Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club

International Women’s Day has been in focus for our Club members during March with several members attending the zone celebration in Tamworth, where past Learning for Life students spoke about their gratitude for the VIEW Club sponsorship when they were growing up. 

Accompanying photo of former Learning for Life Students Jody and Emma 

Keynote speaker Dr Kate Bricknell revealed her inspiring story to becoming an educationalist with her dream coming true with the formation of Crossroads Education in Tamworth.  Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club president, and Kamilaroi woman, Kate was invited to deliver the Welcome to Country.

Dr Kate Bricknell’s mission in life runs parallel to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program which is supported by VIEW Club members who sponsor students and their education, allowing them to follow their dreams.

Accompanying photo of Gunnedah Evening's President Kate with guest speaker Dr Kate Bricknell

Club members were also invited to the Mayor’s community celebration of International Women’s Day.

Top photo: Kate, Marie, Anne, Linda, Raelee at the mayor’s Morning tea for IWD  Bottom photo: Members at IWD celebration in Tamworth with zone representatives Mary and Leeanne.

February guest speaker was Kirra Natty who described herself as just a country kid whose journey began with community pharmacy which she followed for seven years before deciding to do
something better.  Now it is her goal in life to encourage other First Nations people to believe that they too can become a pharmacist or follow any other profession that interests them.

Accompanying photo of Anne and Raelee with guest speaker Kirra Natty, 

Our Members had a lovely evening celebrating the Melbourne Cup, with glamorous outfits and fascinators … and the horse races! 

Accompanying photo shows our glamorous members.

Kate was the winner this year .. Linda was handicapped with a peg cause she won last year!!!   

Thanks go to program officer Kerry for organising the horses and to everyone for taking part in the fun.

The theme for our December meeting is Red and Green 

Guest speaker Jodi Dolbel developed an interest in flower arranging as a child, following her grandfather as he clipped and pruned around his garden. That childhood interest grew and developed into a passion she now shares with clients through her floristry business.

As guest speaker at our Club's Spring themed dinner meeting, Jodi demonstrated easy ways to create beautiful and quirky arrangements using blooms from the garden and the bush.  In 2004 she made the decision to leave her busy and stressful administrative position and take a walk on the lighter side by purchasing a balloon business, allowing her creative side to shine.  She began working from her Kitchen bench, then moved to a studio in a shed finishing up at a shopfront near MariAnn Florist where she became even more interested in floral decoration starting out with silk flowers and studying to become a florist.

With the opening of the family business in Conadilly Street, Jodi was able to combine her florist business. I love the artistry of being a florist and like to use anything that is lying around for containers, Jodi said. I like to ensure that each piece is individual, personal and designed with love and compassion.

Members were intrigued with the different ways arrangements could be made simply and inexpensively and asked many questions.  Program officer Glen Jones presented a small gift to Jodi as a token of appreciation.

In October members will celebrate the club’s 35th birthday with a sapphire theme saluting the 65th anniversary of the formation of VIEW in Australia. Entertainment will be provided by the Conservatorium of Music.

Trivia maestro Anne once again excelled herself at our Club’s annual trivia night, forcing members to dig deep into their grey matter for the answers,  And just by co-incidence the winning team had adopted the name Greystuff, (pictured) taking out the coveted Sue Ebbage Memorial trophy by just a few points.

Elisabeth, Glen, Margaret, Deirdre and Sue combined their years of knowledge to safely negotiate topics like Its Good News Week; Friends and Enemies; Flowers and  A Good Read, taking memories back to the days of Enid Blyton and other popular authors.  The round 5 subject included Animal, Vegetable or Mineral, with the final round Watch This Space.

A pictorial sheet with worldwide tourist attractions did the rounds along with cryptic games and sport topics. Each round included six questions. Members roped in a few younger visitors to help with the spread of knowledge and overall it was a great night, with a baked dinner at the Bowlo adding to the occasion.

Members voted on the resolutions for the National VIEW Conference in Brisbane next month, including Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation, Funding Mental Health Programs for Children and Funding for National Education Standards.

The theme for next month’s meeting is Spring with Jodi Dolbel as guest speaker. Members are invited to bring out their spring outfits and embrace the new season. 

Accompanying photos of our Christmas in July 2025 celebrations.

Guest speaker, author, Nicole Alexander is pictured with program officer Glen who offered a vote of thanks.

Our Area Gala Day was held in June 2025 at Tamworth.  Please click here to read Marie's report.

Photos of:  Guest speaker and former Learning for Life scholarship recipient Emma Peters, pictured with Cindy Pearce, Family Partnership co-ordinator with The Smith Family children’s charity in Tamworth (bottom left).; and 

Gunnedah Evening VIEW club members Linda, Marie, Kate and Judy. (top).

The value of estate planning and having a valid will were in the spotlight at the May dinner meeting where principal solicitor and accredited mediator, Stacey McAllan, and estate lawyer Allison Clark were guest speakers. Alison joined Stacey five years ago and is now in her third year of university studies, specialising in estate planning and administration, which has become her passion. Both speakers emphasised the importance of having a valid will, covering Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship. A will codicil can be added and updated at any time and will become valid after death.

Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship become valid and take effect during your lifetime, covering assistance with financial matters and health, wellbeing and lifestyle. ?That?s why it is so important that you have a well drafted will that outlines your wishes during your lifetime and after your death.This can change the distribution to beneficiaries from that which is written in the will. 

 The speakers also emphasised the importance of the grandchild clause in the case of a beneficiary dying before the parent. This simplifies a person's wishes to have the beneficiary's estate transferred to any grandchildren. The topic of Advanced Health Care Directive was also covered, addressing a person's wishes regarding medical treatment if unable to make decisions themselves. It also addresses a person?s clear wishes for end-of -life care. Everyone 18 years and over should have a well drafted will.

Members have received invitations to the zone VIEW Gala Day in Tamworth on June 21 and Coonabarabran VIEW Club's birthday on June 5. Birthday cards were distributed to Aldyth, and Beryl, along with the traditional birthday song.