Grafton VIEW Club

The guest speaker at the September meeting was Damien Fisher, from local community radio station Loving Life FM 103.1. He entertained members with an interesting PowerPoint presentation about his journey in broadcasting.

Damien’s career in radio began at the age of just 11, and that journey has never stopped. He shared stories of his early days broadcasting from a caravan, progressing through the years to working in professional studios.

From cart machines and reel-to-reel recording to today’s modern technology, every change in equipment brought the same important lesson, prepare well, listen closely, and respect your audience. Members thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Damien’s experiences, and the many changes he has witnessed throughout his radio career.  Damien worked his way through the Sydney broadcasting scene before embarking on a journey that took him to radio stations and communities across Australia.

And, of course, if you’re looking for a great way to start the day, Damien has the answer, Kick-start your day with Damo. 

From 11th -17th October, Grafton VIEW Club is calling on the community to recognise the hidden costs of education and the impact they can have on children and young people. While education is often described as the pathway to a brighter future, the costs associated with attending school can place significant pressure on families experiencing financial hardship. 

Anti-Poverty Week provides an important opportunity for the community to look beyond the obvious signs of poverty and recognise the less visible challenges families face. By understanding the hidden costs of education and working together to reduce these barriers, we can help ensure every child has the opportunity to participate, feel confident and reach their full potential.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, belong and build a brighter future, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. This is where VIEW Clubs step in. At Grafton VIEW Club we embrace the fact that no child should have to miss out on the essentials of their education, and this is why Grafton VIEW is so passionate about supporting the work of The Smith family’s Learning for Life Program. 

Members, pictured, enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the Grafton District Services Club to support the Helicopter High Tea, a community event, for an afternoon of friendship, delicious High Tea, and fundraising for a worthwhile cause. Our Club was proud to support this special community event, which was a great success.

Mark Friday 30th October on your calendar For Grafton VIEW Club’s 59th birthday party. More information later!

Members recently enjoyed an informative presentation from Amanda and Megan from Harbour at Home, who explained a range of support available to people needing assistance in their own homes, including the process of applying for help.  Their presentation helped to make what can sometimes seem like a complicated process feel much easier and more manageable. 

The raffle prize was won by Pat, while Joy was the lucky recipient of the Lucky Door Prize.

Members are reminded to bring grocery items to the next meetings for the raffle hamper, which will be drawn at the club’s 59th birthday celebration at the end of October.

New member Robyn was welcomed and presented with her member’s badge. A special guest from Sydney was Louise, who enjoyed  the  VIEW experience.

The guest speaker at our Club's July monthly meeting was Zone Counsellor Maisie, who gave an informative Power Point presentation on the health and wellbeing of VIEW Clubs across the region. As Zone Counsellor, Maisie's area of responsibility stretches from Nambucca to Yamba. Originally from Ireland, she migrated to Australia with her family 55 years ago. Over the years, she has lived in Sydney, Lightning Ridge, Condobolin, Casino, and fondly remembers the beauty of Jacaranda time in Grafton. Maisie now calls Woolgoolga home.

Maisie spoke about the importance of building relationships, reminding members that making connections makes a difference, highlighting the strength of the VIEW network, with national representatives supporting 15 areas across Australia.

A special highlight of the meeting was the recognition of our 100-year-old member, Norma. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, Norma's family chose to hold a fundraiser at her birthday party, with proceeds donated to The Smith Family's Learning for Life program. This generous gesture was warmly appreciated by our Members.  This month the raffle was won by Faye, and the Lucky Door prize went to Sandra.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for this year's Jacaranda Festival. The chair has been donated to the Club, as part of the festival's community display. Members will paint it purple before decorating it in readiness to display outside the Birdcage shop during the festival. 

Members are reminded to bring grocery items to contribute to the raffle hamper, which will be drawn during the club's 59th birthday celebrations at the end of October.  The guest speaker at the club's August meeting will be Damien Fisher, Manager of Loving Life FM 101.3.  

Visitors and prospective new members are always welcome to attend so for catering purposes, please phone Helen on 6642 3867, or 0417 923 867 no later than the Thursday before the meeting. We would love to see you there.

Members gathered for a very special meeting to celebrate Norma's remarkable century of life, marking her 100th birthday with friendship, laughter, and heartfelt tributes. The occasion was filled with warm memories, good wishes, and appreciation for Norma's many years of involvement; a fitting celebration of an extraordinary milestone and a life well lived.

