There was much laughter and hugs all round as Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club members returned after the Christmas break and discovered their 'secret' Friend in VIEW for the past year.
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Small gifts were exchanged as VIEW Friends were thanked for their quiet care and concern in 2019. Each member received the name of a "VIEW Friend" to consider over the next 12 months, whether it is a special occasion or just a note or card when something is happening in their lives.
New members Ann Thomas and Judy Sills were welcomed on the night and are looking forward to the activities on offer.
Next month members will welcome Martine Moran from WIRES as guest speaker to talk about her role as a wildlife carer, and in particular about koalas in her care.
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The February dinner meeting also included the election of office bearers for the next 12 months. Pauline Grant was returned as president with Kate Knight again taking on the role of vice-president. Marie Hobson will return as secretary, with Anne Finnigan elected assistant secretary replacing Moana Shoobert who has stepped down from the role.
Trish Conway will again handle the club finances as treasurer with Ro Eveleigh as assistant treasurer. Linda Lee and Sue Braby will return to their roles as program officers, with the committee welcoming Margaret Stevens back as delegate. The pledge was taken by past national councillor Judy Sills.
In her annual report Pauline Grant outlined a busy year for the club, with members raising funds for three disadvantaged students through The Smith Family's Learning for Life program. The club also donated funds to the charity's winter and Christmas appeals. Guest speakers and theme nights were all part of the entertainment set up by program officers Sue Braby and Linda Lee.
VIEW Clubs across Australia will celebrate the organisation's diamond jubilee this year, with members invited to join festivities in Sydney on July 23. In 1960, George Forbes, then general secretary of The Smith Family, saw the potential for an organisation which allowed women from all walks of life to develop interests outside the home, providing friendship, education and mental stimulation. At the same time he hoped to offer these women the means to assist others less fortunate through The Smith Family.
Sixty years later VIEW (Voice Interests and Education for Women) remains one of the most recognised and renowned women's volunteer organisations, with more than 300 clubs and 17,000 members across Australia. In March 2014, all VIEW Clubs in NSW were recognised by NSW Parliament for their outstanding community work in supporting disadvantaged Australian children with their education.
The next dinner meeting will be held at GSBC on Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 for 7pm. Apologies and names of guests should be phoned to Kate on 6742 3926 by the Monday night prior to the meeting. Members are reminded that the annual subscription fee is now due.