I rise to commend the Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle for conducting the Birthing Kit Assembly Day on the 5th of May on behalf of the Birthing Kit Foundation of Australia. At the event, Zonta volunteers assembled kits to improve conditions for women who give birth at home in developing countries, and will this year contribute 1,600 birthing kits to the Birthing Kit Foundation. The Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle is focussed on helping to empower women locally and internationally through the Zonta goals of Advocacy and Service. Not only does the club aim to enable women in developing countries, but also support local womens refuges through regular donations of much needed household and school items; and also supports the local White Ribbon Australia campaign during the 16 days of action against domestic violence. Im a proud member of the Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle, and encourage other women to join this dynamic and diverse group.