Evening VIEW celebrates 35 years of caring for disadvantaged students

Gunnedah Evening VIEW members celebrated 35 years of friendship and caring for disadvantaged students through The Smith Family at their October dinner meeting.

Founded by The Smith Family in 1960, VIEW is this year celebrating its 65th anniversary nationally so it was a double celebration.

Members were delighted to have VIEW Zone Councillor Leeanne Stubbs and members from Gunnedah Day VIEW join them for the celebration.

The evening opened with teachers, Sewa Emojong and Michael Salvatore, from the Gunnedah Conservatorium, entertaining members and guests. Sewa’s powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply with all.

Leeanne Stubbs presented Colleen Loveridge with her 20-year membership badge. Fellow member Anne McMahon was unable to attend on the night and will receive her 30-year membership badge at a later date.

Leeanne spoke about the recently held National Convention 2025 in Brisbane. She encouraged all members to try to attend conventions as they are such a fun and social time, and also host very interesting, prominent and inspiring speakers. Many long-lasting friendships are also built from meetings at these events.

VIEW aims to host a National Convention event every two years for VIEW members. VIEW Convention 2027 will be held in Geelong, Victoria.

Leanne also spoke of the strength and support VIEW has provided over the past six decades for The Smith Family children’s charity, making such a difference to the education of Australian children. Today VIEW is proud to be the largest community sponsor of students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

VIEW’s 13,000 members support the educational outcome of more than 1800 Australian children and young people living in disadvantage.

Members Aldyth Hailes and Adrienne Stubbs, who have been with Evening VIEW for the 35 years, cut the beautiful birthday cake which was made and decorated by Kerry Keating. Member Margaret Stevens has also been with Evening VIEW for 35 years but was not able to be at the celebration.

As part of their commitment to building strong communities, VIEW members warmly embrace new members, welcoming them to their local community and connecting them with the wider VIEW and Smith Family communities.

Gunnedah Evening’s next meeting in November will be a ‘glamour’ theme to celebrate the Melbourne Cup.