OUT & ABOUT
There’ s no business, like show business!
by Greg Martin
I’ m sure, dear readers, that most of you have experienced the euphoria that comes after putting in the hard yakka and finally achieving your goals.
That’ s exactly how all 24 members of the Hawkesbury Country Women’ s Association Evening Branch felt following their outstanding fundraising efforts at the 2026 Hawkesbury Show.
There was certainly no“ beef” about going the“ whole hog” across the threeday event to raise vital funds for a range of charities.
Two standout fundraising initiatives
There ya go! Jan Lund presents two scone packages to an obviously delighted customer. The scones were a huge hit with showgoers. were the Glanmire Murray Greys Stud’ s annual steer raffle and the immensely popular Racing Pigs.
The Evening Branch’ s enthusiastic president, Virginia Sparks, was delighted to report that“ close to $ 20,000” was raised over the course of the show.
That impressive total came from the steer raffle($ 6,250), Racing Pigs($ 3,500), and strong sales at the branch’ s everpopular stall.
“ Each year, the Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association designates a local charity special privilege at the show, including a no-fee stall in a prime position and proceeds from the steer raffle and
Racing Pigs,” Virginia said.
“ So, our branch was absolutely thrilled to be selected for 2026. It gave us a fantastic opportunity to raise muchneeded funds for our charity work.”
Over the years, the branch’ s fundraising has supported CWA medical research and disaster relief efforts, as well as a variety of local charities. Last year alone, the Evening Branch contributed $ 6,000 towards much-needed cardiology equipment for Cootamundra Hospital.
Steer raffle tickets were sold online, with four winners each receiving a substantial meat pack, processed by Annika and Dan Collins of Glanmire Murray Greys.
Meanwhile, Racing Pigs drew crowds of all ages, with proceeds coming from ticket sales for a starter in each of the six races held across the show. Watching the piglets race towards the finishing line- a bowl of milk- proved a major crowd favourite.
The CWA Evening Branch stall also did a roaring trade, with showgoers snapping up handcrafted items including quilts, baby knits, woodwork, blankets, as well as the ever-popular jams and chutneys- all lovingly made by members.
Anzac Day saw another big seller, with crocheted and knitted red poppies flying off the shelves as quickly as they were made.
And of course, no CWA effort would be complete without their famous scones.
Since the organisation’ s formation in 1922, those mouthwatering scones have raised countless dollars for branches across Australia- and this year’ s Hawkesbury Show was no exception.
“ Two of our members, Hayley Pritchard and Elizabeth Thomas, worked tirelessly over three nights to bake 1,200 scones
Miles of smiles from hard-working Hawkesbury CWA Evening Branch members( l-r) Gail Cobcroft, Virginia Sparks, Jan Lund and Jan Mitchell. Members staffed the show stall from 9am-9pm on the Friday and Saturday and 9am-5pm on final day.
with cream and mulberry jam, ready for sale the following day,” Virginia said.
A special mention also goes to Virginia’ s husband, John. A skilled woodworker, he contributed beautifully crafted wooden utensils and figurines for sale, assisted with selling Racing Pig tickets, and helped set up and pack down the stall- alongside fellow CWA supporter Robert Thomas.
It was a true team effort- and one that delivered a result worth celebrating.
24 ISSUE 192 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT