VIEW National Convention 2023 highlights

From September 8-10, Hobart shined brightly in neon purple to celebrate VIEW coming to town.

For the first time in 56 years of the VIEW National Convention, 400 enthusiastic VIEW members touched down in Tasmania’s beautiful city of Hobart for three wonderful days of celebrating the Voices, Interests and Education of Women and VIEW’s support of The Smith Family.

A beautiful beginning

Convention kicked off on Friday morning with a memorable Welcome to Country and song performed by Palawa Youth Leaders, Learning for Life recipients and sisters Lainee and Pyper. It was such a delightful way to begin with them welcoming us, sharing their cultural knowledge and promoting the cultural connection. Attendees were also welcomed to Hobart by the City’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Helen Burnet before VIEW Patron, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, addressed the room.

Inspirational speech from VIEW Patron

Her Excellency Mrs Hurley was clearly delighted to finally make it to Convention after two last-minute cancellations, in 2021 due to COVID and in 2022 due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Wearing her deep purple coatdress and VIEW scarf, which had been gifted to her by Western Australian VIEW members, the audience immediately warmed to her, enjoying her inspirational address. Mrs Hurley commented that “The Queen’s devotion to duty, tireless and selfless service, and compassion for others, will forever remain an example to all. The many achievements of VIEW reflect those same qualities”. Mrs Hurley then sang a VIEW song she had written and invited the audience to sing a chorus of ‘You are my Sunshine’ with her. Mrs Hurley received a standing ovation; attendees were both thrilled and charmed by the performance and speech! It was wonderful to finally have the opportunity to hear from our VIEW Patron.

Update from The Smith Family CEO

The Smith Family’s CEO Doug Taylor then spoke, highlighting the contribution VIEW makes through fundraising, sponsorship, volunteering and being a voice in community. Doug shared updates on activities at The Smith Family, including how the organisation is progressing with its 2027 targets of reaching more students through the Learning for Life program and directing more resources towards supporting students to access educational opportunities to deliver long-term positive benefits. Doug thanked all VIEW members for their vital support before introducing Learning for Life alumni, Alex, to share her story of receiving support from The Smith Family.

Alex, former Learning for Life student

“Recently mum told me that when I started high school she was, ‘just going through the motions trying to stay afloat and keep the house’ while trying to raise four children. In those years she didn’t work. Her income was from Centrelink and child support our father sent. A family friend helped her sign up for the Learning for Life sponsorship. The money we received helped to keep us in our after-school activities, to buy our school supplies, our clothes and shoes for school. Because of this, with her own money, mum could make sure we had books, art supplies and other activities at home. That support meant that we could have enrichment at home as well as school.

I’m a full-time teacher now. I have a deep yearning to give someone else the support I had growing up. I don’t think there’s anything else that can fill me with such fierce passion and pride than seeing a young person learn, realise their worth, and come into their own. Knowing that I am a part of making that happen now feels like I have reached my dreams.”

VIEW achievements

After hearing from Alex, Marg Woodhouse, VIEW National President, gave her update on VIEW’s achievements for 2023 which included opening new clubs and sponsoring more Learning for Life students. Marg’s address was also an opportunity to introduce the new VIEW website and unveil VIEW’s brand refresh. Marg, with assistance from National Vice Presidents, Elizabeth Birch and Evelyn Berg, also announced recipients of the National Awards – see page 10. Congratulations to these wonderful VIEW women.

Panel of Inspirational Australians - Tasmanians

Friday’s afternoon session featured the Panel of Inspirational Australians, facilitated by Wendy Kennedy, Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association. The diverse panel guests were Lara Giddings, former Premier and now CEO of AMA Tasmania; Dr Michelle Heupel, Director of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing system (IMOS) and marine science researcher; Deborah Wace, Tasmanian botanical artist, fabric designer and professional printmaker; Associate Professor Clair Andersen, Aboriginal Higher Education Advisor at the University of Tasmania (and Hobart VIEW Club member); and Dr Alison Alexander, historian and author. With wide-ranging experiences and life stories, the panellists presented a stimulating and thought-provoking discussion leaving attendees with much to reflect on.

Social Dinners

In true VIEW style, the two themed social dinners on Friday night featured superb live entertainment that saw attendees out of their chairs and dancing well into the night. At the Ahoy Matey’s dinner, a crew of pirates, sailors, cutthroats and buccaneers (plus a stunning mermaid and an octopus) were joined by The Stranded Wailers who sang traditional sea shanties to get everyone in a seafaring mood. At The Great Gatsby dinner, guests came in elegant gowns with glitz, glamour and feather boas in true 1920s style. A local dance group gave an exhibition of the Charleston.

The wonderful Writer’s Festival was the highlight of Day Two, followed by a fabulous Gala Dinner with attendees having the opportunity to arrive by ferry.

Many members took time early in the morning to wander through Hobart’s famous Salamanca Market, before gathering back at the Grand Chancellor Hotel for Day Two of Convention – another wonderful day of listening, learning and laughing

George Forbes Oration

The morning began with an inspiring Georges Forbes Oration delivered by Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC. Since 2009 the George Forbes Oration has been presented by notable women. The Governor spoke about her stellar career and contributions to the law, judiciary and administration of justice. She also shared some of her experiences as a mentor and role model for young women.

Chairman’s address

The Smith Family’s Chairman, Nicholas Moore was unable to attend Convention in person, however, took the time to record a special video message. Nicholas spoke about some exciting developments underway at The Smith Family and thanked the more than 14,000 women who are part of VIEW’s community across Australia and treasured partners of The Smith Family.

Writer’s Festival

The Writer’s Festival session is always a highlight and this year’s panel of Tasmanian authors was an absolute delight! The session was facilitated by the entertaining Jane Longhurst, an award-winning actor and popular ABC Local Radio presenter. Joining her were authors Robbie Arnott (accompanied by his baby daughter), Kate Kruimink, Katherine Johnson and Meg Bignell. It was a spirited and fun session which had attendees chuckling throughout.

Gala Dinner

Saturday night’s impressive Gala Dinner was a chance for all 400 attendees to come together to socialise, dance and have fun.

This year, by special arrangement, guests arrived by the Mona Roma Ferry to a purple-lit Wrest Point Tower which added some special flair to the night. MC John X entertained the audience during the meal service before the wonderful and energetic Sugartrain and The Baking Sodas bands had guests up and dancing to hits from across the decades. It was a packed dance floor for the rest of the evening! See page 14 for photos of the fun.

Sunday recovery walk

Hobart’s weather certainly put on a show. Organisers were absolutely delighted to wake up to blue skies on Sunday morning for the final Convention activity – a Community Celebration Walk With VIEW. Some 200 VIEW members dressed in purple walked from the Grand Chancellor Hotel to the Queens Domain and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and back again via Hobart Cenotaph to reflect on what they had heard at Convention and connect one final time with VIEW friends. The sea of purple that walked through the streets certainly drew some attention! It was a fabulous way to end a truly special Convention!

Watch our Convention 2023 highlights!

On Friday 8th September, 400 excited VIEW members from across Australia came together in Hobart for three wonderful days of inspirational speakers, VIEW celebrations, learning, socialising and having fun!