60 years of Strength and Support
In 1960, when the role of Australian women was often limited to the home environment and exclusion from service clubs was the norm, The Smith Family founded an important service to women – VIEW Clubs – the Voice, Interests and Education of Women. From its inception, VIEW played a pivotal role in strengthening the voice of Australian women, providing a critical support network during an era of dramatic change.
Sixty years on, VIEW has continued to evolve with the needs of women and The Smith Family. VIEW now has over 300 clubs Australia wide, and boasts a membership of over 15,000 women, connected by a shared purpose to support The Smith Family’s work with disadvantaged Australian children. Today VIEW provides a supportive community for all women, acting as a platform where mothers, grandmothers, career women and retirees alike can connect with one another, form lasting friendships, acquire new skills and offer support to each other and their community.
Through their volunteering and fundraising for The Smith Family, VIEW members make a valuable contribution to Australian society, helping to support the education of disadvantaged Australian children.
In our milestone 60th year, we celebrate the many great achievements of VIEW, our members and our partnership with The Smith Family, and look forward to the next 60 years.
Over six decades, VIEW members have:
L-R Vice President Berly Pike, National President Anne-Louise O'Connor, National Vice President Jo Gary
Over six decades, VIEW members have:
-
raised over $40 million for the children’s charity The Smith Family
-
volunteered well in excess of 3 million hours to The Smith Family
-
raised awareness of and advocated for disadvantaged Australian children
-
supported The Smith Family’s work with disadvantaged children, including sponsoring 1,400+ students on the Learning for Life program today.
About VIEW
- VIEW is a women's volunteer organisation with over 15,000 members across Australia exclusively supporting The Smith Family's work to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged Australian children and young people.
- Through its supportive network, VIEW women build lasting friendships, empowered and connected by the common purpose to support The Smith Family and make a difference to Australian children in need.
- A priority for VIEW is to effect positive change within the Australian community, by helping disadvantaged children succeed at school which has a lasting impact on their lives and potential for generations to come.
- VIEW raises awareness about and advocates for disadvantaged Australian children. The collective power of the organisation's 15,000-strong national voice helps more Australians to learn about The Smith Family's work.
VIEW is always looking for women of all backgrounds and ages to join them.
For more information about VIEW clubs visit the VIEW Clubs website or call 1800 805 366. To find your nearest VIEW club contact your local VIEW National Councillor.
Satisfaction and friendship through helping others.
Satisfaction and friendship through helping others.
VIEW offers a network for women to connect with each other in the community, while supporting the work of The Smith Family in providing long-term educational support for Australian children and young people in need.
Every week, VIEW Club members across Australia come together as friends to hear from a guest speaker, exchange interesting ideas and socialise with like-minded women, while also raising important funds to help support The Smith Family.
Enrich your life by joining your local VIEW Club to help support Australian children in need to get the most from their education.
As a valued member you will benefit from:
- The satisfaction which comes through providing essential support to disadvantaged Australia children, enabling them to make the most of their educational and learning opportunities.
- Participating in volunteering and fundraising activities in support of The Smith Family.
- Taking part in regular events, including galas, theatre nights, travel tours, social gatherings, conferences and the biennial VIEW National Convention, where members hear inspiring guest speakers, receive updates from The Smith Family; learn more about the changing world and network with other members.
- Developing skills such as leadership, public speaking, digital literacy and event management.
- Regular newsletters to keep you up-to-date on community issues, topical matters affecting women and program outcomes from VIEW and The Smith Family.