Grafton VIEW Club
About
Grafton VIEW was formed in 1967.
Club members are involved in raising donations for the Learning for Life Program, which is targeted towards the education of disadvantaged students, whom we support. VIEW is a not-for-profit organization.
If you truly believe that supporting a child's education is the best way to break the cycle of disadvantage, then all you need to do is come along to enjoy a meal in friendship with entertainment, which is usually an interesting and motivated guest speaker.
The daytime meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month, commencing at 10.30 am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, Grafton.
For more information the contact is Helen on 02 66 423 867.
When
- Meeting Day on 4th Tuesday of the month at 10.30 am
- at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, Grafton
Contact
- Helen, Phone: 02 66 423 867;
- Email: grafton.viewclub@gmail.com
Visit Our Facebook page
Where
GRAFTON
Grafton District Services Club 105-107 Mary Street, GRAFTON, NSW 2460
Keep up to date with what is happening around the clubs.
Meet Our 2023 Committee
Photo above L-R: Helen S, Helen C, Vorna, Faye, Merrelle, Norma, and Sandra.
Absent from photo: Jeanette.
Invitation to VIEW
What is VIEW Club all about? you ask. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. Grafton VIEW is on the lookout for new members in the area. It provides a place for women of all ages to connect with the community to enjoy social activities, and develop lasting friendships; all the while supporting the work of children’s education in the Learning for Life Program. This program provides students with financial, educational and personal support. This is crucial, particularly in the current economic climate.
Most people have been hit by the rising cost of living, be it power prices, food or petrol. However, these rises have had an even greater impact on those already doing it tough. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between putting dinner on the table or buying their child a uniform for school.
This is where VIEW steps in with the Learning for Life Program to help children experiencing disadvantage with their education. Hence, we are always looking for women of all backgrounds and ages to join us, and we look forward to welcoming new faces at our next monthly meeting. All you have to do is come along, enjoy a lovely meal and be entertained by a motivated guest speaker. There is also a mid-month social outing available.
The meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am. The February meeting is on Tuesday, 28th at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton. Please mark this on your calendar, as you are specially invited to come along, meet new friends & renew old acquaintances.
Please phone Vorna at 66 424719 no later than the Friday before the meeting for catering purposes. Hope to see you there!
2022 December Happenings
Several members from the Grafton VIEW Club attended the Hospital Auxiliary Morning Tea recently. It was a lot of fun, & quite a few were lucky with raffle & tombola prizes.
November was the last VIEW Club meeting for the year with a Christmas theme. Just a reminder! The next mid-month social outing is on Tuesday January 24th at Li Garden Chinese Restaurant, the Good Intent Hotel, South Grafton, 12 noon. Then the first VIEW Club meeting for 2023 will be on Tuesday February 28th at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Please mark all this on your new 2023 diary, ready to come along, meet new friends & renew old acquaintances. Make lifelong friends! Ultimately, disadvantaged students will be helped.
When you have made the decision to come along, please ring Vorna at 66424719, no later than 9am on the Friday before the meeting. This is for catering purposes. We really hope to see you there!
Christmas Celebrations
Faye presents Zena with her 30 year Service Pin, a wonderful milestone
Helen and Faye singing along with the Christmas mice!!
2022 November
November was the last meeting for the year with a Christmas theme, and a lovely Christmas lunch was served.
The next mid-month social is on Tuesday 24th January at Li Garden Chinese Restaurant, the Good Intent Hotel, South Grafton, 12 noon. Then the first VIEW Club meeting for 2023 will be on Tuesday, 28th February, at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton, commencing at 10.30am. So, make sure you mark this in your new 2023 diary, because you are invited to come along, meet new friends, and renew old acquaintances.
Please ring Vorna at 66424719 no later than 9am on the Friday before the meeting, for catering purposes. Hope to see you there!
Members and friends enjoy the comradeship of VIEW Meetings and Outings
55th Birthday Celebration
30 year Service Pins to Kay and Muriel, and 10 years to Ruth
2022 October
Members celebrated a memorable, fun-filled 55th birthday at the Grafton District Services Club during Jacaranda week. VIEW belongs to a unique organisation; a charity helping disadvantaged children, enabling them to create better futures. To help, all you need to do is to come along & share a meal each month with women of all ages. At the same time, there will be a guest speaker, who will enlighten, entertain & perhaps enlarge the perception of what it is to participate as an active community citizen. At these meetings friendships can be cultivated & maintained for a lifetime.
