In 1960, George Forbes, then General Secretary of The Smith Family, saw the potential for an organisation which allowed women to develop interests outside the home, with the aim of providing friendship as well as education. At the same time he hoped to offer these women the means to assist others less fortunate through The Smith Family. Hence the name ‘Voice, Interest and Education of Women’.
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An advertisement was placed in the Manly Daily on Sydney’s northern beaches, inviting housewives to develop fresh interests and meet new people by forming a VIEW Club. As such, the very first VIEW Club came into being following a meeting at the home of Mrs Gwen Crozier in Balgowlah Heights.
The timing was ideal and news spread very quickly. The end of 1969 saw 134 clubs and by 1979 there were 213. VIEW continued to gain momentum and began spreading to other states.
This powerful network became very firmly established and has grown into the wonderful organisation that it is today.
Today, collectively, VIEW clubs throughout the country support more than 1,150 students through Learning for Life sponsorships and donate more than $1 million annually to help fund Smith Family learning and mentoring programs.
South West Rocks Evening VIEW started in 1996 and at this month’s dinner meeting we are celebrating our 22nd birthday.
Also at our birthday dinner, ladies who have been VIEW members for a decade and multiples thereof will be receiving a pin in acknowledgement for their service.
This year we are very excited to present Jeanie Adey with a 50 year pin, Suzanne Wells with a 40 year pin and Noreen Ball, a 10 year pin.
We are always open to new members, so please get in touch today, we will make you feel very welcome! Phone Jenny on 6566 6055 for more information.
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