Rony Bognar OAM has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her outstanding service to the Jewish Community and Women.

Rony’s 45 years of service to WIZO have been marked by tireless dedication and exceptional commitment. During her Presidencies of WIZO NSW and WIZO Australia she led with great effect and distinction. Her WIZO career continues to motivate members across Australia for whom she is an outstanding role model. Rony was made an Honorary Life Member at the WIZO International Conference in 2004.

Rony is currently the Volunteer Manager at the Sydney Jewish Museum. She has been the Co-Facilitator of the Survivor Focus Group since 2006, which she co-founded in that year. Her dedication and service the Jewish Community was evident when she held the position of Volunteer Coordinator, Aged Services, 1995-2002 at Jewish Care.

Rony is both grateful and overwhelmed to receive this well deserved honour. “My thoughts are fragmented because I really believe that so many others I have worked with are involved and this is not just for me, but somehow shared” she said.

“When I think about all the wonderful women of WIZO who received an honour in the past, I am excited and honoured to be following in the footsteps of my mentors. “It is hard to separate myself from all the challenges, joys and heartbreak of volunteering and leadership” she said.

Rony has dedicated this award to Denny Govendir z’l, a past Executive Director of WIZO NSW –  a WIZO woman of high distinction who mentored, guided and inspired Rony through her WIZO journey.

Kol Hakavod