Welcome to MATILDA'S Australian  R/HAT Website

We have all heard it said that attitude is everything, and basically it is. We do have choices – in countless areas. Red Hatters are making constructive choices to emphasize the positive aspects of life, to cultivate every bit of joy, love and fun that we can find – or make!  Here we share the news, views and information about hatting groups and activities around the states.

Please email your contributions to  mmrose@ozemail.com.au

 

It has been 7 years since the first Red Hat chapter was started in Australia (by QM Florence – Warwick Rose City RH now aged 92) and there have been lots of progress since then. So what do we see in the future for Red Hatters? No doubt a continuation of the availability to ladies “of a certain age” (approaching 50 and beyond) the opportunity to build relationships, enjoy the freedom of participating in fun adventures and giving all the chance to broaden our horizons as members of a Red Hat group and beyond.

It has been interesting over the past few years to see how the RHS has progressed and that certain terminology and suggestions, from the initial formation of the Founding chapter, have been re-aligned to fit with today’s culture and attitudes, not to mention technology. Maybe the “disorganised” attribute so readily muted may now need to be re-thought or re-badged to “spontaneous”.  (Those of us that are involved are mindful you need to be a bit creative and a little structured.) It is obvious that Red Hatting has gained a lot of visibility and influence over the past 10 years and mature ladies have benefited from the increased awareness that women now have a voice and an opportunity to experience the freedom not so freely afforded other generations before us. 

Starting out on any new adventure usually results in having to make changes as you go.  In establishing a new group of associates, such as a Red Hat chapter, one requires some direction and assistance to reach or maintain a good result. Thus the RHS has had to look at ways to keep up the momentum from when first established in 1998, to now planning for the future. It seems a good opportunity here to share part of the latest Queens to Queens Broadcast having found it interesting to see that there is now a push for future development along some lines (that will not effect Australian Groups) in respect to the RHS aligning themselves with other organisations.

(As quoted by EQM - Sue Ellen… “we are now giving serious thought to deepening our purpose. Anything - a person, a group, or a movement - must grow and evolve if it is to remain vital and meaningful. Its valuable characteristics must be preserved; at the same time new layers of meaning and purpose must be established and developed. We certainly don't want our bandwagon to slow down or become (forgive the expression) old hat! Besides, it has become obvious that ‘fun and friendship’ only scratch the surface of the true value we brings to our members.”

And here is our promise to all of those who join us:
"The Red Hat Society will open doors to a better tomorrow for women of all ages, adding Fun, Friendship, Freedom and Fulfillment to their lives. Each member can expect to be welcomed into our sisterhood and to be treated with dignity and respect. Together, we will extend the hand of friendship to women across the globe."

Also introducing the new Red Hat Society Mission Statement:

"We are a global society of women approaching the age of 50 or beyond that connects and supports women in their pursuit of Fun, Friendship, Freedom and Fulfillment.
Fun...to celebrate life at every age.
Friendship...to solidify and expand the bonds of sisterhood.
Freedom...to discover and explore new interests.
Fulfillment...to fully realize our personal potential.

By maintaining a thriving social community, and offering a variety of services and group experiences, the Red Hat Society encourages its members to get the most out of life."

 

So may the Aussie groups also move with the times so the worthwhile attributes of being involved with Red Hatting can be maintained and allowed to evolve for the benefit of us now and for future Red Hatters.

 

 

STATE BADGES are available from the following contacts:

 

New Koala Aussie  38mm  ($7)

WA - Q Steph: haywards@bigpond.net.au

(need to enquire about prices)

SA - Q Margaret: mintabearbie@esc.net.au ($6.50 each plus $2 postage)

 QLD - Sharmaine Kilpatrick:   redhatsdownunder@gmail.com PH: 0449 578 823

($8.50 plus postage)

  NSW   Q Annette: matildaroserhs@ozemail.com.au

PO Box 55, WARNERS BAY NSW  2282

$5.00 each (incls postage for 1).

