Our People - VIEW Women - Women Volunteering for The Smith Family
VIEW aims to enrich Australia's future with The Smith Family, and to work with other organisations in local communities.
Where it all begins - the local VIEW Club
Each VIEW Club develops its individual character, determined by its members, the venue for meetings and the geographic location. One of the hallmarks of the organisation is that certain standards of protocol and etiquette are shared by all Clubs. The continuing growth and strengthening of VIEW is the result of women working together to achieve a common purpose, as well as the enriching of lives that comes from the friendships and loyalty that develop along the way.
VIEW members in 400 Clubs across Australia elect their own Club Committees, made up of President, Vice President, Delegate, Secretary, and Treasurer. In larger Clubs, office bearers can also include Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, and Publicity Officer. These women provide the leadership at a local level, keeping their Clubs vibrant, happy and purposeful.
VIEW Leadership
VIEW members who are interested in developing their leadership skills further can progress from Club committee roles to other leadership positions at Zone, Area and national levels.
Zone Councillor
A VIEW Zone comprises a number of Clubs within a geographical area, each represented by a Zone Councillor whose role is to support the Clubs in the Zone, as well as act as a liaison between the Clubs and the National Councillor. There are 55 Zones across Australia.
The Zone Councillor provides local leadership in the Zone, conducts an annual Zone Conference so VIEW members can get together to learn about new developments, Chairs the Club general elections, attends Area functions, and ensures a smooth communication flow to Clubs through holding regular Delegates meetings.
Some people say that the Zone Councillor's role is the 'best role in VIEW'.
National Councillor
The National Councillor's role includes leadership of the VIEW area she represents, conduct an annual Gala Luncheon which attracts guest speakers from VIEW and The Smith Family and other activities to support and represent VIEW members in the area.
The National Councillor represents the women of VIEW in a geographical area on the National Council. Each of the 22 VIEW areas across Australia are represented on this body, together with the VIEW National Manager, which is the key governing and decision-making body of VIEW.
National Council is responsible to the Board of Directors of The Smith Family for the strategic leadership, decision making and formulation of policy, and for carrying out its function as if the National Council had been appointed as a committee of The Smith Family. National Council usually meets five times each year.
Working Sub Committees of VIEW
The functions of National Council are carried out by a range of Working Sub Committees made up of VIEW women who are experienced in the area of work - be they past senior office bearers in VIEW or a new VIEW member with particular skills and expertise.
These Sub Committees work to keep the 22, 000 strong organisation running smoothly, reporting regularly to the National Council.
National Executive
Every two years, the National Councillors elect four from their group to form the incoming National Executive and lead the organisation forward for the following two years. Together with the VIEW National Manager and the Board of The Smith Family, they provide the overall leadership, growth and development, and mentoring and coaching others in skill development.
National President Heather Isemonger and National Vice President Lyn Geer
National Vice Presidents Heather Temby and Fiona Spottiswood.
