CWA celebrates its centenary year
The Galston branch of the Country Women ’ s Association of NSW ( CWA ) is among the 370 branches wrapping up celebrations of the centenary of this formidable all-female lobby organisation .
A conversation raised at its 100th state conference , as reported by the Galston branch , was whether to amend or axe references to God and the monarchy in the opening lines of the CWA ’ s famous state motto , recited at meetings across the state since 1922 .
The lines in question : ‘ Honour to God , Loyalty to Throne , Service to the Country , Through Country Women , For Country Women , By Country Women .’
Should the motto be changed to suit changes in Australian society since Federation ?
As part of a move to help arrest declining CWA membership and encourage more diversity in its ranks , CWA delegates voted at state conference to have a referendum on whether the CWA ’ s state motto should be modernised to be more inclusive .
“ The demographics of 100 years ago are very different from today ’ s ,” the motion said .
“ In order for the CWA to flourish it should be accessible to as many women as possible . Using language that may exclude potential members makes the association less accessible to those women .”
The motion to hold a referendum was carried decisively with applause .
“ While it is incredible that our founding branches still exist 100 years later , we must take every opportunity to remain current and ensure these branches still exist in another 100 years . But what will the new slogan be , questions CWA Galston branch publicity officer Nicci Chaney .
“ If you ’ d like to have your say , come along to our next meeting ,” Ms Chaney said .
“ As a branch looking to increase our membership and engage a younger demographic , we ’ d love to hear your thoughts .”
CWA Galston meets on the second Wednesday of each month and regularly hold a fortnightly craft day where you can come and learn how to knit , crochet , sew , or just have a chat with a bunch of lovely locals over a cup of tea .
Meeting details are posted on our Facebook page @ CWAGalston , or for more information contact Jann on 0439 222 217 or Pam 02 9653 1036 or email :
galston . cwa @ gmail . com .
Winston Mall will be the venue for a CWA mid-winter stall this month
The Toongabbie branch is continuing its fundraising efforts by celebrating the winter solstice with a 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 that are always very popular ,” publicity officer Amanda Manson said .
“ Looking for inspiration for wonderful winter meals ? The CWA cookbooks will also be available on the day .”
More play at George Thornton Reserve
Some 56 submissions were received by council for new works to create three full-sized sports fields at the George Thornton Reserve , West Pennant Hills .
The adopted plan includes one minor adjustment – repositioning the cricket nets , along with the capacity to extend the carpark and amenities building and transform one field into a synthetic field in the future .
Mayor Dr Peter Gangemi said Council considered all the suggestions – a majority in support of the Plan .
“ It ’ s fantastic to see so many people providing feedback on our vision for George Thornton Reserve . It shows how invested they are in this facility and that they want the best outcome possible ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ We took into account all the suggestions and we ’ ve decided to reposition the proposed cricket practice nets to a north-south orientation as requested by the community .
“ I want to thank residents and user groups of the facility for taking the time to provide a response . We are now in a place where we can make this vision a reality .”
Council will now carry out staged works at the reserve , with construction of the additional field scheduled to commence later this year , including sports field lighting , drainage and irrigation .
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 84 // JUNE 2022 5