MYALL River VIEW Club celebrated its 29th birthday in vintage style on 10 July, raising more than $1,300 to support disadvantaged students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
More than 80 members, visitors and guests attended the vintage-themed luncheon at the RSL LifeCare Grange Club House.
Guests travelled from other VIEW Clubs and local organisations, embracing the theme by dressing in vintage clothing while enjoying displays of photographs and memorabilia from years gone by.
VIEW is an acronym that stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women. VIEW Clubs are an Australian national women’s volunteer organisation in Australia. They provide a support network for women while raising funds to sponsor the education of disadvantaged Australian children.
Hunter and Mid North Coast National Councillor Robin Bosch officially opened the Myall River VIEW Club event and highlighted the impact VIEW volunteers continue to make across Australia.
“There are currently more than 13,000 VIEW members across Australia in nearly 280 clubs,” Ms Bosch said.
“Last year, VIEW Clubs raised more than $1.6 million Australia-wide, including more than $100,000 raised by 16 VIEW Clubs in our local area to support 104 Learning for Life students through programs run by The Smith Family.”
Guest speaker Lara Waters, principal of a small rural school southwest of Toowoomba, shared stories of resilience, hardship and hope.
Reflecting on a life that included living in 46 homes across four states and two countries, she described life as “magical and an adventure” and encouraged people to recognise the positive difference they could make through their choices.
Waters also spoke about how her school’s 22 students used craft skills to raise more than $300, which they donated to the Toowoomba VIEW Club to help educate disadvantaged Australian children.
Funds raised from the luncheon will support the 10 Learning for Life students sponsored by Myall River VIEW Club, who range in age from six to 18 and live in communities across Australia.
The volunteer organisation continues to support The Smith Family through fundraising, advocacy and community service, helping improve educational opportunities for young Australians.
Anyone interested in joining Myall River VIEW Club or attending a future luncheon can contact President Barbara on 0407 288 756 or Secretary Lynn on 0425 203 544.
By Sis HIGGINS
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