CWA Orange Branch is getting back to business – and they want your help!  Now is a great time to find out more about what the CWA does and how it supports country women across Australia. As regular monthly face to face meetings are now back, the ladies are looking for new members. 

The CWA has been supporting country women since 1922 and is the largest women’s organisation in Australia. It aims to improve conditions for country women and children by lobbying for change, helping in local communities and creating networks of support.

The Orange Branch began in 1924 and has continued to help the local community most recently with drought support. It has also lobbied for a range of issues including the environment (through koala habitat legislation) and the provision of palliative care and has recently provided financial support for endometriosis research.  It has also worked to raise awareness of domestic violence issues and has supported improvements in mental health services in the Central West region. 

“I didn’t know anyone when I moved to Orange. I joined the CWA and have made wonderful friends,” said CWA member, Rebecca Shaw.

“I love that I can go after work, catch up for a chat and talk about issues that have a real impact on women, and still be home at a reasonable time.”

Branch meetings are held at 5.30pm on the first Thursday of the month, in the CWA Hall, Robertson Park, corner of Lords Place and Byng Street.  Meetings follow a standard format but have different themes. Members could be listening to a guest speaker talking about an area of study in Agriculture (pork in 2020) or Country of study (Ecuador in 2020) and participating (presenting and taste testing) in a baking competition; while discussing responses to resolutions set for discussion at the State Conference.

Rebecca added, “I think the best thing is the friendship and support and of course, all ages are welcome.

Our members come from a range of backgrounds, including retired women, those still working, and many who are involved in volunteer work.  The youngest member from the Orange branch is in her 20s and our oldest is 98!”

While it has been hard this year to continue regular events, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of one of the core values of the CWA: providing a network of friendship and support.  Members have been keeping in touch via telephone, letters, and emails.  Now face to face meetings have resumed the team would love to welcome you as a new member.

Why not become a part of the CWA and help improve country life. For more information phone 0434 870 202 or email orangecwa@yahoo.com.au