What began as a discussion between two friends ignited a club that 10 years on is as strong as ever. Sunraysia VIEW Club recently celebrated that milestone with cake, live music and plenty of fun and laughter. Caitlyn Morgan chats to local and visiting members about the many achievements and milestones the club as ticked off along the way. Pictures: Ben Gross
MAKING new friends, supporting children and having a sense of purpose are all elements of VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club.
Almost 60 years since the first VIEW Club was established, there are now more than 300 clubs Australia wide with the Sunraysia VIEW Club established a decade ago.
It was in 2009 that Thelma Fillery and Lynne Windsor, who had been members of VIEW clubs in South Australia before moving to Sunraysia, decided to see if a VIEW Club was viable in Mildura.
Sunraysia VIEW Club publicity officer Marian Hassett says there was no shortage of interest, with 22 members having been with the club since its inception.
“It was after only two interest meetings there were enough ladies to form a club, which was inaugurated in August 2009,” Marian says.
“VIEW Club was and still is a national organisation of contemporary women with traditional values, providing members with the opportunity to meet new women, build stronger friendships, become better informed and contribute to the quality of life around them and have fun at the same time.
“Many joined looking for friendship and something new to do, while also providing a way for them to give back to the community.”
Over the years the Sunraysia VIEW Club has continued to grow, with more than 60 women now members of the local group.
“We have gained new members through word of mouth and many have joined knowing we are supporting underprivileged Australian children,” Marian says.
“As part of The Smith Family, VIEW members help to change the lives of young Australians in need through fundraising, volunteering, advocating and sponsoring disadvantaged students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.”
Together VIEW Clubs sponsor more than 1350 disadvantaged students through the Learning for Life program. Currently Sunraysia VIEW Club sponsor five children.
“We have raised funds through various events including fashion parades, trading tables, Bunnings sausage sizzles and jewellery and scarf sales,” Marian says.
“Money raised is used for school uniforms, school shoes, books, excursions, school photos and other items that enable the children to be part of their school community. While it’s totally anonymous, we do also send them vouchers for their birthday and Christmas.”
Last month local members were joined by members from clubs in South Australia and the VIEW Club national vice president Annette Schlafrig to celebrate the club’s 10th birthday.
“It’s really exciting and a great achievement. When you start something you don’t know how it will pan out,” Marian says.
“We really are just such a happy club, everyone loves being part of it and have only left if they are moving away.”
VIEW Club national vice president Annette Schlafrig added, “any milestone is worth celebrating, there is a lot of dedication and effort gone into making it to 10 years.”
“VIEW Club really is the best club to be a member of. There are more than 15,000 members Australia wide and 300 clubs. If you talk to any of the the members they will tell you how wonderful it is to be part of it,” she says.
Someone who knows all too well how “wonderful” it is to be part of the club, is the Sunraysia VIEW Club’s oldest member, 94 year old Evelyn Smith.
“I had a friend who was part of it in NSW and was really dedicated to her VIEW Club, I was retired so thought why not join,” she says.
“It really has been wonderful, even my daughter says she is so glad I joined. It gives me something to look forward to and social outings to attend. The members are really generous and I love that the focus is on helping children.”
Sunraysia VIEW Club members meet on the first Friday of the month for a social catch up and on the third Friday of each month members meet at the RSL Club for a monthly meeting.