Postage increases in lots. ($1 for 2-5, $2 for 6-10, $4 for 11-20)

 

WHAT'S COMING UP?......

 the 2008  Queenslands Girlfriend's Giggle being held in Townsville,

on 18th -2oth July 2008 is now fully booked

For information please contact Queen Jenny:   jaskeyd@dodo.com.au

As an attendee to the G Giggle you are required to complete a Registration form, sign an Indemnity form and send full (non-refundable) payment by 16th May 2008

 Queen Jenny has asked that all chapters intending to perform a skit at the Sunday concert should advise her for programme purposes with suggested time of the presentation. 

Also CD’s and tapes must be made available on the Friday night in preparation for the concert.

Stage measurements are 3.6 wide and 7.2 long.

 

The theme for the Gala Dinner (Saturday) is either “Tropical” or “10 Years Old”. 

Outfits must be predominantly purple and red.

 

"Frolic in the Flowers 2008" -  Canberra

2pm - Saturday Sept 27th 2008.

Sisters with a Twist invite you to join in their annual Floriade visit. Entry is free.

They will gather at the Civic Pool car park side of the walk bridge at 2pm, then proceed together into the Floriade site to share a picnic afternoon tea .

 The walk bridge crosses to Floriade from the "No Through"  end of Allara Street.  If raining, meet at the car park end of the walk bridge for alternate plans.

This year it is Floriade’s 21st birthday so expect a very special display of flowers.

To avoid disappointment it is important to book accommodation as early.

(Some billeting may be possible.)

For further information contact

Queen Christine (thru this site) or Lady Joanella Winifred - 0407 264 093 /  ljwredhat@yahoo.com.au

 

Registrations for the Red Hats - Zoom into Broome weekend are mounting.

This multi-chapter gathering is being hosted by

‘Pearly Girls of Broome’ (WA)

Friday – Sunday 3rd- 5th October 2008

This will be a great fun-filled event and a good opportunity to meet other chapters and make friends with your red hat sisters.

(Please refer to Special Hat’Matters page for details.)

Where: Mercure Hotel, Weld Street, Broome
Cost for event $120 for full program

Harvey World Travel, Bunbury are handling all air fares and accommodation.  Costings on Qantas are noted or you can do your own bookings.

Billets are available for the first 26 people.

Discount: 10% if paid before 31 July 2008
Cancellation Fee: 50% of cost
Closing date for Registrations: 30 August 2008

Please contact Di Vomiero (08) 9193 5242 for a registration form 

PO Box 892, Broome  WA  6725.

 

Advising the NSW Queens Assembly will be held on

Saturday 18th October at the Mittagong RSL

NSW Queens and her assistant are invited to attend this function which commences at 10.30 am, followed by a dinner to be held at the Club.  Accommodation is available at the venue.  Sunday Breakfast (19th) will be held at a café in Berrima. 

Please contact hostess Queen Del – delldempster@ozemail.com.au  for details.

 

The 2 Queens Kerry and Lilian are co-hosting a

Christmas PICNIC IN THE PARK

for all Victorian chapters

on Saturday 6th December commencing 12 midday.

Further details available from:

lilrob1@bigpond.net.au or theeustaces@bigpond.com.

 

Around the States the excitement is mounting again as the Townsville G/Giggle approaches.There are a number of ladies who left their registration a little too late to be included in this years event. This Queensland function is indeed becoming the annual multi-chapter gathering that Australian Red Hatters look forward too.

If you were one of those ladies that missed out, or one who plans on attending this event in 2009, then you may be interested in the information now

available for that activity.

The 2009 G/Giggle will be hosted by the Red’n Purple Ragers of the

Sunshine Coast/Caloundra on July 24th-26th  

Queen Julie has advised of the need to “book early” for this to avoid disappointment.  Information on the programme, accommodation and contact details can be found on the Special HAT’Matters page.

 

JOIN with other RED HATTERS

for a 7 nights HAWAIIAN CRUISE aboard

‘PRIDE OF AMERICA'

from Honolulu with the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Cruise Departs 5 September 2009

Return air from Sydney to Honolulu with Qantas.

Approximate cost (based on present rates)  from $3079

(and dependent on departure site, cabin choice and group booking rates)

Prices include all meals, entertainment and service charges onboard. 

Port and air taxes

Please refer to the Special Hat’Matters page for details. 

