Linda Briner

Linda was born in Wellington, New Zealand. Both her mother and step-mother were ardent WIZO supporters. Linda’s late grandfather left a bequest to Youth Aliyah in 1956 and ironically these monies went to a home for children in Haifa .... the original Ahuzat Yeladim.

WIZO has been part of Linda’s life for as long as she can remember.

Linda met her husband Michael, at a BBYA Convention held in Hamilton, New Zealand in 1965. They were married 4 years later and Linda was "warmly" welcomed to Brisbane by her wonderful in-laws Violet and Phillip Briner.

Violet was very involved with WIZO and had started a young marrieds group, WIZO Hasharon in 1952. This later became WIZO Hadassim Sharon and their luncheons at Violet's home were legendary. Linda loved to pop in after work to enjoy those culinary delights!

Linda attended the inaugural meeting of WIZO AVIVA in 1973. The name was most appropriate as Aviva means "spring" and so many of the members were pregnant!

Since then, for the past 47 years, Linda has always held a role on the Executive of WIZO Queensland, at group or Federal level, rotating between President, Secretary & Treasurer. Linda is so grateful for the friendships that evolved along the way.

Volunteerism has always been a big part of her life. She and Michael OAM have always been involved where their three children were ... Shul, teaching Cheder, sports clubs or school activities.

Now Linda enjoys being part of the "Courage to Care'' team and helping to spread the word about bullying in the context of the Holocaust.

To quote Linda, “I feel truly blessed to live in this wonderful country and it is a privilege to help those less fortunate, especially children.”