The launch of WEDNESDAY WOMEN is the beginning of our new journey since our move. It was wonderful to be able to share it with all those who were able to attend in person, and we look forward to welcoming those who were apologies due to Covid and other commitments, as well as all those who join us in the future.

Our Chair woman Josie shared some of the history of GFS, about our vision, mission and values, as well as a few details from our new strategic plan.

Our proposal for our first FEAT is to join with the GFS Australia Special Project for 2022 – 2023 which is Remote Op Shop project. The e mail from GFS Australia read:

  “These Op Shops are in remote places in outback Northern Territory and Western Australia in Aboriginal communities. We can help by posting some of their needed goods. With small populations, they just don’t have enough of the goods to sell, and we who have a ‘throwaway society’ are primed to help. Collect up your clean, saleable items as listed in the following pages and post them yourself in the very large Australia Post parcel satchels to the addresses given (costs around $25 for 5 kg).”

BUT as we are looking for a FEAT i.e. “an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength,” we are looking at sending a container of support to 2 of the Op Shops in the North of our state.

It’s time to renew your membership – or if you are not a member would you like to join. Please head to our webpage to get all the information you need to become a member today https://buff.ly/32c6fGg You can even pay online if you like!

GFS Lodge (Townsend Lodge) is situated at the site of the home of Captain John Septimus Roe, the first Surveyor General in Western Australia. The original home was a two story brick one, it had a tower and an upstairs balcony, it’s large garden and hedge sprawled on to Adelaide Terrace where there was formerly a ‘bend’ in the Terrace. There were stables in the backyard, a cellar under the dining room and a windmill provided water for the residents.

Ever since 1915 there has been a caring home provided on this same site for thousands of senior students and young business women. Most were from country areas and they came to Perth to continue their studies or to take up a job. The need for the Lodge was clearly seen by the Society and on 30 May 1913 a special meeting was called to discuss a proposal from the Claremont branch: “That all branches make a great effort to raise funds for a central Lodge.” This proposal was passed unanimously. In spite of the outbreak of war in 1914, when plans were being made, it was carried to a successful conclusion in 1915. This was made possible through the generosity of Richard Vincent and William Loton (later Sir William Loton), who advanced the 1,200 pounds required to purchase the building and this money was to be repaid, with interest, in seven years.

Yeah sure, our standard Mother and Daughter High Tea’s are pretty awesome (who doesn’t salivate at just the thought of a warm, freshly baked scone smothered in clotted cream and jam?), but a Disney themed one that is going to be awesome!

The process of viewing the Venue and other Conference needs has been finalized. According to calculations made, the cost of the GFS World Council Conference fees are R13,500.00 as per South African currency and is of today $993.00 US dollars, $ 1,358 AUD , Euro 867, Pounds 758. You can check the exchange rate yourselves. We all know that it will fluctuate and will depend on when did one pay. What is important at this stage is to know that Conference Fees are R 13,500.00 (South African Rand is the currency). Please respond back to GFS Australia by the end of February please to allow us to collate a list of those who are definitely wanting to attend world council and as a country we will send this information to Thembeka. The venue will be about an hour away from Johannesburg (this might also assist in planning air fares). Those people who are strongly interested by not quite sure about committing could also be noted. Please respond to Julie (julie679233@gmail.com – by the end of February) Yes, I am definitely coming to World Council in 2020, or I am very interested but still unsure about attending world council in 2020