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VIEW Leadership Team
National Council 2024-25
National Council
National Council is the governing body of VIEW and is responsible for decision making, growth, and the health and wellbeing of the organisation.
National Council consists of three Executive members (National President and two National Vice Presidents), and 14 National Councillors, each of whom is responsible for a specific VIEW area, divided on geographic lines.
National Council meets at least three times per year to:
Each Executive member and National Councillor serves a fixed term of two years. Elections are held every two years and are completed by July, with the successful candidates announced in September.
Other VIEW volunteer office bearers include Zone Councillors (a zone being a smaller geographical division within a larger Area) and Club committee members.
National Council consists of three Executive members (National President and two National Vice Presidents), and 14 National Councillors, each of whom is responsible for a specific VIEW area, divided on geographic lines.
National Council meets at least three times per year to:
- facilitate the smooth running of all clubs throughout Australia;
- consider matters of national or club importance, contributed by VIEW members or The Smith Family;
- formulate national policy for the organisation;
- actively work to enhance the relationship between VIEW and The Smith Family;
- provide learning opportunities that will further develop the capacity of members and the organisation;
- collaborate as part of a team and build capacity to further strengthen the organisation.
Each Executive member and National Councillor serves a fixed term of two years. Elections are held every two years and are completed by July, with the successful candidates announced in September.
Other VIEW volunteer office bearers include Zone Councillors (a zone being a smaller geographical division within a larger Area) and Club committee members.
National executive 2024-25
ELIZABETH BIRCH, NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Elizabeth joined Yamba Evening VIEW Club in New South Wales in 2013, retiring to the town after a long and interesting nursing career that included a Nurse Consultant role in specialised clinical management.
Elizabeth quickly became an enthusiastic member of VIEW, taking on a number of club committee roles, including Program Officer, Delegate and Vice President. In 2018 Elizabeth became Zone Councillor and National Councillor in 2020-21 with Advisor NVP Wendy Hunter for Upper Mid North Coast and Clarence Valley Region NSW. In 2022-23 Elizabeth joined the VIEW Executive Leadership Team, as National Vice President and was elected to National President for 2024-25.
As National President, Elizabeth is looking forward to the Geographic Boundaries Review and working with the 14 VIEW National Councillors, collaborating as part of the team to strengthen the organisational leadership with committee positions, and promoting the VIEW leadership roles of the Zone and National Councillors.
SANDRA JANKOVSKIS, NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Sandra joined MacArthur Evening VIEW in April 2014 after retiring in 2010. From her first meeting she knew VIEW Club was the right fit for her and was so enthused she has served on her Club Committee ever since as Secretary, President and Delegate. She took on the position of Zone Councillor in 2020-21, National Councillor in 2022-23 and was elected to the VIEW Executive 2024-25 as National Vice President.
Sandra enjoys the friendly atmosphere of VIEW and being able to support Australian school students living in disadvantage with their schooling needs throughout their education.
In 1978, prior to joining VIEW, Sandra was a founding member of the disability organisation, Down Syndrome Association of NSW (DSA) and volunteered for Special Olympics NSW for many years.
As National Vice President, Sandra is looking forward to engaging with many Clubs and, where possible, meeting Smith Family Learning for Life (LfL) Family Partnership Coordinators. Is a strong believer in LfL sponsorship as an effective way of empowering young Australians experiencing disadvantage to break the cycle of poverty and reducing the education inequality they experience. She says that 2024-25 will be an exciting time ensuring VIEW’s continued growth and she looks forward to working with the Executive team and National Council.
LORRAINE THOMSON, NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Lorraine Thomson joined the Robina VIEW Club in Queensland 2014 after retiring from her administrative career with the New South Wales Department of School Education, supporting principals, teaching staff and students at the Royal Far West School in Manly and the Murwillumbah East Primary School.
Lorraine is proudly committed to VIEW and has held the positions of Secretary and Delegate at the Robina VIEW Club. She took on the position in of Zone Councillor in 2020-21, and National Councillor within the Gold Coast and the Darling Downs Area in 2022-23. She was elected to the VIEW Executive as National Vice President for 2024-25.
Lorraine has successfully mentored 11 VIEW Clubs, emphasising positive leadership skills. She has maintained confidentiality, respect and tolerance, created warmth and developed a friendly rapport with local committees and members.
Lorraine has promoted VIEW Clubs and The Smith Family to local MPs and Gold Coast City Councillors at various levels across the Gold Coast’s 14 divisions, with positive feedback.
As National Vice President, Lorraine will continue her strong commitment to the VIEW Leadership Team, promoting VIEW’s vision, purpose, and values to members she meets during her term. She also looks forward to being a part of the exciting Geographical Boundaries Review supporting team leaders with our focus for change.
National Manager
MARYANNE MAHER, NATIONAL MANAGER - VIEW
Maryanne joined The Smith Family in 2008 as Strategic Resource Manager, and in 2009 was appointed as National Manager, VIEW.
As National Manager VIEW, Maryanne drives the strategic direction and works closely with the VIEW National Executive and National Council of biennially elected office holders, all of whom are volunteers and represent the more than 13,000 VIEW members throughout metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.
Maryanne has accumulated more than 20 years experience in a corporate environment, the health industry and not-for-profit organisations. She commenced her career as a commercial lawyer and practised in leading law firms in Sydney and Melbourne before moving into business management. Her qualifications include: BA, LLB, MBA, Diploma in Labour Relations and the Law and GAICD.