NINE young women in Coffs Harbour have been recognised for their exceptional leadership and active volunteerism in the community by the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour.
The recognition was the highlight of a well-attended awards dinner in the Rainbow Room at C.ex Coffs on Wednesday, 16 August.
From a total of 19 applications received this year for the Zonta International Young Women in Leadership Award (YWLA) the nine shortlisted finalists are Caroline Mostert and Lauren Blair (Bishop Druitt College), Sophie Baldwin (Coffs Harbour Christian Community School), Herkiran Kaur (Coffs Harbour Senior College), Daya Jacob (Orara High School), Paula Gutierrez Santana (St John Paul College), Sophie Watson (Toormina High School), Imani-Capri van Hamond and Hadley March (Woolgoolga High School).
Caroline Mostert, 2025-2026 Bishop Druitt College School Captain, was announced as the overall winner from a field of well-deserving candidates.
Miss Mostert receives a cash award of $1000, jointly sponsored by David Funnell and a community sponsor sourced by Moira Scerri.
She will now progress to the District 24 level, encompassing most of NSW and the ACT, with the opportunity to progress to the national and international levels.
Lauren Blair, Sophie Baldwin and Daya Jacob were recognised with a Highly Commended.
“This year we were fortunate to obtain sponsorship for two new awards,” Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour President Jenny Wiseman told News Of The Area.
The Zonta Coffs Harbour Vocational Award ($500), recognising a young woman who is pursuing a vocational education, trades or applied career pathway, was won by Matilda Newton, St John Paul College.
Along with her HSC studies Miss Newton is undertaking VET Fitness and VET Hospitality.
The second new award was a Follow Your Heart Award for a young woman who was pursuing a pathway driven by passion, purpose or creative vision.
This award was won by Dakota Smith, Orara High School, whose passion and aspirations centred around football.
Miss Smith was awarded $500 to help with her future goals.
“The judges were most inspired by every application,” Ms Wiseman said.
“All finalists participated in two Young Leaders Panels, ably facilitated by Lisa Bunch, Vice-President of the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Inc.”
Melinda Page of St John Paul College, Highly Commended awardee of the 2026 Zonta District 24 Achievement Award for a Young Indigenous Woman, gave the Acknowledgement to Country.
Paula Gutierrez Santana, St John Paul College, entertained the audience of 64 students, school leaders, school staff, parents and community with a powerful vocal performance, supported by Jon Baldwin on keyboard.
“Zonta Coffs Harbour could not manage without the generous support from David Funnell who continues to provide sponsorship for the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Inc Pat Funnell and YWLA Awards and to Zonta member Moira Scerri, who initiated the new awards,” Ms Wiseman said.
“We are most grateful also to the numerous businesses from Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Sawtell who provided us with raffle prizes for the night.”
Zonta Coffs Harbour meets monthly at Park Beach Bowls Club.
By Andrea FERRARI
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