Joan recognised with ‘Making a Difference’ club award

Gunnedah Day VIEW Club president Joan Harwood was pleasantly surprised at the group’s luncheon meeting last week when she was honoured with a national VIEW ‘Making a Difference’ award.

The award was presented by past national vice-president, Beryl Pike, on behalf of the VIEW National Executive.

This award recognises and acknowledges a member who is ‘living the VIEW values and guiding principles’ and with 20 years’ service to VIEW (Views Interests and Education of Women), Joan has given much of herself as well as making friendships along the way.

Joan will now be recognised on the VIEW website and will be added to the VIEW member honour roll at National Convention in Brisbane later this year.

Nominated by Jean Clarke, of the Redlands and Kenmore VIEW Clubs in Queensland, Joan’s citation described her as “a true ambassador for VIEW by being the essence of what a VIEW member should be.

Joan first joined VIEW in Gloucester where she was delegate for three years and then took on the role of president for three years followed by two years as zone councillor for district NK01. After completing her term, she was again delegate at Gloucester and finished her last four years there as president.

Joan transferred to Gunnedah in 2021, and became president the following year. The club is now thriving with 40 members and six ‘Learning for Life’ students sponsored through The Smith Family children’s charity.

The luncheon guest speaker was Michelle Riordan who presented a very interesting talk about her venture into massage and teaching yoga. She also spoke about her interest in painting and jewellery making and the challenges of transitioning to town life from a farm, where she grew lavender for many years and created lavender products. A vote of thanks was offered by Chris Mirow.

At the meeting, members voted to sponsor two more Learning for Life students, with Anne Finnegan taking on the role of correspondent.

Four new Day VIEW Club members received their badges, including Chris Pullman, Debbie Harkins, June Carter, and Trish Conway.

The club’s next meeting will be at Emerald Hill – a very popular venue for members.

Past national vice-president Beryl Pike presented the Making a Difference award to Day VIEW Club president Joan Harwood.

Anne Finnegan and Jan Bennett.

Chris Mirow offered a vote of thanks to guest speaker Michelle Riordan at the Day VIEW meeting.

Corrine Ferguson.

Trish Conway and Shirley Hall.