Community Recognition Statement - World Vision Maitland

11 August 2022

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland) (15:47): Recently the Maitland branch of World Vision celebrated a unique milestone: four decades of continuous operation. When six ladies met in 1982 they had no idea that what they were starting for the underprivileged globally would raise in excess of $250,000, but the Lower Hunter group of that organisation did just that—and more. Incredibly, two of the foundation members—Barbara King and Joan Wilson—are still heavily involved today. In the past, money was raised from many different activities, including street stalls, catering for weddings and birthday parties, music nights, Melbourne Cup functions, bus trips, screen printing on pillowslips, Dutch auctions, the sale of plum puddings at Christmas and many more. Even though COVID-19 has dramatically impacted their fundraising efforts in the past two years, the women plan to host three events in 2022. I congratulate Maitland World Vision on its fortieth anniversary and thank it for its important contribution to our community.