The Art competition provided them with a platform to research issues, use their voice to express ideas in raising awareness.

SI Beenleigh and SI Logan partnered on this project which was multi focused, various schools, art schools were invited to participate as well as a information booth at the LEAF festival at Griffiths University campus. 

HIGHLY COMMENDED: SI Torrens - Blister Pack Blitz 
ID 20231211091823

After the success of our recycling programme the club undertook a plan to extend this to focus specifically on Blister Packs. The success of the club members in recycling led a member currently living in Lutheran Homes Glynde (LHG) to suggest an extension of the project by an investigation into whether LHG would partner the club in recycling for their residents. Using specialised recycling technology, located right here in Australia, Pharmacycle ensures that blister packs collected for recycling are actually recycled. Once collected, blister packs are transported to one of their processing facilities. Here, they are put through a series of mechanical recycling processes to separate the aluminium from the plastic. Finally, the separated aluminium and plastic materials are sent to end-users to be turned into a range of new products

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SISEAP Membership

Soroptimist International is a global movement of women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories, spread over 5 Federations