NEWS Of The Area joined more than 600 delegates and another 200 observers at the Country Women’s Association’s 103rd State Conference in Wagga Wagga this week.
In a statement to media ahead of the conference, CWA of NSW president Joy Beames said, “The high number of motions delegates will be asked to vote on this year reflects the commitment from our members to their communities and the importance of highlighting issues impacting the lives of those in remote, rural and regional NSW communities”.
The theme for this year’s conference, “From isolation to innovation – the threads that bind”, aptly highlighted how women from all over NSW came together to discuss over 40 motions regarding education, health, the environment, agriculture, transport and telecommunications.
These motions ranged from calling on the state government to prioritise feral pig control, to reopening the regional seniors travel card program, to urgently calling for a review of ambulance services.
“Advocacy has always been at the heart of our association and that has certainly come to the fore this year,” Ms Beames said.
Six members from the Port Macquarie Branch attended the conference, including President Jill Adams.
Doreen Burns (President) and her sister Mary represented the Wauchope Branch.
Both women sat down with News Of The Area during the week for a quick Q&A .
What are the biggest issues in your community?
Jill: As a branch we have become more and more aware of the needs of local women and children who are homeless and who are victims of domestic violence. We are keen to support local organisations such as Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services, and out of home foster care.
Doreen: Wauchope was traditionally a small, thriving, farming community, but that is changing as more people move here. It is still a small, tight-knit community. We look out for and support each other.
How is your branch unique demographically?
Jill: We have been lucky over the past few years to attract a number of new members who have helped rejuvenate our branch. They have brought with them an energy and commitment that has made us more active than we were, and more present in our community.
Doreen: Wauchope Branch is dynamic and is fortunate to be attracting new members and to have lots of community support. There is a great sense of energy and vibrancy in the community work in which we are engaged.
By Pauline CAIN
