Hobart VIEW Club

• Top row L-R:  President Jane, Secretary Group Perri 
• Second row: Vice President Carol, Correspondence Secretary Ann, 
• Third row: Secretary Group, Deborah, Publicity Group, Barbara,
• Fourth row: Treasurer Liz, Publicity Group Tanya, Treasurer Group Sue,
• Fifth row: Publicity Officer Yvonne, 
• Bottom Row: Secretary Group Fiona.

What a wonderful afternoon Members and friends had for their Friendship Day at the Hobart Tea Rooms. 

As can be seen in the photo. the room was filled to capacity at 26 with 13 non-members supporting our club.

 

We aim for these days to focus on friendship and connection not fundraising.  Such a feast and generous lucky door prizes of tea and tea cups donated by Lily and Ron, the proprietors.  Many will spread the word and return for sure. 

Thanks to member Gianna for suggesting the venue and helping in the kitchen!

 

On a suitably cool Hobart evening following our monthly dinner meeting, Hobart VIEW Club members enjoyed an hilarious, noisy celebration of Christmas in July.  Most members managed to dress in the Christmas spirit – some more than others.

Members deposited small gifts in a large basket, then, Emceed by a suitably clad President Jane, the fun began.

Who would have thought a Christmas Quiz could cause so much discussion and dissension!  After much effort, the lucky winner was declared to be one of our guests for the evening – Lesley Mackay, General Manager of The Smith Family in Tasmania.

Then followed a new experience for many of us – an adult form of pass-the-parcel – with everyone winning a prize. 

This game will now probably find its way into a few more homes this coming Christmas.

President Jane Kerin presented new member packs to Dee and Gianna.  Welcome to the Club ladies!

One of our founding members, Bev, celebrated her June birthday at our meeting on Wednesday 14th of June.  Flowers were presented by Barb Hayes in the absence of Winsome who was an apology for the meeting.

On May 15th, 2023, Hobart VIEW Club held a fundraising event hosted by His Excellency, Lieutenant Governor, Alan Blow and Mrs Margaret Blow. (The Governor, Barbara Baker away travelling at the time). Several dignitaries and distinguished guests were present.

The 93 guests and 14 performers arrived and were seated in the ballroom to the gentle piano music of Sheng-Yuan Lynch.  The Official Secretary, David Owen briefed the guests and introduced His Excellency who addressed the guests speaking of the impact of education, the reach of The Smith Family, the work of VIEW nationally and the importance of volunteering.  This was followed by a response from Jane Kerin, President of Hobart VIEW.  Jane spoke about the origins of VIEW, the work of the Hobart club and promoted the approaching national Convention here in September.  

Guests were then entertained once again by Sheng-Yuan Lynch.  He was followed by a fascinating talk by Tasmanian author Robyn Mundy about her latest historical novel ‘Cold Coast’ set in the Arctic.  The final musical performance was from the talented Jazz chorus group from Elizabeth College.  Guests were then invited for light refreshments and a chance to mingle with their guests.

Acknowledgement and grateful thanks must be made to Dr. Deborah Beswick, (Hobart VIEW club member) for her immense effort and input into this event.  Many thanks also to those members who helped on the night erecting the banners, passing out pamphlets, speaking to guests and demonstrating what a lovely bunch of people VIEW members are!

Funds raised including ticket sales and donations totalled $5565.

The room was buzzing with chatter and happy faces. A very successful event indeed!

President Jane welcomed our Guest speaker Anna Slattery (Acting Manager Trusting Foundations).

Anna, a Tasmanian by birth, decided to become part of the Smith Family after winning a wonderful overseas holiday in a Smith Family bike riding competition.  She was initially a volunteer for TSF, then was offered the opportunity to contribute to the TSF’s fundraising program. 

New member Hilda receiving her membership pack from President Jane

Four members of the Hobart VIEW Club attended a Cocktail Party held by the Zonta Club, Hobart, at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Hobart.  The Zonta Club has a similar focus on the value of education. 

The cocktail party was held to raise funds for scholarships for young girls participating in the Kennerley Kids Moving On program.  The program provides accommodation and support for young people who are unable to live at home but are fully committed to educational pursuits.   Research shows that young people who have completed compulsory education or participate in tertiary and/or vocational education have a much greater chance of reaching their full potential.

