Port Macquarie Lighthouse VIEW Club celebrates 25 years of friendship and connection

PORT Macquarie Lighthouse VIEW Club celebrated its 25th anniversary with a sparkly silver luncheon at Port Macquarie Golf Club on Saturday 11 April.

VIEW clubs are dedicated to the voice, interests and education of women.

In August and September 2000, Cheryl Corbett, the then National Councillor of VIEW Clubs of Australia, invited women to join a new club in Port Macquarie.

A steering committee was formed and the inaugural dinner meeting was held in March 2001.

Fifty women marked the 25 years since that launch, including members of the Wauchope and Camden Haven clubs.

President Karen Swain welcomed members and guests while Zone Councillor Evie Lockhart spoke about the joy of “meeting and working with so many lovely girls” over many years.

“I believe Cheryl at the time had a vision to bring women together for friendship to foster connection and to support the incredible work that we do for the Smith Family.

“Today we celebrate 25 years on that promise.”

Cheryl reflected on the club’s history.
“For 25 years, members have embraced that VIEW is at the heart of everything we do: giving time, friendship and support to help children and families in need,” she said.

“Connecting socially with others in the community helps us to stay engaged and improves our wellbeing.”

Guest speaker Debbie Sommers, curator of Port Macquarie Museum, shared “25 years – 25 Stories”, which included early paintings of the town and river.

Lighthouse VIEW Club supports three Learning for Life students with annual scholarships, and helps provide other essential educational resources and opportunities to Australian children.

For details about the club contact President Karen Swain 0409 836 711 or Secretary Cheryl Corbett 0412 457 309.

By Pauline CAIN