Judith McPherson is a Sunbury resident and president of Voice Interests Education of Women (VIEW) Club. She spoke with Oliver Lees.
What is your connection to Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges?
After managing farms around Victoria and Southern New South Wales for a number of years, my husband and I came to manage a property at Bulla. We then moved into Sunbury when I returned to teaching in 1974, and my husband left farming and began work at Caloola. I taught at a primary school in Sunbury for nearly 20 years. Our children attended school in the area and began their working lives in Sunbury. Upon retirement we stayed in the area.
What can you tell me about the Sunbury-Macedon Ranges VIEW Club?
Sunbury Macedon Ranges VIEW Club began in 1991. lt is the oldest club in the one and one of the oldest in Victoria. We have 56 members who enjoy meeting every month. Members also enjoy outings together and coffee or get-togethers where we have fun and fundraise at the same time. We as a club sponsor the education of five primary students and one tertiary student. These children are all disadvantaged. Additional funds raised are forwarded to The Smith Family to be used for more programs. It is heartwarming to hear of success stories for recipients of sponsorship. I recently met a woman who is now a doctor. She was quite positive that without the help her single mother could not have afforded to allow her the education she received.
What do you enjoy about being part of the club?
As a member of the VIEW Club we meet many more women in the community. We make new friends from all walks of life. We meet with ladies from other clubs when we attend birthday celebrations or special events. A few times each year the delegates from each club meet. While we make money to help children, we are having fun. Each month at our meeting we have interesting guest speakers.
When I first joined the club I was pleasantly surprised to realise I knew many of the ladies from teaching their children, it was great to reconnect with these ladies. I have enjoyed my years as a committee member and hope to continue for many more. I have been pleased to instigate some successful fundraising ventures especially during COVID Lockdown. We as a club, and especially the committee, continue to find more fun ways to raise funds.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people would be unaware that I grew up in the foothills of Mount Hotham. As a child l frequently rode across to Dinner Plain and Mt. Hotham, I was on horseback before I could walk. I was an aspiring show rider. I loved riding and we often used brumbies that had been homed.
