By Alesha Capone
HELEN Powley has shared the past three decades of her life with women of many different ages and backgrounds, but who all share one view.
For almost 33 years, she has been a member of VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Clubs.
Ms Powley first joined a VIEW Club while living in Canberra during 1978.
Since moving to Tarneit, she joined the Altona Day VIEW Club and was a founding member of the Point Cook Evening VIEW Club.
“I’m a very proud member of VIEW, I really am. I love it, I tell everyone,” Ms Powley said.
VIEW Clubs were founded by the general secretary of the Smith Family in 1960, as friendship group for women which also raises money for charity.
“We support the Smith Family with their Learning for Life program, so we are involved with lots of schools locally and around the place,” Ms Powley said.
“It’s for disadvantaged children who usually can’t afford the equipment for school.”
The mother-of-two said VIEW Clubs have guest-speakers at their monthly meetings and also organise outings to shows and markets.
“What I enjoy most is the friendship,” Ms Powley said
“I’ve made friends of a variety of ages and backgrounds.
“It’s given me confidence, because I can get up and talk in public now.
“Now I just go up and talk to any of them, whereas I used to talk only to the person sitting beside me. Now I’m much more outgoing.
“At our zone gala, in front of 150 people in my 30th year with VIEW, I got up and was able to speak.”
The Altona Day VIEW Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month and the Point Cook Evening VIEW Club on the first Thursday of the month.
More information can be found at http://austcom.org.au/viewclubs.html
