Soroptimist International is more than a name—it is a worldwide network of women who care deeply about building a better world for women and girls. From grassroots advocacy to high-level international influence, the Soroptimist movement spans over 100 countries and has held a strong voice at the United Nations for over a century.
Most recently, Soroptimist International made key presentations at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at UN Headquarters in New York. These contributions reinforced our global commitment to gender equality, financial empowerment, and the elimination of systemic barriers for women and girls across all stages of life.
Closer to home, we are part of Soroptimist International of the South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP)—a dynamic federation of clubs in the Asia-Pacific region, committed to transformative advocacy, sustainable development, and practical support for women and girls. More details can be found at www.siseap.org.
And right here in our neighbourhood, Soroptimist International of The Hills Districtbrings that same energy and vision to life within our own community. We are a group of passionate women who meet monthly to learn, plan, advocate, and take action.
As a local club, our focus is clear: advocating for women and girls. Our major areas of concern include domestic violence, homelessness for older women, and ensuring access to education and opportunity for all women and girls.
Our members are often visible in local advocacy efforts. On Friday 2nd May, members proudly took part in the Hills March for Change, walking alongside high school students and community members through the streets of Castle Hill. Together, we stood united against gender-based violence, sending a clear message: we will not stay silent.
Some members more recently participated in the Click Collab project which is proudly funded by the Castle Hill RSL Group in their pursuit of reaching Zero Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) in the Hills. “Developed over six months through a community design process the Navbook was launched last week and provides clear pathways for how the community can work together to prevent DVF before it starts. Navbook is a comprehensive guide with a shared vision, local facts and stats, three priority goals and a unified action framework.” Soroptimists are committed to the ongoing raising of awareness and the development of tangible solutions to the issue of Domestic and Family Violence.
Link to Navbook: www.clickcollab.co/thehills.
Our meetings feature inspiring guest speakers—recent highlights include Sonia Casanova, CEO of Dress for Success, Dennis Perry, who shared insights from Operation Life in Papua New Guinea, and joining our online meeting in July, stargazer Donna Burton, Donna the Astronomer, who will open our eyes to the night skies.
Each September, we proudly host an Annual Public Speaking Competition for high school students from across the Hills District. This event develops confidence, creativity, and critical thinking—essential skills for the next generation of leaders. Winners from this event will have the opportunity to compete at a regional SISEAP event in 2026.
Our Winter Warmers Appeal is now underway, gathering donations of warm clothing and blankets to support Parramatta Mission and those in our area doing it tough during the colder months.
To support our advocacy and community projects, we host fundraising events throughout the year—including our very popular Winter and Summer Fashion Parades, and Bunnings BBQs at Castle Hill.
We would love you to join us at our next fundraising event—Winter Fashion Parade
Saturday 14th June at the Glenhaven Community Centre. Come along and enjoy a stylish selection of fashion and accessories, finger food, a glass of sparkling wine, and fabulous raffle prizes.
Link to book
We are always looking to welcome new members into our club. If you are interested in building friendships, developing leadership, supporting your community, and creating lasting change, we invite you to come along to a meeting and see what we are about. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm in the Hills Council Chambers.
Local heart, global voice—join us as we step up for women and girls, together.
For more information, please contact: Cathy Tracey (0435 837 118) or have a look at our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SoroptimistsTheHills
