FOUNDED in 1994, the Mornington VIEW Club has spent 32 years raising money for disadvantaged students locally through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
The club – whose name stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women – now sponsors 10 students, covering costs such as school uniforms, excursions and laptops, along with a birthday card and $75 voucher for each student at their birthday and again at Christmas.
“All Learning for Life students come from a family living within one of the 94 communities across Australia in which The Smith Family works,” said Mornington VIEW Club Vice President, Mez Murphy.
Parents who are referred to the program by a partner school sign an agreement committing to their child’s long-term education, providing school reports and ensuring regular attendance, while the funding they are given from the club must be spent solely on education-related costs and backed by receipts.
According to The Smith Family’s 2025 annual report, 96 per cent of Learning for Life students increased their reading and numeracy levels, with 75 per cent improving by more than two year levels.
Murphy became Vice President at the club’s annual meeting in late January, having joined VIEW two and a half years ago.
“I have always been involved with children and worked in areas of disadvantage, so when I finished work, I was always going to do some volunteer things, and that was my passion,” said Murphy.
Meetings are held on the fourth Friday of each month at Mornington Golf Club, opening with committee reports and a profile of one sponsored student, followed by lunch and a guest speaker.
Fundraising happens year-round, with two Bunnings sausage sizzles, trading tables three times a year, raffles at each meeting, an annual fashion parade, and a footy tipping competition open to the 90 or so VIEW Mornington members, their families and friends. Earlier this month, Mornington VIEW hosted over 100 women from three peninsula VIEW clubs at Steeples in Mornington for a joint fundraising luncheon.
It’s not just about raising money, and they always welcome new members, Murphy said.
“I do really like the monthly games afternoon, where we can play board games – yes, I am a Scrabble addict – or cards, and a good coffee morning is a great way to have a more in-depth conversation with some of the ladies and form new friendships.
“Don’t be nervous, take that first step – contact Judy our secretary or Ruth our president to come to that initial meeting,” said Murphy.
Women interested in joining Mornington VIEW Club can email mornington.viewclub@gmail.com for more information.
First published in the Mornington News – 21 July 2026
