CWA ’ s big spring clean
by Greg Martin
When Jill Reardon gives me a call about a story idea , my ears are open and always ready to receive .
Jill is a proud member of Kurrajong Country Women ’ s Association and she has “ an eye ” for a good yarn - down the years this admirable member of our community has shepherded me into many a rollicking story .
But on this occasion , as Jill spoke , I began to think that maybe this time her radar for an interesting story for our readers was amiss .
“ A few of us members have been doing a bit of spring cleaning of the CWA Hall at Kurrajong to prepare for the re-opening of the hall later this month .” Jill explained .
“ Because of the COVID lockdown , it has sat idle for over four months so it was badly in need of a bit of sprucing up .”
I began to think of a plausible excuse for telling Jill that the story wouldn ’ t be of interest to our readers . Until she rattled off the list of chores the members had to confront during their threeday work-athon .
I scribbled away the long list of jobs which confronted the ladies and ended up with writer ’ s cramp .
Outside the hall , weeds had taken over on the lawn and in the gardens but many hands made light work and after a morning ’ s toil , the hall ’ s surrounds looked ready to be entered in the Hawkesbury Gardens Competition .
Masked marvels ! Among those members springing to volunteer and give the Kurrajong Country Women ’ s Association Hall at Kurrajong a Spring clean were ( l-r ): Maree Nixon , Jenny Shaw , Wendy Dunston , Dianne Fenech and Jill Reardon . Photo : Kathryn Johnston .
But the great bulk of the chores took place inside the building .
These admirable women attacked their tasks with a passion .
Over three days , they washed 24 large windows , swept and mopped the floors , washed every utensil in the kitchen , scrubbed clean the oven and stove and laundered and ironed a large cupboard load of tea-towels , tablecloths and aprons . Not to mention erecting about 20 or so large folding tables and giving them and several score of chairs a thorough scrubbing .
Well done ladies – once again showing why the Country Women ’ s Association is one of the most admired organisations in the country . Aah , Jill Reardon , you ’ ve done it again ! FOOTNOTE : Anyone keen to hire the Kurrajong CWA Hall should contact Dianne Fenech on 0407 065 111 .
How can men make change ?
WHITE RIBBON DAY 2021
Violence perpetrated by men against women must stop and it is up to men to stop it .
White Ribbon Day is being held on Friday , 19 November , with this year ’ s theme – How can men make change ? Learn . Give . Take Action .
Men ’ s violence against women is an ongoing epidemic which was made worse due to the pandemic , particularly the extended lockdown , according to White Ribbon Australia .
“ Lockdowns and social distancing have not only created a spike in violence , but also reduced the ability of victims to seek help ,” a spokesperson said .
Family and domestic violence is a violation of human rights . It is violence , abuse and intimidation between family members or people in intimate relationships .
The aim of the day is to change attitudes and social norms that excuse or condone disrespect , sexual harassment , and abuse . Standing up , speaking out and supporting are ways you can help raise awareness . Create your own White Ribbon Day event or join an existing one by checking out whiteribbon . org . au to find the closest one in the Hawkesbury district .
The Women ’ s Cottage : a community-based support and resource centre , run by women , for women and their children who live , work or study in the Hawkesbury . It has been operating since 1983 . If you need their help , call 4578 4190 or visit : womenscottage . org . au . Domestic Violence Line : 1800 656 463 Child Protection Helpline : 13 2111 Link2Home Homelessness : 1800 152 152 Respect : If you or someone you know needs assistance , visit www . 1800respect . org . au .
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12 ISSUE 138 // NOVEMBER 2021 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT