Heidelberg VIEW Club

The Autumn months have been very busy for our Members.

In April we enjoyed a winter fashion show and in May we celebrated Mother’s Day. Our National Zone Councillor Hazel Austin, who can be seen in the photo, gave us a presentation of the achievements of VIEW and The Smith Family and we appreciated learning what VIEW and our club had contributed to funds for Learning for Life students and other Smith Family initiatives.

Functions included attending Epping- Plenty Valley VIEW’s birthday, excursions to local cafes and a tour of State Treasury in Melbourne, and our Members who attended can be seen in the accompanying photo.

A highlight was the fundraising morning tea at member Roz’s new home. 

Members celebrated International Women’s Day with a visit from a committed, capable and interesting female member of the local police. Acting Snr Sgt Michelle Brown spoke about her journey in becoming a police officer, and entering the academy as a mature recruit. She has progressed through the ranks to her current level as well as being a parent to three children.

Michelle told us of her experiences in the force and how she liked interacting with the public. She was a very appropriate speaker for IWD!

Sgt Jamie Mansfield accompanied Michelle and also answered various questions. He demonstrated the components of his kit, which weighed 11 kilograms! All police officers wear this to protect themselves and of course the public. Jamie spoke briefly about scams, something we’re all concerned about these days. 

Hazel was thrilled to receive a Certificate of Appreciation  from our Club. 

Hello and welcome to 2025, VIEW’S 65th Blue Sapphire year! What a year to look forward to!

Our club held its first meeting of the year with a buzz of excitement, of members catching up after the long break. We welcomed our Zone Councillor, Carolyn, who conducted the Annual General Meeting, and inducted the new committee.

The committee has hit the ground running with an outing and fundraiser already planned for this month.  Visitors will receive a warm welcome at our next Meeting on March 12th. Wear purple, white and green to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Accompanying photo of Carole receiving her Making A Difference Award from ZC Carolyn

The meeting included a special birthday recognition for Janet, who received flowers from past-president Roz and member Sandra, who can be seen in the accompanying photo. 

Numerous certificates of appreciation were also awarded to those members who contributed so much to the success of the club in 2024. 

Carolyn awarded a significant Certificate of Appreciation to Past-President Jenny, who has made an outstanding contribution to our Club and to the wider VIEW organisation. Delegate Heather accepted the award on Jenny’s behalf.  

The familiar sound of Bill Haley’s Rock Around the Clock, polka dots, bobby socks and petticoats were the order of the day when our club celebrated our 37th birthday. What a hoot it was! The tables were colourfully decorated with LP records, wax soda candles, and bottles of Coca Cola.

DJ and singer Adrian performed so many of the oldies but goodies; the songs we all know the words to! Many Members were up and dancing having a ball!

We were privileged to have VA Zone Councillor, Anne, visit and celebrate the occasion with us along with many Members of other VAO1 clubs.

The raffle table was groaning with many prizes brought along by Members and a birthday cake was cut by our oldest member, Valda.

Accompanying photo shows our Members kicking up our heels to the 50's style music of a bygone age, that we all enjoyed so much.

It was a brilliant day! 

Our club continues to attract new members and the photo shows President Jenny, on the right, presenting Jan with her badge.

Members were enthralled by guest speaker, June Rushton, sharing her family story of emigrating from the UK and living on various islands around Australia while their father took care of the lighthouse operations.

Next month is our 37th birthday! We are celebrating with a 50s and 60s theme. All are welcome to attend The Heidelberg Golf Club at 8 Main Rd Lower Plenty at 11.30 for a 12.00 start. Please note that on this special occasion the venue is different to that of our club meeting.

Members were as generous as always in their contribution to the Prep Pack Stationery Drive. A huge array of items such as pencils, scrap books, picture books and handmade colourful bags will be distributed to children in need starting school next year. 

Members were greeted by beautiful flowers in glorious autumn colours when they arrived for the June meeting. Speaker for the month was Sandi Muntisov from Share the Dignity. This organisation collects ‘period products’, personal hygiene and other essential items for women and children escaping domestic violence. These products are packed in donated bags for those who have left their home hurriedly.

July's speaker will be from Therapy Dogs Australia. There will be puppies! We’re all looking forward to learning about the training and benefits of these amazing dogs, as well as enjoying the cuteness and fun of puppies!

All are welcome to attend.