Inverell's VIEW Club celebrated 50 years of establishment with a luncheon on Wednesday morning at the RSM Club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Local VIEW members gathered together with special guests mayor Paul Harmon and his wife Anna, National Counsellor Beryl Pike, past National Counsellor Gwen Krause and Zone Counsellor Sally Cronberger.
In her opening speech Mrs Pike congratulated the Inverell club for achieving 50 years on behalf of national president Jan Roberts and vice-presidents Annette Schafrig and Pat McRae.
"To become a VIEW member is one thing with friendship, fun, networking and a sense of purpose through supporting the education of disadvantaged Australian chldren but to form a club of inaugural VIEW members is something very special and your inaugural members did just that," she said.
In July 1968, Inverell VIEW held their inaugural luncheon with 190 members and guests.
SEE MORE:
Members received their badges from the then state vice-president Glenda Welsh who was delayed due to snow and slush on the road between Armidale and Inverell, a bus that did not run and a car with a flat tyre.
"The joining fee was 50 cents and I am not sure what the cost of their meal but at each meeting it was compulsory to have a guest speaker," she said.
Mrs Pike said later in the year, at the Sydney convention luncheon held at Wentworth, the cost of a meal was $3.50.
"Today, as in yesteryear, you as a members of Inverell VIEW Club are empowered to have your voices heard on the issues of importance for the future well being of Australians. Through our resolution process we all contribute towards a better Australian way of life for family and our community.
"You actively support the education of disadvantaged Australian children by raising much-needed funds through your fundraising activities and events in your local community.
"You support The Smith Family and their learning for life program, the LFL sponsorship supported by VIEW has now reached 1271 disadvantaged Australian students.
"Over our history, your history VIEW women support and connect with each other and you have demonstrated this support today by this beautiful day of celebration and achievement.
"Thank you for asking me to be part of this day," she said.
In 1999 at the Melbourne convention, Ita Bittrose said, in her address, "I believe VIEW's success is founded in friendship, Australian women coming together and doing what they know best: caring for each other and society".
