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I was very honoured to be asked to address to the annual VIEW club convention in Brisbane last week. My mum joined her local VIEW Club (Voice, Interests and Education for women) when she retired and I greatly admire the work VIEW Clubs do on behalf of The Smith Family to help disadvantaged children. They give around a million dollars to this great charity each year as well as sponsor on going programs. I think a lot of women join VIEW not just to give back to the community but to share in the friendship and activities of a woman’s organization. VIEW was founded by a man in 1960 at a time in our history when women were not permitted to join clubs – seems incredible doesn’t it? Women were restricted by legislation and regulation about where they could go and what they could do. George Forbes realised social isolation of women exacerbated many family concerns and would be eased when women were able to meet regularly with other women. The first VIEW Club was formed in Balgowlah in Sydney. There are now over 400 clubs around the country and there were over 900 women at the convention.
I was also interested in how The Smith Family got its name, several businessmen helped some kids who had no toys or decent clothes and when they were asked their names so they could be thanked, they wanted to remain anonymous so simply said, ‘Smith. Call us Smith. We’re the Smith family.’
I was flattered that a comment I made has given them the theme for next years convention in Adelaide – Treasure Your Gifts. We all come into the world with a gift, the art is discovering, recognising and using your gift. Some of us have talents and skills, some people have the gift of making others feel good and enjoy being in their company. I have a friend with that gift and just to talk with her or be with her cheers me up, makes me laugh and believe in myself.
It’s an horrendous tick season due to the humid weather. My book editor lost her beloved old cat and friends’ dogs are in the vet recovering from paralysis ticks. Check your dog or cat at least once every day!
We’re off to Darwin and other points for a break next week. Talk to you on the bush telegraph!
Cheers
Di is Australia's number one bestselling female author. Her new book "The Islands", published by Pan Macmillan goes on sale in November.
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