Times journalist welcomed as Day VIEW guest speaker

The Gunnedah Day VIEW Club enjoyed another successful luncheon last month on Friday, March 27, welcoming guest speaker and Gunnedah Times cadet journalist Molly Shannon. The club also enjoyed early Easter celebrations.

The group began with club matters before diving into raffles and lucky door prizes, deciding that the group will not go ahead with their Tambar Springs High Tea in May due to the current fuel crisis.

Raffles were supplied by Judy Mitchell and Corrine Ferguson, with each prize boasting a bright Easter theme.

But the celebrations didn’t stop there, with Day VIEW Club president Joan Harwood thanking members for their contributions to the table decorations which also reflected the coming excitement for the chocolate filled holiday.

Guest speaker Molly Shannon was invited to talk on her journey into journalism and what it is like to work for a local newspaper.

Miss Shannon is a cadet journalist for the Gunnedah Times, and said her journey was not a typical one.

“I always wanted to be a journalist since I had been little,” Miss Shannon said.

“Throughout my entire high school career, I worked hard towards getting good grades to get accepted into a good university to study journalism, however, it didn’t pan out like I thought it would.

“During my two years at uni, I really struggled. When I came home, I felt very defeated but getting a job as a cadet journalist at my local paper, the Coonabarabran Times, really reminded me of how much I wanted to be in this career.”

Miss Shannon spent a year at the Coonabarabran Times, before it unfortunately closed.

When looking for what she would do next, an opening at the Gunnedah Times became available and she jumped on the opportunity.

“I love working for the local paper, and Gunnedah has really welcomed me,” Miss Shannon said.

“I have such a passion for sharing regional and rural voices, connecting with the community, and sharing their unique stories.”

The Gunnedah VIEW Club is passionate about supporting the community and raising awareness for children in need.

Currently, the club is supporting six children in the Learning for Life programme, a cause which the ladies are very proud of.

The group maintains contact with the children, who hail from all over Australia, including states Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

Gunnedah Day VIEW Club have a very exciting year ahead of them, in July they will celebrate the 53rd birthday, and are planning to host a party later in the year.

President Joan Harwood said that Gunnedah Day VIEW Club is just like a big friendship group, and are always open to new members.

“We’re all friends here, and we really value friendship and a happy family group,” she said.

“All women are welcome, from all ages. If anyone wishes to join they can contact me or visit the VIEW Club Australia website and go to find a club and join through there.”