Being a member of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is more than just drinking tea with friends, it’s about advocating for the needs of rural women, self confidence and extending your knowledge.
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In two years the Scone CWA branch will celebrate its 90th birthday, however this week the group of about 40 ladies will remember the importance of what they do.
It is CWA Awareness Week and although the ladies celebrated last week, memories from the start in October 1925 when the first meeting was held are still strong.
A local and national initiative, CWA have hosted many functions throughout the years to raise funds and awareness from Euchre parties to street stalls and competitions, as well as affording families the opportunity to use their own holiday facility.
A Baby Health Centre, established in 1938, was a massive step for the women’s group, which ran for many years and was a focus of the group along with the Comforts Fund – a local initiative to support people servicing in World War II and their families.
As the work of CWA progressed an international group was established and from there another organisation – Associated Country Women of the World.
Each year the CWA ladies study a different country with the 2013 choice being Morocco, as well as the environment and agriculture.
Locally the group has been very involved in decisions such as the naming of Elizabeth Park.
In 1955 the Joyce Bridge Memorial Rooms were officially opened which is still home to CWA today.
Scone and District CWA president Anne McPhee said CWA experienced a period of growth from 1955 to 1980, which is when they started donating yearly awards to the primary and high school, handicraft and friendship days were started as well as cooking classes, flower shows and more.
“Being one of the largest lobby groups in Australia, the CWA serves the needs of women and listens to their concerns in matters of both local and federal concern,” Mrs McPhee said.
The group is currently lobbying the ease of accessibility of energy drinks to young children, based on their concerns of the dangerous ingredients.
They will present a petition to the Federal Government urging legislation to ban the sale of the drinks to minors.
Scone now has an additional group – the Scone and District CWA Evening Group providing an opportunity for younger working women.
The evening group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm at the rooms and the original group meet on the first Friday of the month at 10am, with a craft and friendship day held twice a month.
New members are always welcome.