Guests travelled from far and wide to share in the occasion, including Merrelle, a former President.  Helen S presented a history of Norma's long and valued membership of our Club, which began in 1990. Over the years, Norma has generously served the club in many leadership roles, including Assistant Secretary, Vice President, President and Treasurer, making a lasting contribution to the organisation and its members.

As a special tribute, Norma was presented with a collage of photographs capturing memories of her years with VIEW. Among the collection was a "photograph" of Norma with country music star Troy Cassar-Daley. Everyone admired the picture and assumed it was genuine until Norma revealed the secret; it was actually a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Troy, and she had simply stood beside it with her arm linked through his! The revelation brought plenty of laughter and added a light-hearted touch to a day filled with happy memories and celebration.

Adding to the celebration, Helen C took everyone on a journey through history, recalling significant events in Australia from 1926, the year Norma was born, through to 2026. It was a reminder of the extraordinary changes Norma has witnessed over the past century and the remarkable life she has lived.  Friends also shared fond anecdotes from Norma's many years with our Club, recalling memorable moments and the good-natured mischief that has been part of the club's long-standing friendships.

The celebration included Norma cutting her beautifully decorated birthday cake, which was then shared among the guests. She was also presented with a framed certificate from the National President of VIEW, congratulating her on the wonderful milestone of reaching her 100th birthday.  A fitting tribute to a remarkable woman whose century of life has touched so many people through her friendship, dedication and service.

During the meeting, the raffle prizes were drawn, with the lucky winners being Pam and Lyn. The Lucky Door Prize was won by Rachael from the Urunga VIEW Club.  Members are reminded to bring groceries at the following meetings for contribution to the raffle hamper for the club's 59th Birthday Celebration, which will be held at the end of October.

The guest speaker at the July monthly meeting will be Damien Fisher, Manager of Loving Life FM 101.3.  For catering purposes, please phone Helen on 66423867, or 0417 923 867, to confirm your attendance no later than the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there!

Gillian Goddard from the Grafton Garden Club was guest speaker at our May monthly meeting. She spoke about friendship through gardening and the many activities of the Garden Club. 

Members enjoyed an overhead presentation featuring a variety of beautiful gardens, followed by photographs of the colourful Jacaranda chairs created for the annual Jacaranda Festival. Gillian encouraged everyone to become involved, noting that 106 decorated chairs were entered in last year’s festival. 

The world is your oyster when it comes to creativity, she said, suggesting that people might choose to grow flowers, fruits, succulents, or even exotic orchids on a balcony.  Reflecting on the friendships formed through gardening, Gillian reminded members that It takes a long time to grow old friends.    A very interesting talk enjoyed by all!

During the meeting new members, Chrissy and Elaine were presented with their badges and club information about VIEW.  The Lucky door Prize went to Pat, and the Raffle to our new member, Chrissy.

The idea that it takes a village to raise a child is reflected in our VIEW Club, bringing together different people within the community to offer support and guidance with education. So, with the community help, VIEW has been able to bring the Learning for Life Program to more young people to make a world of difference to their confidence and learning outcomes. Why not come along and help.

The next meeting will be held in the Garden Room, overlooking the bowling green. You are warmly invited to come along and bring your friends to find out what VIEW Club is all about.  For catering purposes please phone Helen on 6642 3867, or  0417 923 867, no later than the Friday before the meeting.  Hope to see you there!

The guest speaker for our April monthly meeting was Loretta Lancaster, the International Officer for CWA. Loretta shared stories about her early career as a trained nurse at St George Hospital, Sydney, where she later rose to the position of Matron. It was her adventurous spirit that led her beyond Australian shores. Together with a nursing friend, she relocated to Fiji, where they took on the work establishing immunisation and health programs across the country’s outer islands. They worked in challenging conditions, focussing on the wellbeing of communities living in poverty, and adhering to long-standing traditional customs. Loretta recounted difficulties in reaching the isolated islands, often travelling by watercraft that were far from safe. 

The talk offered fascinating insights into Fijian customs and traditions, many of which remain an important part of daily life today. During her time in Fiji, Loretta formed strong personal ties, eventually marrying a Fijian, and further deepening her communication with the country. To add a personal touch, Loretta reflected on her long association with VIEW Clubs, noting that she had been a member in Sydney for 25 years. Loretta told her great story 
of compassion, resilience and adventure, leaving the VIEW members informed and inspired by her extraordinary life journey from Sydney wards to Fijian waters.

There were two new members at the April meeting, Robyn, and June, who were warmly welcomed. The raffle was won by Helen, and the lucky door prize went to Muriel.