Everyone loves a party! Visitors included representatives from Valla beach, Nambucca heads, Macksville, Woolgoolga, Warren, Yamba Day Club & Urunga. Other groups represented were CWA, Hospital Auxiliary, Grafton Inner Wheel & The Walking Group.
The theme this year was Poppies, so colours of red & white adorned the room. Amid the decorations, National Vice President, Elizabeth Birch welcomed members and visitors to the beautiful Jacaranda City. She continued with a slide presentation of the Smith Family Centenary Celebrations, giving general updates about Australian VIEW Clubs. Following this, Elizabeth presented membership badges; 30 years to Kay and Muriel, and 10 years to Ruth.
The cutting of a huge birthday cake was carried out by Elizabeth, Anne, Anne-Marie and Faye.
Many Tombolas were drawn, and full baskets of prizes were presented to delighted winners. An impressive lunch was served, and during the meal, huge slices of birthday cake were placed on each table. Lucky Door prizes were drawn, with entertainment provided by the Cabaret Belles. Later, a Certificate of Appreciation and gift were presented to the entertainers.
Winners of the main raffle were Joy, Diane, Kay, Annemarie, Sandra, Jan, Jeanette, Julie and Norma. President Faye thanked the decorating Committee, all helpers and hostesses, members who donated raffle prizes, tombolas, trading table items and The Hope Chest for selling tickets, also the Club for the venue and support.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 22nd November, commencing at 10am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, Grafton. You are warmly invited to come along, enjoy a tasty meal with entertainment, and at the same time you will support children in need. Please phone Vorna at 66424719, no later than 9am on the Friday before the meeting.
Services for Seniors
Sandra presents Trent with a Certificate of Appreciation
Next Meeting: The normal meeting for October will be replaced with a social outing to Maclean by bus on Tuesday, 25th October. Meeting place will be at the bus stop at Market Square (opposite the Saraton Theatre) at 9am, return to Grafton at 3.30pm. There will be a morning coffee stop of choice in Maclean, and later all will meet for lunch at the Maclean Hotel.
2022 September
The guest speaker for our September meeting was Trent Lawrence from Services NSW. Trent spoke about Seniors and driving licences, and cost of living programs.
He advised about what is available for Seniors’ Support, for example, driving, testing and modified licences. Trent suggested that Seniors should read, A Guide to the Older Driver available at the Services Office.
He went on to inform about cost-of-living programs, such as help with rebate for energy and water; Healthcare Cards; Seniors Card; Concession Cards; isolated patients; and other services.
Celebrations are coming up! Grafton VIEW is celebrating its 55th Birthday. This will be held at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton on Friday 4th November, commencing at 10.30am. Tickets can be obtained at the Hope Chest in Prince St. Grafton, $30 each. The birthday theme for this year is “Poppies”, so check out your wardrobe for some floral party gear to wear. Please come along to enjoy a fun filled day…everyone loves a birthday party!
Anti-Poverty Week is fast approaching, and is held from 11th -22nd October. All Australians are encouraged to take part to help overcome issues of poverty and hardship. With rising costs of petrol, groceries and housing decisions, sometimes children are at risk of missing out on basic school items, such as uniforms, books and devices needed for learning. This is why VIEW is so passionate about supporting children through the Learning for Life Program to overcome the educational inequality they face. In this program the children are supported for the duration of their education, thus helping build confidence and skills needed to create a better future for themselves.
Welcome New Member
Photo above: Anne Marie was presented with her new membership badge and certificate.
Next Meeting: will be held on Tuesday 29th September guest speakers will be Kieran Hogan and Trent Lawrence from Services NSW. They will advise about seniors and driving licences, and a cost-of-living program. Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes, no later than the Friday before the meeting. Please come along to the next meeting to have some fun and help disadvantaged children. Hope to see you there!
