CWA celebrates its centenary year
TOONGABBIE BRANCH WINTER SOLSTICE STALL
by Maryann Jenkins
The Toongabbie branch of the Country Women ’ s Association of NSW ( CWA ) is among the 370 branches continuing to celebrate the centenary of this formidable all-female lobby organisation .
With some 8000 members state-wide , the CWA has helped bring about major changes to life in rural townships and urban suburbs .
While its early days concentrated on country women fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities , today branches continue to advocate for local causes in their communities including social and affordable housing , reviewing the cost of postal services , advocating for the placement of prescribed cannabis medication on the PBS , advocating for a review of the organ and tissue donation policies , among many others .
The CWA is well known for playing
A surprise WWII Patons knitting book arrived within a bag of donated yarn at the Toongabbie CWA branch for its social craft day . Members wondered how many garments were made for our service men and women from this book across Australia from 1939-1945 .
an important advocacy role in the introduction of compulsory seat belts , white lines on the edge of roads and those flashing speed signs we see in school zones .
Members have worked tirelessly to set up baby health care centres , fund bush nurses , build and staff maternity wards , hospitals , schools , rest homes , seaside and mountain holiday cottages .
“ The women of the CWA have been initiators , fighters and lobbyists . They have made localities into communities by providing social activities and educational , recreational and medical facilities ,” said CWA of NSW president Stephanie Stanhope .
“ The CWA is the largest women ’ s organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children . We reach that aim in various ways including lobbying for change , helping the local community , creating a network of support and meeting together in towns and cities .”
Ms Stanhope said the CWA of NSW continues to have many events and activities planned for 2022 following last month ’ s annual conference , opened by patron Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley . Thirteen branches are also celebrating their own centenaries this year .
“ This is an important time to reflect on just how far we ’ ve come and the successes of the association to date , but just as importantly to look to the future and determine our priorities , particularly around our all-important advocacy efforts on behalf of rural , regional and remote communities ,” she said .
The Toongabbie branch of the CWA of NSW is continuing its fundraising efforts this month .
Celebrating the winter solstice , the branch is holding a mid-winter stall at Winston Mall , Caroline Chisholm Drive , Winston Hills , on Friday , 24 June .
“ There will be lovely warm handcrafted rugs and shawls for sale . Fingerless gloves , baby clothes and other winter warmers , covered coat hangers and crocheted hand towels are always very popular ,” publicity officer Amanda Manson said .
“ Looking for inspiration for wonderful winter meals ? The CWA cookbooks will
Some of the warm winter goodies that will be on sale at Toongabbie CWAs winter solstice stall this month .
also be available on the day .”
Toongabbie CWA , which is part of the Nepean Group , meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10.30am at Brigade House , 3 Junia Avenue , Toongabbie .
Why not visit and join up so you can have a voice in the nation ’ s affairs , socialise with others and assist the community ?
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 15 // JUNE 2022 5