Point Lonsdale VIEW Club celebrates five years of support

THE Point Lonsdale VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club marked its fifth anniversary last week with a “flower power” themed event at Queenscliff restaurant 360Q.

The club is one of 280 VIEW Clubs operating around Australia, each with the mission of supporting and fundraising for children’s charity The Smith Family, while fostering friendships between women of all ages.

As part of its efforts, the Point Lonsdale VIEW Club sponsors 20 students from disadvantaged backgrounds – eight in primary school, 11 in secondary school and one studying at the tertiary level – through The Smith Family, aiding with educational costs, such as uniforms, stationery and laptops.

Club president Alicia Thomas with members Marg Woodhouse and Nola Hodgson, who has been a VIEW member for 25 years.

Club president Alicia Thomas, who has been with the Point Lonsdale chapter since its inception, celebrated the fifth birthday milestone and praised the passion and generosity of its more than 100 members.

“I’m very proud of the women in the club… they’re always so generous in everything they do and give,” she said.

“These students would never be able to go forward, if they didn’t have the help.”

Like most of the Point Lonsdale club’s members, it’s the tangible impact the group’s efforts have on children in need that have kept her a dedicated member.

Ms Thomas said the club also played an important role in bringing women together, with many of its members also participating in a book club, gardening group and crafting group, among other regularly activities.

The birthday celebration’s “flower power” theme was embraced by the VIEW Club’s members, with prized handed out to those deemed best dressed for the occasion.

Fellow club member Marg Woodhouse, who comes from an educational background, has enjoyed a more than 10-year tenure with VIEW, working her way up the executive ranks to the national presidency, where she served a two-year term.

“My eyes were opened to all of it, and particularly to the support that The Smith Family gives the students, and to their parents and their families, and how no one’s left out,” she said.

“To watch these students and know that even though they might be 25 or 30 or 40, they’re still continuing to study and still better themselves, and how much they appreciate what it is that the sponsors have done for them [has been a highlight].”

She believes it is the friendliness and care of the members of the Point Lonsdale club that makes it unique, and encouraged others to consider joining.

The VIEW Club’s members were all smiles as they took to the dance floor together after enjoying lunch at Queenscliff harbourside restaurant 360Q.

“Come along and try, and you will buy,” Ms Woodhouse said, with a laugh.

“[The members are] eager to meet, and they’re eager to go out and enjoy each other’s company…and for those ladies that are on their own, it’s just an ideal opportunity to be supported.”

Looking ahead to its next five years, the Point Lonsdale VIEW Club is hoping to continue to grow its fundraising efforts and increase the number of students it supports.

The club meets on the first Thursday of each month from 10.30am for an 11am start, at 360Q in Queenscliff.

For more information, phone club secretary Jo St. Clair on 0407 548 687.