The guest speaker for the May monthly meeting will be Gillian Goddard from the Grafton Garden Club. Gillian will talk about gardening, and the floral chairs that the club decorates for the Jacaranda Festival. This will incorporate a screen presentation.

Members and guests of our Club were taken on a journey of discovery at the March monthly meeting. Jon Sullivan, manager of South Grafton railway station, delivered an engaging and highly informative presentation on rail travel options.

From scenic day excursions to comfortable overnight journeys, Jon highlighted a wide range of travel possibilities available to locals. He also shed light on interstate trips, and particularly made emphasis on concession fares that make exploring further afield more accessible and affordable.

Grafton VIEW attendees were eager to learn more, with many taking advantage of the detailed information booklets provided by Jon. His session sparked enthusiasm, inspiring thoughts of future adventures, and reinforcing the value of rail travel as both a practical and enjoyable way to explore Australia.  

Accompanying photo of Jon receiving our Certificate of Appreciation.

During the March meeting Sandra was presented with a certificate of appreciation for 10 years’ service as Program Officer, (pictured).

Shirley was presented with her Lavender Lady badge, and two new ladies were introduced; Elaine, and June. The guest speaker, Jon Sullivan won the Lucky Door prize, and Faye  won the raffle.

Accompanying photo shows our Members attending our local Country Women's Association morning tea.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 28th April, and the guest speaker will be Gillian Goddard from the Grafton Garden Club. We welcome guests and  for catering purposes, please phone Helen on 6642 3867 or  0417 923 867, no later than 9am on the Friday before the meeting.

Several members from our Club attended the Hospital Auxiliary Morning Tea recently at the Jockey Club. A lot of fun was had and quite a few were lucky winners of the raffles and tombola prizes. It was a delightful morning, enjoyed by all, and everyone went home with a smile on their face. 

The next mid-month outing will be held on Wednesday 21st January at Mumma Vera’s Restaurant, Big River Way, commencing at 12 noon, and the first meeting for 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday 24th February, starting at 10.30am. All are welcome to attend, and please bring your friends. It’s a great way to begin the New Year! 

For catering purposes, please phone Deb on 0400 700 396 by the Friday before the meeting.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Club’s November meeting was a social occasion enjoyed by all.  The lucky door prize was won by June B, and the raffle was claimed by Christine F. and the prize winners can be seen in the accompanying photos.

The next mid-month outing will be held on Wednesday, 21 January, at Mumma Vera’s Restaurant, Big River Way, commencing at 12 noon.

The first monthly meeting for 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 February, starting at 10.30 am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, Grafton.  All are welcome to attend—bring your friends! It’s a great way to begin the New Year. For catering purposes, please phone Deb on 0400 700 396 by the Friday before the meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Club was brimming with laughter, colour, and conversation, as Members and their friends gathered to celebrate the club’s 58th birthday in true blue style.

Bright outfits, and a delicious birthday cake set the scene for a day filled with friendship and fun. As stories were shared and memories revisited, there was a strong sense of pride in the club’s long-standing contribution to the local community, and the ongoing support of The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program. 

Many Tombolas were drawn during the event, as well as Lucky Door prizes. The Jacaranda Party paid a visit, and the Matron of Honor, Chris Lynch, was invited to introduce the girls.  Following a presentation to the entertainers, the main raffle was drawn.

A warm welcome was given to the National President, Elizabeth Birch, Past Zone Councillors, and visitors to the Jacaranda City, as well as our new VIEW Club members. Other groups attending were visiting clubs, Woolgoolga Day and Evening VIEW, Urunga, and Yamba Evening Club. There was an apology from Kempsey VIEW Club.

The theme and decoration of the room was Blue Sapphire.  As this year is the 65th Blue Sapphire Anniversary of the introduction of VIEW Clubs, it was decided to continue the theme. The entertainers were Ross and Vicki McGowan, who played old time and modern songs to create a good old singalong. Then, time to cut the cake by Elizabeth, Faye, and Margaret. Margaret made the delicious cake, Helen C. iced it, and Helen S.’s great granddaughters decorated it. 

Accompanying photo of our entertainers Ross and Vicki McGowan, who kept us singing, laughing and entertained.  

The next Grafton VIEW Club meeting will be on Tuesday, 25th November, commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton. All are warmly welcome to come along, bring friends, and see what VIEW Club is all about.

For catering purposes please RSVP to Deb on 0400 700 396 the Friday before the meeting. See you there!