The contact person is Queen Michelle (QLD)

 

AUSTRALIAN GROUPS

                  Please email this site if you wish to make contact with a group listed below.                             

Roaming Chapters

Australian Wide Travellers - Roving Rubies

Norfolk Island
ACT - Canberra

Northern Territory

Darwin

Tasmania

Bronte Park – Burnie – Hobart – Launceston – Sorrell - Ulverstone

South Australia

Adelaide – Coffin Bay – Elizabeth - Gawler – Hardwicke Bay – Mannum - Moonta – Murray Bridge - Port Lincoln - Port MacDonnell – Reynella – South Plympton - Tea Tree Gully – Wailkerie – Woodside

Victoria

Altona/Williamstown – Ballarat – Benalla - Bendigo – Berwick – Camperdown - Colac - Corryong/Cudgewa - Echuca/Moama - Essendon - Geelong – Grovedale - Hastings - Kerang - Kyabram - Lara – Melbourne – Melton – Mentone – Montrose – Moonee Ponds - Mornington - Moyhu - Pakenham – Rosebud – Rowville – Sale/Stratford - Sydenham - Traralgon – Wangaratta – Wantirna - Warrandyte - Warrnambool - Wodonga/Kiewa Valley - Wonga Park - Yarra Valley/Yarra Glen - Yarram

New South Wales

Albury - Alstonville - Anna Bay – Armidale - Ballina - Batemans Bay – Belmont - Bilambil Heights – Blackett - Blaxland – Broken Hill - Casino - Castle Hill – Central Coast - Cootamundra – Dubbo – Garden Suburbs - Gilgandra - Gladesville - Gosford – Green Point (Central Coast) – Greystanes - Kiama - Lake Macquarie – Laurieton – Maitland - Moruya – Muswellbrook – Nambucca Valley - Old Bar - Peakhurst – Port Macquarie – Port Stephens – Quirindi – Richmond – Singleton – Southern Highlands – Sydney – Tamworth - Tea Gardens - Terranora – Tilligerry Peninsula - Ulladulla – Wagga Wagga – Wentworth Falls – Wollongong – Woolgoolga - Young

Queensland

Allora - Ashgrove - Beachmere – Beerwah - Bethania - Boonah - Braken Ridge - Bribie Island – Brighton - Brisbane (East/ South/North/Western Suburbs) - Browns Plains - Budermin - Bundaberg – Cabarlah - Caboolture – Cairns – Caloundra - Clifton – Coominya - Dalby - Deception Bay - Gladstone – Gold Coast – Gympie - Hervey Bay - Ipswich - Kilcoy – Kingaroy - Laidley Shire - Mackay - Mapleton - Mareeba - Maroochydore – Maryborough - Mission Beach - Mount Cootha - Nambour - Noosa - North Lakes/Brisbane - Paradise Point - Redcliffe - Rockhampton - Sarina - Springwood - Sunnybank – Sunshine Coast - Thornlands - Toowoomba – Townsville – Warwick – Widgee - Woodford - Yeppoon – Yungaburra

Western Australia

Albany – Ascot - Ashby/Wanneroo – Augusta - Bayswater - Boyanup - Broome - Bullcreek – Bunbury – Busselton – Canning Vale – Cockburn – Corrigin – Denmark - Dongara - Dunsborough – Eaton - Esperance – Ferndale – Geraldton – Gwelup – Hillarys - Joondalup – Kalamunda - Kalbarri – Kalgoolie/Boulder – Koondoola - Kununurra - Mandurah – Margaret River - Meadow Springs – Melville – Menora – Merredin – Morley/Swan Valley - Mukinbudin – Mundaring – Northampton - Padbury - Perth /West/South – Port Geographe – Rockingham – Secret Harbour – Subiaco - Toodyay - Warnbro - Westfield - York

 

  

  

 

Important: The web browser you are currently using does not support necessary elements of modern web standards, and will not display the contents of our site as we intended. In order to get the full layout when browsing these pages, we suggest you upgrade your web browser to one of the following, supported browsers:

If you continue using your current web browser to view our site, some pages will render as plain text.