Aidan Curtis
THE Mount Gambier chapter of an international women’s organisation is wrapping things up after nearly half a century of helping women in the region.
Soroptimist International of Mount Gambier (SI) has decided to call time on its work in the region just ahead of its 45th anniversary on November 27.
The organisation was officially chartered locally in 1977 and has since worked hard to raise the social status of women – both locally and nationally.
SI president Christine Plunkett said it was unfortunately time to wrap things up, though, as finding new members and leadership for the group has become too great a challenge.
“We no longer have members who are prepared to take on leadership roles,” she said.
“They’re willing to give in fundraising and helping with things, but they’re not interested in taking leadership.
A number that have the skills to take on leadership no longer have the capacity to do so, so we are feeling rudderless, you might say.”
Ms Plunkett said SI members decided to stick together in an unofficial capacity as more of a social group, but she hopes to see operations pick back up again one day in some form.
“When you look at us as, most of us, white-haired women, we’re not going to be attracting young people,” she said.
“So maybe we need to exit the scene for a young group to come on – a phoenix you might say.
“I truly hope that in the years to come we can attract younger members who can do it their own way.”
Ms Plunkett said she will continue to treasure a number of highlights from her time in SI, including the group’s work on the Walk In My Shoes project and its domestic violence conferences.
The group will hold a farewell celebration on November 26 with past and present members to end things in style, while monthly gatherings will maintain their fellowship into the future.
