Silvana Hourcade

Silvana joined Zonta Botany Bay in 2020; she was introduced by a neighbour. She arrived in Australia from Argentina 42 years ago and has worked as an administrative and finance officer for a tertiary education institution for 36 years.

Silvana was very impressed by the commitment of the Zonta members in supporting women's causes and the way they give selflessly their time and effort to help those in need. She wanted an opportunity to give back to the community and help obtain positive outcomes.

Silvana's interests include cooking, travel, walking and reading. She has two adult children and one grandson.

Sonia Fenton

Sonia joined Zonta Club of Sydney East and qualified as a Red Cross Psychological First Responder in 1997. In 2012, she transferred to Zonta Club of Botany Bay; she is the co-ordinator of Support Circular Quay, a Board member of South Eastern Community Connect and a long-term supporter of Catherine Hamlin’s Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Sonia, being dyslectic fled school at 14 years old. After a long and varied career in banking, finance and real estate Sonia was elected to South Sydney Council in 1989 and for 11 years cared for residents and businesses from Kings Cross through Redfern to Mascot. She has served on over 30 health and community service committees; her term included a 6-year appointment to the Central Sydney Planning Committee during the chaotic run-up to the 2000 Olympics.

During the 90’s Sonia was also Hon. Property Manager at St Johns Darlinghurst, established Rough Edges drop-in centre, was responsible for the restoration of the 1845 Blackett Gothic Revival Church and the 1885 Hill & Son organ – no mean feat for someone who is tone deaf.

Then back to real estate for 8 years as a Strata Manager she accumulated Australia’s largest and most challenging portfolio.

In 2009 Sonia realised her dream/scheme and restored the old Roslyn Gardens Function Centre at Peakhurst to become The Gardens on Forest. She is now looking to convert the property to Social Housing for Women over 55.

Pam Lohse

Pam Lohse has been a member of Zonta Club of Botany Bay since July 2022 and was originally introduced by Pam Lancaster who continues to be an active member of Zonta.

When first introduced to this Club the hard working, dedication and commitment of the current members plus their outstanding fundraising efforts was inspiring plus the opportunity to also be involved in such an active Charity who support the Empowering of Women and the needs and development of women was extremely satisfying.

Pam Lohse’s career was in Newspapers with over 30 years working for John Fairfax Publications in very senior Advertising Management roles and directly responsible for the revenues and budgeting of over 300 staff in Advertising Sales and Call Centres.

Pam’s interests include lots of travelling, reading, movies, Pilates, crocheting and Fairfax social groups.

Pam has 2 adult daughters and 2 granddaughters.

Nadia McMaster

Recently inducted into Zonta, Nadia McMaster was a former ESL ( English as a Second Language) teacher. She worked in schools on the South Coast and Sydney, as a Project Officer in State Office and as a Multicultural/ ESL Consultant in South Western Sydney.A mention of Zonta in a community newsletter led Nadia to do a google search of the organisation. She was drawn to the principles of Zonta and the model of professional women working together to empower and enhance life opportunities and achieve gender equality for women in society .She has been part of the teams who organise and run Breast Care Cushions, Kookaburra Kids and the Antiques and Collectibles Fair. Nadia enjoys cooking and entertaining,, Rugby Union, travel , the theatre and opera, aqua aerobics, trivia and cryptic crosswords,

Sharna Wiblen

Sharna was introduced to Zonta and the Zonta Club of Botany Bay during high school by her school principal, Bronlyn Schoer (also a ZZBB member), as part of the Young Women in Public Affairs Program - an award she won in 1998 (yes, 1998.) The inclusivity of Zonta and Zontians from that first interaction was a formative experience that she talks about to this day. (Keep an ear out for her story of meeting Carolyn Evans, the lady in the red jacket.) Sharna maintained her relationship with Zonta over the past two decades. She regularly presented at Young Women events, stuffed breast care cushions and acquired toiletries. Sharna Wiblen (officially) joined the Zonta Club of Botany Bay in April 2022.

Sharna is committed to instigating, contributing to, and having conversations about how we can move forward together - one decision and action at a time. She appreciates being part of a larger team who shares her desire to enhance the experiences of all women and girls. Sharna's interests include reading, travelling, lifestyle and decision design and kookaburra spotting with her three kidlets.

Therese Abela-King

Therese Abela-King has been a Zontian since February 2018.

She was originally introduced to Zonta through a Breast Cushion morning and then shortly after, a Birthing Kit day. Both activities sparked her desire to do more for women and girls in need and joining Zonta seemed the natural thing to do. Therese has been Treasurer for a number of years in a previous club and was the District 24 Service Committee Chairperson for 2020-2022.

She is very committed to her volunteer work with both, Zonta Club of Botany Bay, where she collects items for the Community Restorative Centre, Platform 9 and MWA and with Share the Dignity.

Her wonderful support network enables her to make a positive impact on women leaving prison, seeking refuge in safe houses and ending period poverty. She retired from working 4 years ago and now devotes her time to supporting these causes, to travelling and to her family.