Branch News
The Generosity of a Branch
What a privilege it is to belong to an Association such as The Country Women's Association of Western Australia Inc. Members reach out to those experiencing adverse seasonal conditions in various ways. In the past year there have been many local, national and international disasters. Always members have responded generously. Currently so much of this State is experiencing exceptional dry season conditions and families are in need of support.
True to form, members are responding as they always have, with great generosity and with loving concern for those who are in need. There are many actions of kindness but to share one such incidence is that of Tuart Hill Districts Branch who, to quote one of their members, "We did a bit of a whip around at our meeting." They then rounded off the money collected to an even amount of $480.00, purchased and wrapped little gifts and two of these wonderful members made 14 Christmas cakes. These gifts have been forwarded to an area badly affected and it is hoped they will
provide a lift to spirits.
Many of these members understand the trying time those on the land are experiencing. They have experienced harsh seasonal conditions during their years on the land and so their hearts go out to those currently affected. Mrs Gwen Sorensen has memories of drought and of times when farmers lost their crop due to heavy rains washing their newly planted seed. Mother Nature is so fickle and yet farmers "soldier on"; the land is in their blood and farming is what they love.
The nation needs these stalwarts.
News from Cuballing Branch
Access to a Volunteers' Grant received earlier this year by the
Association's Cuballing Branch enabled this very active Branch
to purchase a new stove, refrigerator and urn for their well-used
centre. The new acquisitions have been put to good use.
These Grants can be applied for through the Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
The maximum amount available is $5,000 and is to be used for
the purchase of small appliances. The aim of the Grants is to
encourage and support volunteers and volunteering in the local
community and to promote social inclusion.
Since the upgrading of these appliances the Branch has undertaken several fund-raising functions and the new stove and larger refrigerator has, according to the Branch, been "God sent".
Recent functions included a High Tea and Fashion Parade on 12th October which was to raise funds for the Narrogin Independent Persons
bus. The Branch catered for 60 people on this occasion and the larger refrigerator was a great asset.
On Sunday, 7th November the Branch will be serving morning tea from its rooms during the local Trash and Treasure. Once again the new white goods will be used and make catering much easier.
CWA Branch Launches 2011 Calendar
Very tastefully done! Awesome! Terrific! A wonderful mixture of humour, good judgement, industry and beautiful wildflowers!
These were some of the comments following the launch of the Yuna CWA calendar. The 2011
calendar is a fundraiser initiated by branch members in the small community of Yuna.
Twelve enthusiastic and courageous CWA members of varying ages are featured in one of “those calendars”. The tasteful and discreet photos have been taken in the natural beauty of the bush and the funds raised are for a “Blooming Good Cause”!
Funds raised from the sale of the calendar will be distributed equally between the Country Women’s Association of WA and the McGrath Foundation.
The calendar was launched at the Country Women’s Association State Conference in Geraldton on the 13th July by the Geraldton based McGrath Foundation Breast care nurse.
The calendar is dedicated to the resilience of country women and the ability of women facing adversity to deal with any issue, whilst supporting each other.
A new Breast Screen Clinic is to be built in Bunbury. Breast Screen WA will be having a permanent van parked in the SJOG Hospital carpark for a couple of years until the fixed clinic is built.
Mrs Maggie Donaldson, Country Women’s Association of WA State President said “ I encourage all women in the region to come along and make use of this excellent service”.
Calendars can be purchased for $10.00 from the State Office or by emailing
battenpj@bigpond.net.au