Eight members of Bairnsdale VIEW Club joined with more than 550 women representing every state of Australia to enjoy an empowering weekend from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, combining passion with purpose as they gathered in Brisbane for the VIEW Clubs of Australia National Convention.
VIEW: Voice, Interests and Education of Women is a national organisation of local clubs that connect women in their community through the shared purpose of supporting national children’s education charity the Smith Family.
Bairnsdale VIEW Club was delighted and honoured to receive the prestigious Blue Sapphire Education Award for an outstanding contribution to education, through impactful engagement with students on the Learning for Life Program and with dedicated Smith Family staff in the local community.
In 2025 VIEW is celebrating 65 years of connecting in communities, advocating for women and children, supporting education, volunteering, making lasting connections and making a difference.
Over the three-day National Convention, a stellar line-up of guest speakers included Beth Harvey, former animation director of Bluey; Detective Chief Inspector Melissa Anderson BM APM, Queensland Police Service (a VIEW member herself ); and Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Vice-Chancellor and president of Queensland University of Technology.
Delegates heard from young Karingbal woman, Faith Kayrooz about her life experiences and a first-hand account of the impact VIEW has on the lives of young Australians.
Faith is a former recipient of a The Smith Family’s Learning for Life scholarship and is now an award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer who performed two original songs for attendees.
Three themed dinners had VIEW members on their feet, dancing the night away as they enjoyed local entertainers and gala dinners.
To close out a wonderful few days, on Sunday Brisbane VIEW Club members, friends and family led the community walk, showcasing all the best of what Brisbane City has to offer.
This event is about bringing people together, building connections and celebrating the incredible work of VIEW Clubs of Australia and The Smith Family in supporting families and young people.
Bairnsdale VIEW Club is holding a Trivia Night Fundraiser at the Lucknow Football/Netball Clubrooms on Saturday, October 18 at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
If you would like to come along to an evening of fun whilst assisting the club in raising funds to support the 20 Learning for Life students, further information
and contact details can be found on Bairnsdale VIEW Club’s Facebook page or website page.
