The Gawler VIEW Club is stronger than ever as members and distinguished guests celebrated its 21st birthday over lunch at the Gawler Arms Hotel yesterday (Monday, 23 September 2024).

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of women) Clubs across the nation raise money to help families send their children to school and cover food, equipment and excursions to ensure students don’t feel disadvantaged and different to others.

Boasting a record-high 39 members, the women of the Gawler club continue to gain confidence, share stories and develop friendships and skills all while generating funds to open doors to further support disadvantaged Australian students.

Inaugural Assistant Treasurer and current member Erica Kakoschke PNC has previously served as a Zone and National Councillor and is pleased with the achievements of the group, even during years of lower membership numbers.

“In SA, we have 19 clubs with the 20th being inaugurated in November,” Ms Kakoschke said.

“For many years, we seesawed between 25 and 32 and were proud for many years to have been the smallest club to have sponsored the most students.

“Some students are the first in their families to finish year 12, or go onto TAFE or onto university.

“Many of the Scholarship recipients, once they have achieved their goals often become mentors of these students or even have their own scholarship student.

“In terms of individual successes for our members, Gawler has been fortunate in having a further two Zone Councillors, Margaret Stephenson and Daphne Philip.

“Today, we still have as members, the inaugural Secretary, Nancy Shields, and Grace Harrison joined us in October 2003 and is still a member - Grace often donates beautiful paintings to our birthdays every year.”

Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, has been involved with the club since its Inauguration in July 2003, including community events, volunteering in the Learning for Life (Homework Club) program and supporting the club’s 14 disadvantaged Australian students on Smith Family Scholarships.

Mr Piccolo joined current Mayor Karen Redman, Zone Councillor for SA View area 2 Barb Young and young author and publisher of children’s books, Jordan Hawkey, and members from the VIEW Clubs of Golden Grove Evening, Tea Tree Gully, Tonsley and Gawler at the event.

“The work these women are doing in our community is incredible – ensuring our youth don’t miss out on education simply because their families cannot afford the resources," said Mr Piccolo.

“To hear the stories and see the faces of the children whose lives have been changed through the efforts and goodwill of the Gawler VIEW Club is quite moving, and its our duty as a community to ensure acts and service clubs like these are properly respected and celebrated.

“While this group works together towards one goal, it’s also a chance for women in our community to come together with other women from all walks of life to socialise, have fun and build friendships.”