Celebrating 65 years of VIEW

THE 65th Anniversary of VIEW Clubs of Australia was celebrated in Laurieton on Saturday, 26 July.

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation bringing women together in local communities to enjoy social activities, develop skills, make connections and participate in networking events while supporting and advocating for the education of young Australians in need.

Around 150 members from seventeen VIEW clubs descended on the Laurieton United Services Club for the event, including members of the Nambucca River and Nambucca/Macksville Evening VIEW clubs.

Other attendees travelled from as far as Queensland for the occasion.

NK Area National Councillor Diane Fiddes hosted in a room decked out in sapphire colours, with hundreds of blue and white balloons to signify the 65th anniversary.

National Vice President Lorraine Thomson addressed members, discussing how the organisation came to be, before a number of guest speakers took the stage.

“One of the amazing women responsible for the founding of the first women’s refuge in Sydney gave us a truly fascinating account of how the ‘Elsie’ and ‘Minnie’ houses were established,” said attendee Janne Henn.

“A couple of impressive younger women from the State Emergency Service again reinforced the fact that women can do wonders when they make up their minds to make a difference.

“Members were also treated to a delightful dance program presented by talented young Laurieton dance students.”

For over six decades VIEW Clubs have:

● raised over $45 million for the children’s charity The Smith Family.

● volunteered well in excess of 3.3 million hours to The Smith Family.

● raised awareness of and advocated for disadvantaged Australian children.

● supported The Smith Family’s work with disadvantaged children, including sponsoring 1,800-plus students on the Learning for Life program today.