April 5 saw the club celebrating its 23rd birthday with a “topaz” themed night.

This was attended by 22 members and guests.

It was a wonderful evening with outstanding food at the Kembali, Blueys Beach.

The venue provided excellent service along with the amazing food, making the birthday night really special.

It was a very memorable evening of fun, food, reminiscing and above all it was great to see so many there to celebrate.

The club congratulated members for years of significant membership, in particular three members who were members from the club’s beginning achieving 23 years.

These were Helen McSweeney, Narelle Bryant, and Laurel Golby. 

The second meeting of Autumn was on May 2 at Pacific Palms Recreation Club.

There, Felicity Carter from the Pacific Palms School gave a presentation, and wonderful friendship and food were all around.

Another meeting was held late in May at Kingfisher café, Blueys Beach.

Members and guests were spoiled by a fantastic smorgasbord of delicious dishes.

All were cosy inside despite the bitter weather outside.

At this meeting members endorsed supporting and promoting the Smith Family’s 2018 winter appeal.

The club is urging the local community to help thousands of disadvantaged Australian children break the cycle of poverty through this winter appeal.

This year marks 30 years since The Smith Family shifted its focus from emergency assistance to education support. VIEW, a national women’s organisation, was founded in 1960 to support the work of The Smith Family and has seen firsthand the difference the charity is making in the community.

VIEW national president, Jan Roberts said, “through volunteering and fundraising support, we’ve seen firsthand the positive, long-term difference The Smith Family’s education support is making to children in need.

“In the last year, The Smith Family’s work has reached more than 120,000 disadvantaged young Australians in 94 communities across the country.

“While this is to be commended, there is much more work to do. With one in seven 1 Australian children and young people living below the poverty line, these young people need our support more than ever.”