Wollongong to host VIEW Clubs' national convention for first time

This September Wollongong will host the biennial VIEW Clubs' national convention for the first time.

More than 600 women from across Australia will descend on the city from Friday to Sunday, September 11-13, to debate issues of national importance and celebrate the role of women in society.

VIEW stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women and was established in 1960 by children's charity The Smith Family as a service to women and the community.

It now boasts 17,000-plus members nationally, including more than 1000 members and 18 clubs across the Illawarra.

Today VIEW is a leading women's volunteer organisation and support network that empowers women to have their voices heard on issues affecting the wellbeing of Australians.

Members actively raise funds and volunteer in support of The Smith Family, which supports more than 1140 students from disadvantaged backgrounds across the South Coast.

"We're thrilled to have been welcomed by the City of Wollongong, as VIEW has such a strong presence here and is still growing," said VIEW national vice-president and Wollongong resident Sue Field.

"We will be a force to be reckoned with come September, with all female members of the public welcome to join us."

Guest speakers include Australian Human Rights Commission president Professor Gillian Triggs, Channel 10 personality Jessica Rowe, comedian and actress Jean Kittson, Jane Austen Society of Australia president Susannah Fullerton, movie host and critic Margaret Pomeranz, and journalist Ticky Fullerton. Authors Geraldine Doogue, Sarah Hopkins and Kate Grenville will talk about their most recent books.

The 2015 national convention will be held at the Novotel. VIEW members, their friends and family and all female members of the public are invited to attend.

Information, tickets: view.org.au or 1800 805 366