Group committed to supporting women's learning

Group committed to supporting women’s learning

April 28, 2024 BY Tim Bottams

Decades of service: Ballarat Evening VIEW Club publicity officer Kate Dickinson and president Janine Baker recently celebrated their 28th birthday in early March at the Ballarat Golf Club. Photos: SUPPLIED

MEMBERS of the Ballarat Evening VIEW Club are having a busy time of it lately in the wake of celebrating almost thirty years of activity in the region.

Having recently acknowledged their 28th birthday last month, the club is poised to continue their work as one of the key fundraising groups for The Smith Family with activities planned for next month.

With cash from their upcoming initiatives going towards the non-profit’s Learning For Life program, Ballarat Evening VIEW Club president Janine Baker said the club’s driver has always been supporting young women in their education.

“It’s our common goal to be the charity group for The Smith Family,” she said.

“We currently sponsor 15 students which is the largest amount we’ve had at once.

“They’re students who otherwise wouldn’t have quality of education. We’re ensuring they’ve got the technology they need and uniforms.

“We sponsor from prep to tertiary. It’s about supporting their whole education journey and each year we’re trying to sponsor more.”

Members will be on hand wrapping gifts for Mother’s Day at Stockland Wendouree between 9 to 11 May from 10am each day.

A Cabella Mia fashion parade will follow the next month at Dana Street’s The Grand on 5 June with raffles and other fundraising activities to take place on the day.

One of the national councillors for Victoria’s north-western VIEW Clubs Janet Park cut the cake during the local group’s birthday celebration last month.

The average sponsorship cost for one student is $660 from prep to year 10 ages, $936 for year 11 and 12 students, and $1320 for tertiary.

The VIEW in the club’s name stands for “Voice, Interests and Education of Women,” and Ms Baker, who’s been with the local group for four years, said in keeping with the acronym, it’s been a holistic outlet for her.

“We’re basically a support network as well that brings women together in local communities,” she said. “We have social activities where people can develop skills and make connections.

“The thing I enjoy the most is meeting women from all walks of life.”

The local group currently has 45 members and meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Ballarat Golf Club.