Page 8 - View Matters_2025

International Women’s Day with VIEW

In early March, VIEW members marked International Women’s

Day with an array of functions and activities to celebrate women,
promote this year’s theme “Accelerate Action” and raise funds

for The Smith Family. Here are a few of the highlights.

See page 14 for more photos!

Victoria

In Colac, two hours west of with their stories of
Melbourne, more than 100 women resilience, leadership and
enjoyed a sold-out International how the Colac community
Women’s Day (IWD) breakfast, can support emerging
hosted by Colac Evening VIEW female leaders.
Club (VIC).
Elizabeth Gurthridge, President
The event, the first IWD function of Colac Evening VIEW Club,
Colac IWD
presented by Colac Evening VIEW, described the event as “a morning breakfast
was a resounding success, raising of inspiration, connection and
over $4,000 for The Smith Family’s generosity. The stories shared by
Learning for Life program. our panellists resonated deeply
with everyone in the room, and we
The breakfast featured an engaging
are so proud to contribute to such
panel discussion with three local
an important cause.”
women: Zoe Hudgell, newly elected
councillor and local business owner; Other celebrations in Victoria She Heather, Sunbury Macedon
Fiona Brew, CEO of Colac Area included an event hosted by described Ranges VIEW Club President
with IWD guest speaker,
Health; and Ami Hillege, Executive Sunbury Macedon Ranges VIEW her journey Learning for Life student,
Officer of the Colac Area Health Club where the highlight was a with great Orshina
Foundation, dedicated volunteer presentation from Learning for Life emotion and
and migrant from South Africa. student, Orshina. expressed her deep
Each speaker shared their unique gratitude for the educational
This confident young woman
experiences, challenges and support she received.
had the audience spellbound.
triumphs, inspiring the audience

Western kept the audience entertained
with the story of her life. Guests
Australia
also heard from Felicity Farrelly
from Graduate Women’s
In Perth, West Coast VIEW Association WA, which has a close
Club hosted a luncheon connection with VIEW, and Julie
at Hillary’s Yacht Club Walker, General Manager of The
with a jammed-packed Smith Family WA. In the same week,
agenda featuring three First Wave VIEW Club hosted a
guest speakers and a lunch at the Marmion Angling Club
video presentation from a with terrific guest speakers and
Learning for Life student. The delicious food. Members from other
VIEW members at First WAVE event’s keynote speaker was VIEW clubs in and around Perth
VIEW Club event
Michelle Fyfe, CEO of RAAFA, who joined in the celebrations.

8 VIEW MATTERS
8 VIEW MATTERS