SIXTY years ago, when women were expected to be homemakers and were excluded from joining service clubs, one man had a vision or a view.

George Forbes, general secretary of The Smith Family, established VIEW as a women's friendship club that would exclusively support The Smith Family.

Although the role of women has changed, VIEW members are still connected by a shared purpose and support The Smith Family's work with disadvantaged Australian children.

It's a place where mothers, grandmothers, retirees and all women connect with one another, acquire new skills, form lasting friendships, and offer support to each other and their community.

VIEW, which stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is one of Australia's leading women's volunteer organisations. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding, Queensland Governor Paul de Jersey (AC) held a morning tea at Government House.

The first Queensland VIEW club opened in 1986 on the Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise VIEW Club. The Smith Family followed later, opening a Brisbane office in 1993.

Since then, the two local organisations have had close ties, with VIEW members playing an essential role in spreading messages about The Smith Family and the importance of supporting disadvantaged Australian children.

Today there are more than 2500 Queensland VIEW members in 38 clubs, stretching along the Queensland coast, from the Fraser Coast to the NSW border and as far west as Toowoomba and Warwick.

Together, these members sponsor 286 students on The Smith Family's Learning for Life program and raise thousands of dollars for The Smith Family's learning and support programs in Queensland.

Lyn Masters, a founding member of Sunnybank Evening VIEW Club (at Eight Mile Plains) and VIEW Queensland liaison, says she was honoured to attend the morning tea.

"It is a privilege for VIEW to be recognised with a Governor's morning tea. My family has a long history with VIEW,'' she said.

"My mother joined in the '60s. I am a big believer in supporting those in need and giving back to the community.''