This is the third year the Zonta Club has supported young girls participating in this program.  One of the participants of the program – a student nurse – spoke of her experiences whilst on the program. 

At the Club’s April meeting, new member, Perri, was welcomed to our Club, and was presented with a new member pack, designed by President Jane.

At our Club’s April meeting, we welcomed guest Robin, a member from the West Coast VIEW Club, Perth.

University of Tasmania Associate Professor Clair Andersen was presented with her induction to the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium’s Circle of Honours ‘Order of Service to Indigenous Education’ by #WINHEC Deputy Co-Chair Dr Leanne Holt, NATSIHEC past President and Macquarie University Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy.

Associate Professor Clair Andersen, who has spent a lifetime promoting education opportunities for Australia’s First Nations people, has been recognised for those efforts on an international stage.

She has been inducted to the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium’s Circle of Honours.

The Consortium (WINHEC) provides an international forum and support for Indigenous peoples to pursue common goals through higher education.

At the Club’s April meeting, members welcomed Chris Crerar, Communications and Fundraising Coordinator at Reconciliation Tasmania.

Chris began volunteering with Reconciliation Tasmania more than three years ago.  He is the Referendum Campaign Co-ordinator to bring accurate information about the Voice Referendum to the community.

During Question time, issues such as the role of indigenous MPs, discussion of a Treaty and experience in other countries with treaties with First Nations people, some of the key elements in the No campaign (claims of divisiveness and racism) and the process through which representatives for a Voice to Parliament would be appointed - noting that detail is not yet available about this.

On Wednesday 8th March, Hobart VIEW Club members welcomed Jane Teniswood as our Guest Speaker, to commemorate International Women’s Day.

Jane’s cv is extensive and includes teaching, counselling, community development and business.  As a teacher she has worked in both Tasmania and Papua New Guinea in childhood, Primary, Special education, Secondary, Music and TAFE.

She was instrumental in setting up Lifeline in Hobart and on the North West Coast of Tasmania and trained counsellors for many years.

Jane also received funding to set up “Project Youth” in Burnie and later was part of setting up the Youth Alcohol & Drug Service.

What a fun evening enjoyed by all!  Jane’s experiences in teaching reading in particular, were enlightening and drew much interest from members and guests.  Her contributions to society have been amazing and include starting a garden in the maximum security prison for prisoners, running a farm combined with an Air b’n’b establishment, writing, to name just a few.  Great work Jane.  We’d love to hear from you again in the future.

At the March meeting, President Jane welcomed three new members to the Club as well as a former member - Patricia.  We also welcomed Jane Teniswood as our guest speaker.

As you can see members entered into the spirit of the evening and found some purple items to wear.  A tasty dinner and some uproarious moments added to the celebration!

Citizen of the Year Award

On Wednesday 22nd February 2023, at the Brighton (Tas) Community Centre, Alex Weekes, an Art Teacher at the Jordan River Learning Federation Senior School, was presented by the Mayor of Brighton, Councillor Leigh Grey, with the award as Citizen of the Year for the Brighton Council. 

Hobart VIEW Club representatives, Jane (President), Carol (Vice President) and Yvonne (Publicity Officer) were thrilled when Alex’s name was announced!  State and Federal members of Parliament were also present: Hon John Howlett MLC, Brian Mitchell MP, Jen Butler MP, Hon John Tucker MP.

Club members had met Alex when she was a guest speaker at the Club’s Christmas in July event in 2022, and were impressed by her enthusiasm and commitment to her work.  As a result, the club decided to nominate Alex for the award.

As a former Smith Family scholarship student, Alex has continued to support Smith Family Education programs (such as Smart Arts Program, Work Inspirations Project along with her teaching.  She is a positive role model and mentor to her students, encouraging them to continue with their education and make a positive contribution to their society as she has done herself. 

Members of the Hobart VIEW Club attended a lunch in honour of our previous Publicity Officer – Michelle Bottomley.

Michelle passed away two years ago after a long battle with breast cancer.  A bright and happy person, Michelle endeared herself to us all.  To honour her memory we decided that we would do something that she would have enjoyed too – a tasty lunch with good friends and family. 

This year our lunch was held at the Astor Grill restaurant.  Also attending was Michelle’s mother – Perri and Clair’s grand-daughter Olive.