2022 August
Our August Guest Speaker was Michelle Drummond from Home Instead-Home Care Packages. Their office in Grafton is now located in Fitzroy Street. Michelle described the Home Care Package Program, and all the things it has to offer. For example, home help with out of hospital care, personal care, dementia care, transportation and respite. The caring is designed to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families.
The raffle was won by Faye, and the lucky door prize went to Ruth. Our next social outing will be on the 8th September at The Brewhouse, commencing at 10am.
Crime Prevention in July 2022
The guest speaker for July was Jessica Stamper, Senior Constable – Youth and Crime Prevention Officer- scams, frauds and break-ins. Jessica spoke about scam prevalence in emails, internet, SMS, landline and mobile phones becoming more frequent, sophisticated and nasty. You may get scam calls and texts about your overdue tax bill, your “recent” traffic accident or arrival of a parcel that was never ordered. Scammers use a range of tactics, usually to seek peoples’ money and personal details. The calls mostly originate from overseas, and some use technology to make it appear like the call is coming from an Australian phone number. This is called “spoofing”.
Jessica recommends that if you get an SMS, whatever you do, don’t click on the link in it. If you do, a huge amount of malware is downloaded to your phone via those links. She went on to talk about break and enter, and suggested to make sure your home is made safe by design. Follow the simple actions of locking doors and cars to prevent crimes of opportunity. Jessica told of how Elder Abuse is becoming a focus for the NSW Police with the existence of “Aged Care Police Officers” committed to assist in investigating crime for the demographic.
Next month’s guest speaker will be Michelle Drummond, who will speak about living at home independently.
The August mid-month outing will be at the Clocktower Hotel, Thursday 18th at 10am for morning tea. Everyone is looking forward to those huge scones with jam and cream.
The July Lucky Door prize went to Suzanne and the Raffle to Anne-Marie.
Take up your pen and mark Friday 4th November on your calendar for the Grafton VIEW Birthday Party. More details later.
The next meeting will be Tuesday August 23rd, commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton. You are welcome to come along to help support children in need. Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes before 9am the Friday before the meeting. Hoping to see you there!
Sandra presents Jessica with a Certificate of Appreciation.
2022 July Outing
Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. You are invited to come along and enjoy yourself with a tasty meal and a motivated guest speaker. Ultimately, disadvantaged children will be helped.
Please phone Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. As well, a social outing is held each month. The photo below was taken at the Clocktower with some of the members enjoying a yummy morning tea; this month’s social outing.
2022 June
The guest speaker for June was Ursula Tunks, who spoke about life experiences in the Police Force. She told about domestic violence, and its dreadful consequences. To lighten matters, Ursula told a few humorous stories about happenings in the force, then continued by informing the group about The Mend & Make Do Crew Inc. in Through Street, South Grafton. The organisation only accepts orders from homelessness, specific organisations and emergency relief contacts.
Much relief is being offered for flood recovery victims at the moment, and 17,037 caring kits have been put together from generous community donations. There is a large range of the kits, presented in lovely home-made bags for the homeless, at risk and low-income community members. The kit’s labels vary from toiletry, male, female, children, fur babies, kitchen starter kits, linen kits, cleaning kits and many more. Maybe we should check out our cupboards for donations!
Later, Norma told an interesting story about her beautiful Norman Hartnell lace dress from many years ago. Her husband bought it as a precious surprise.
2022 May
Members make a Spectacle of themselves
Suzanne presents Bill with a Certificate of Appreciation
Spectacular Spectacles
Members celebrated The Smith Family's VIEW centenary with feathered frames and glittery goggles, to the theme of Make a Spectacle. Members decorated opera glasses from a 100-year template to celebrate the occasion. The club is participating in a National Competition, with categories of 'Most Colourful', 'Most Innovative', 'Most Humorous' and 'Best Group,' Winners will be announced at the National Convention in Adelaide, 2022.
The story tells us that 100 years ago, the Smith family was born on Christmas Eve, in 1922. A group of five businessmen were saddened to learn about the extent of childhood poverty in Australia. So, they decided to dress as Santa and delivered gifts and toys to the children at a Sydney orphanage. When asked who they were, the reply was, Just call us the Smiths. Now more than 180,000 children and young people in Australia have been supported through the Learning for Life Program.
