Community News

Francis Keane in his Kokoda Track Outfit.

On the Kokoda Track with Francis Keane

Did you know that there is a most effective way to help young people living on the poverty line? They are the ones missing out on one of the things we take for granted, and that is an education. By attending VIEW Club once a month to enjoy a meal and listen to a guest speaker, we can give the one gift that keeps on giving – an education. Every Australian child deserves an opportunity to build the best possible life through our generous support. The Grafton VIEW Club welcomes women from all walks of life to join and help make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children today. The club also offers social outings and interaction with the surrounding VIEW Clubs.

The guest speaker for the month of March was Francis Keane and his wife, Narelle. Francis is a retired principal from Copmanhurst Public School. The topic was “Trekking the Kokoda Track”.

Francis, dressed in his impressive trekking outfit, spoke with the aid of a slide presentation to demonstrate the splendour of the Kokoda Track itself. The ten day walk commenced at 5am each day, through extremes of weather and afternoon storms. The group ventured over extremely dangerous river crossings, and they stayed at very welcoming local villages. The number one thing was to be super fit. Beside this, Francis stressed that you had to keep three things on your mind, and that was your gear, food and water and the weather. Twenty kilos was the maximum allowed to be carried. This made the trekkers conscious of the fact that our soldiers carried three times as much along that narrow track, including heavy weapons, and at the same time trying to avoid being shot…a most thought-provoking and enjoyable talk; thank you Francis and Narelle.

The raffle was won by Sue Perry, and the lucky door prize went to Suzanne Gibson. Then from the Thought Book, “Only you know what is best for you.”

The guest speaker for April will be Betty Callaway. Her topic, assisted with a power-point presentation is called, “A Small Footprint”, which is about her life and where she is today. It should be a thought-provoking talk.

The April VIEW Club meeting will be held on Tuesday April 23 at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. So, mark this on your calendar to remind you about an enjoyable day ahead.

Please phone Vorna for catering purposes on 6642 4719.

Jeanette Calvi