D23

Zonta International was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1919. Five women attended a social meeting of Kiwanis, an established all male service club, and conceived the formation of a new service club, to be composed of women who were recognised leaders in their businesses and professions. The primary purpose of the club was to standardise and disseminate business principles and practices and to provide service to humanity.

Zonta first started in Australia in 1929 with the establishment of a club in Sydney, one of the first to come into existence outside the United States and Canada, but by 1935 this club had disappeared and it was not until 1965 that Dorothy Thompson was asked to re-introduce Zonta in Australia and New Zealand. New clubs were formed in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland. Between 1965 and 1971, this remarkable woman organised clubs in all the capital cities in Australia, and in five cities in New Zealand. Today, what was originally District 16, covering Australia and New Zealand is now divided in to four districts - District 16 - New Zealand, District 24 - New South Wales and ACT, District 22 - Queensland, and District 23, covering South Australia and the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania.

Three Australians have held the highest office as International Presidents, Leneen Forde (1990-92), Val Sarah (1998-2000) and Mary Magee (2000-2002).

District 23 was formed in 1989 with 33 clubs divided into four areas. Elizabeth Harris became the first Governor of District 23.

District Conferences are held every two years and have been held in:
1991 Perth
1993 Hobart
1995 Melbourne
1997 Alice Springs
1999 Adelaide
2001 Geelong
2003 Bunbury
2005 Glenelg
2007 Hobart
2009 Ballarat
2011 Melbourne