As national women’s organisation, VIEW Club prepare to celebrate their 65th anniversary on March 30, the resounding message across the Western area is one of solidarity, friendship, commitment and charity for children via the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

VIEW, which was established in 1960, stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women.

They advocate for the education of young Australians in need, and bring women together in local communities to develop skills, enjoy social activities, make connections and participate in networking events.

NSW has 5,400 members in 130 VIEW Clubs, from the Queensland border, south down to Eden and as far west as Cobar.

Across the country, 60% percent of VIEW members are from rural and regional areas, who have volunteered more than 3.3 million hours of time and raised over $45 million in the sponsorship of 1800 students.

To the women of Nyngan, Cobar, Warren and Coonabarabran however, VIEW is an integral part of their community, with members looking forward to the monthly events and fundraisers they create.

Coonabarabran ladies celebrating VIEW club - image courtesy Coonabarabran VIEW.

91-year-old June McWhirter was the Inaugural President for the Coonabarabran VIEW club 30 years ago and says VIEW has been an important part of her rural life.

“It’s a meeting place for women to get together and have a meal and raise money to support children in their education, and in turn support each other through life events and day to day happenings, said Mrs McWhirter.

“Our numbers have dwindled as our members get older but the get togethers mean a lot to those of us who attend and in times of crisis we all gather to support one another, its truly wonderful,” said Mrs McWhirter.

Ladies of Cobar View Club celebrate Melbourne Cup day - image courtesy Cobar VIEW Club.

Cobar View Club celebrates 42 years this year and Lillian Simpson (Treasurer) said the organisation has an important role to play.

“We currently have around 24 members in our organisation and all our fund raising goes to the Smith Family, where we support three students.

“We get together every month and celebrate various things, this week was Saint Patricks Day which was great fun.

“Many of our members have been in the club for 30 years or more with Kate Winders being an inaugural member for 42 years. We are very fortunate to be supported by local businesses particularly Cobar Golf Club and Anni’s Arts & Crafts who have assisted us to hold fundraisers."

Nyngan VIEW Club ladies enjoying a monthly get together - Image courtesy Abigail McLaughlin.

Nyngan President Norma Jeffrey said VIEW club is equally about the friendships as raising money.

“We love that we can raise money for the children, which is so very important, and we also love the getting together and talking and sharing what has been happening in our lives.

“We are all friends, and our monthly meetings give us the perfect excuse to catch up, and if we can raise money for a good cause at the same time, well that’s even better,” said Mrs Jeffery.

Warren VIEW ladies and new committee for 2025 - Image courtesy Warren VIEW Club.

“The Warren community has been very supportive of Warren View Club,” says newly inducted president Sue Harvey.

“Warren raises money for the Learning for Life program which assists disadvantaged children with their educational needs.

“Warren View gives back to the community through various avenues including visits to Calara House, school reading, knitting classes, youth centre and assisting in local events as they arise.

“We are proud of our achievements over 39 years in all our fundraising efforts and bringing local ladies together in a social, welcoming and friendly environment.

“Some of our Foundation members are still regulars at our monthly luncheon at which we have a guest speaker."

Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales - Image courtesy Royal Far West.

“VIEW has made an immense contribution to Australian society for over six decades,” said Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales.

“Founded at a time of great social change in Australia, particularly for women, VIEW has constantly evolved to meet the changing needs of society, while never losing sight of its important objectives - to support women, The Smith Family and disadvantaged young people,” she said.

Members from across NSW will come together to celebrate the 65th anniversary of its founding, at an afternoon tea hosted by the Governor of New South Wales at Government House, Sydney.