Friendship and education focus of visit

MEMBERS of the Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club welcomed national councillor Mary Holliworth to their June dinner meeting at Gunnedah Bowling Club.

Holliworth outlined the history of VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, and spoke about the organisation’s role in supporting women while raising funds for disadvantaged students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

Raelee Bruce, Margaret Kelly, Judy Sills and Anne Thomas. Photo: supplied.

She said VIEW Clubs were the largest community sponsor of the program, helping fund the education of more than 1700 students across Australia.

“VIEW Clubs contribute more than $1.6 million annually to assist young people experiencing disadvantage,” she said.

Aldyth Hailes, Gwen Coddington and guest speaker Mary Hollingworth. Photo: supplied.

Holliworth said the organisation was established in the 1960s to provide women with opportunities to develop interests outside the home and participate more actively in public life.

“VIEW continues to empower women to have their voices heard,” she said.

Linda Lee and Louise Stone. Photo: supplied.

She said clubs in the region currently sponsor 51 students, with each club supporting an average of three students.

“This all helps to grow stronger communities,” she said. “In giving we gain.”

Marie Hobson, Linda Lee, Mary Hollingworth and Kate Knight. Photo: supplied.

Members also heard about plans for a Christmas in July celebration next month and recently gathered at Carroll Gap Farmhouse for lunch and friendship with attendees of the Kitchen Table Conversations group at Next Edition.

New members are welcome to join the Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club.