THEY MAY not fit the popular perception of social activists, but VIEW Club members are women with a mission, and members on the Coffs Coast are making their voices heard on some important social issues.

“Our power is in our numbers,” says Maisie Richardson from the Woolgoolga club and, with 15,000 members nationally, their voice is loud.

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VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Clubs of Australia was formed in 1960 by children’s education charity The Smith Family.

In the past, the members have advocated for reducing child poverty, wage parity and economic security for women among other important issues, with one of their first campaigns, in 1971, to abolish sales tax on contraceptives to make them cheaper.

Right now clubs nationwide are working on three resolutions with particular resonance in regional areas: social and affordable housing for women and children; reducing the use of plastic to assist our environment nationally; and better support for students to prepare for their post-school futures.

“These resolutions are being discussed in our clubs and will be brought up at our national convention,” says Korora VIEW Club President Julianne Schroder.

“We have already started campaigning with letters to government ministers, NGOs and relevant statutory bodies.”

The national convention brings together members from across the country with influential guest speakers and long-time supporters like Ita Buttrose, a former Smith Family Director.

As The Smith Family’s largest Learning for Life community sponsor, a priority for VIEW is to help disadvantaged children succeed at school and reach their full potential through education.

“This has a lasting impact on their lives, and a positive effect on the whole family for generations to come,” says Julianne.

VIEW Clubs across the Coffs Coast sponsor fifteen Learning for Life students and with each sponsorship valued at around $1000 a year, clubs are actively involved in fundraising.

Most local clubs are also involved in tutoring and reading programs at local primary schools.

There are six VIEW Clubs in the Coffs Coast area, all happy to welcome new members.

By Susan KONTIC