Over the 100 years there have been many changes. From the 1980’s the clubs focused on supporting children in education who were experiencing poverty. VIEW assists children to make the most of their schooling, and create a better future for themselves. Thus, the Learning for Life Program was born. Over the 100 years, many Australians have been supported. Grafton VIEW Club celebrates this by making a spectacle of itself in the competition.
An interesting guest speaker for the May meeting was Bill Patterson from the Midday Rotary Club. Bill spoke of the many services the club provides around Grafton. It was most pleasing to hear that 13 defibrillators have been placed around the town. This life-saving equipment was also donated to the hospital. Rotary prides itself in Service over Self. Suzanne Gibson presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Bill Patterson.
April Guest Speaker
The guest speaker for the April meeting was Shirley Chambers, who spoke about her life on board a yacht. Shirley’s picture presentation showed the yacht, with adventure stories of many travels. An interesting life indeed!
Betty Caldwell thanks Guest Speaker, Shirley Chambers
2022 April
It is known that the best way to break the cycle of entrenched poverty is through education. This is where the VIEW Club steps in. Young Australians are supported with their educational needs through the Learning for Life Program. VIEW welcomes women of all ages, and all walks of life to join. There is not a lot involved. All you need to do is come along and enjoy a meal in friendship. Entertainment, is usually an interesting and motivated guest speaker. These daytime meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of the month, commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton.
The guest speaker for the April meeting was Shirley Chambers, who spoke about her life on board a yacht. Shirley’s picture presentation showed the yacht, with adventure stories of many travels. An interesting life indeed! The guest speaker for the May meeting will be from the Rotary Club.
At the April meeting two new members were warmly welcomed; Annemarie Millea and Grace Loebel. Congratulations!
The Lucky Door prize went to Norma Melino, and the raffle to Shirley Chambers.
VIEW will help in hosting the Biggest Morning Tea at the Grafton District Services Club on Friday 20th May. Tickets can be purchased at the GDSC at $15 each.
The May VIEW Club meeting will be on Tuesday 24th at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton, commencing at 10.30am.
You are warmly welcome to come along, and at the same time you will help support children in need. Before you come, please phone Vorna at 66424719, for catering purposes.
(Please note, it is most important that members NOT attending the luncheon advise Vorna before 9am on the Friday before the meeting.)
Hope to see you there!
2022 March
Some people are under the impression that Grafton VIEW Club is a Camera Club. This is not so! In fact, it is a national children’s charity, which helps young disadvantaged Australians. These students are sponsored by VIEW and enter into the Learning for Life Program. This program is a powerful, longstanding connection, enabling better futures for these young Australians.
We are always looking for women from all walks of life to join in supporting this worthwhile charity. If you are interested, we encourage you to get in touch and come along to the next meeting to learn more about VIEW.
The guest speaker for the March meeting was Helen Dobra, who spoke about Bowen Therapy. Helen explained that it is a relaxing, non-invasive remedial remedy for all ages, from newborns to the elderly. She went on to explain that this technique works to balance all body systems, and is proven to be effective in relieving, and resolving chronic conditions. Helen pointed out that it treats the cause, not just the symptoms.
The guest speaker for the April meeting will be Shirley Chambers, who will speak about life on board a yacht, and her many travel adventures.
Grafton VIEW will be helping with the Biggest Morning Tea at the Grafton District Services Club on Friday, 20th May. Tickets are available at the GDSC, $15.
Next Grafton VIEW Club meeting is Tuesday 26thApril, commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, Grafton. New members are always welcome to come along & experience the satisfaction of making new friendships & at the same time helping disadvantaged children succeed at school. Please contact Vorna at 66424719 for catering purposes.
Program Officer Sandra, thanking guest speaker, Helen Dobra.
National and Regional News
Keep up to date with what is happening around the clubs.
VIEW National Convention 2022 highlights
VIEW members from across Australia came together in Adelaide for three wonderful days of inspirational speakers, VIEW celebrations, learning, socialising and having fun!
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ND Gala Day 2022
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Community Expo in Ulladulla
Community Connect Southern Shoalhaven (CCSS) recently held their inaugural Community Expo at the Ulladulla Civic Centre where sixty (60) local Community not-for-profit organisations came together to show their wares. VIEW was well represented on the day;
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