VIEW National Convention 2022 highlights

On Friday 9th September, more than 400 devoted and excited VIEW members from across Australia came together in Adelaide for three wonderful days of inspirational speakers, VIEW celebrations, learning, socialising and having fun!

Convention began on Friday morning with the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, our Vice Regal attendees,
Their Excellencies, The Governor General (The Smith Family’s Patron) and Mrs Linda Hurley (VIEW’s Patron), and Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC Governor of South Australia, regrettably withdrew their attendance to fulfil their duties as required.

After acknowledging with profound sorrow of the Queen’s passing, and observing a minute’s silence to reflect on Her Majesty’s dedicated life of service,
Convention then commenced in full swing – celebrating both VIEW’s 60th anniversary from 2020 and The Smith Family’s Centenary this year.

Local Indigenous Elder Mickey O’Brien (below, top), a Kaurna man, gave a stirring Welcome to Country before the Hon. Katrine Hildyard MP (below, middle), Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence and Minister for Recreation, Sport and VIEW’s 55th National Guests in Perth strike the #BreakThe Bias pose. Convention - Day One Hopelessly devoted to VIEW - our wrap-up of Day One of the VIEW National Convention.

Racing, and a former VIEW member of two South Australian VIEW Clubs, officially opened the 55th VIEW National Convention.
Following an entertaining video featuring 60 young children wishing VIEW a Happy 60th Birthday, CEO Doug Taylor congratulated VIEW on 62 years of service and support of The Smith Family and families experiencing disadvantage. He reflected on the great partnership of the two organisations and how VIEW members are change makers, improving the lives of Australian children. Doug also shared The Smith Family’s exciting new five-year strategy, and the organisation’s bold ambition to help thousands more young Australians successfully overcome educational inequality caused by poverty.

Doug was delighted to introduce Learning for Life alumni, Jemma Chapman who started on The Smith Family’s program 20 years ago. Read about Jemma’s speech below.

Following Jemma, VIEW National President, Marg Woodhouse, highlighted VIEW’s strong history in connecting women through making a difference. Marg reflected on how VIEW thrived through the COVID-19 pandemic by embracing digital technology so members could stay connected and continue to support The Smith Family.

Day Two commenced with an address by Nicholas Moore, Chairman of The Smith Family, and was followed by the much-anticipated George Forbes Oration by The Hon. Catherine Branson AC KC former Federal Court Judge, President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and currently Chancellor of The University of Adelaide. Having spoken at VIEW’s Convention in 2009, Ms Branson has had a long association with VIEW. It was interesting to hear her reflect on her journey – and VIEW’s – over that time.

The next guest was the amazing Wendy Harmer, The Smith Family’s Centenary Champion. Her Keynote Address was a definite highlight. She shared her challenging, powerful and moving life story, including career highlights and achievements. Wendy had guests laughing and crying in their seats. She was an inspiration to us all – and an example of how education can help VIEW’s 55th National Guests in Perth strike the #BreakThe Bias pose.

Media personality, Wendy Harmer, was the highlight of Day Two, delivering the Keynote Address in the morning and bringing her one-of-a-kind humour to the Gala Dinner event.
people overcome the most extraordinary circumstances. We thank Wendy for generously giving her time and sharing her story so openly with VIEW members. It was great to hear that Wendy also had a wonderful time at Convention: “I had a hoot of a time and loved meeting the VIEW clan. So kind, generous and warm. I felt right at home! I have not laughed like that in ages - it was a real tonic. Thank YOU again for the invite,” she wrote after the event.

The Writer’s Festival session held on Saturday afternoon was thoroughly enjoyable. Authors Professor Elaine Fox, Fiona McIntosh, Professor Alice Gorman and Katherine Tamiko Arguile were joined by the brilliant facilitator, Lainie Anderson. The comical and sometimes unruly session had attendees in stitches and was extremely entertaining and inspiring!