Official Opening CWA House 26th January 2009
During 2001, an Ad Hoc Asset Review Committee appointed by State Conference met and in 2002 recommended in its report to State Conference, that the Association investigate the redevelopment of the site of CWA House at 1174 Hay Street, West Perth. At this Conference it was agreed that a Planning Group be appointed to specifically consider options.
At the 81st State Conference held in Bunbury in 2005 members voted “That CWA of WA (Inc) proceed with a plan which encompasses the sale of property situated at 1174 Hay Street, West Perth and development of the property at 1170 Hay Street, West Perth.” There was great excitement when members viewed two options for the building and following a postal vote decided to proceed with the building that incorporated 'the blue glass tower'.
On a picture, perfect day on the 26th January 2009 the wonderful and long awaited event took place - the Official Opening of the new home of The Country Women’s Association of Western Australia (Inc).
There was an air of excitement and expectancy in St Mary’s Anglican Church when a capacity congregation gathered to celebrate Australia Day and to later witness the blessing, dedication and Official Opening of the new CWA House at 1176 Hay Street, West Perth.
Prior to returning to CWA House, State President, Pam Batten treated members to a power point presentation to wet their appetites and enable them to truly share in the stages of the development. The presentation commenced with the demolition of the first purpose built Association administration building on the site and the step by step development of the new building. There were amusing anecdotes and not so flattering photos of the State President and General Secretary clad in hard hats and sneakers carrying out inspections of the building. There were pensive, serious shots and amusing shots of site meetings.
The atmosphere was electric as members relocated from the Church to the front of the new building to witness the blessing and dedication by Reverend Jacob Ng, to hear a message of congratulations from the Premier delivered by the Hon. Helen Morton MLC and the unveiling of a plaque by State President, Pam Batten.
Then it was time to officially open the glass doors to allow the 300 members, who had travelled from as far north as Port Hedland and from the very south of the State, to inspect their new home and share in a wonderful house warming party. Ten past State Presidents, in addition to the current State President were in attendance. A luncheon in true CWA tradition and generosity had been prepared by Friends of the House. It was a very appropriate celebration of a special occasion and a wonderful gathering and social occasion for members.
Members who could not be present were able to enjoy the occasion by tuning to ABC Radio FM 720 with presenter, Skye Shannon who conducted an outside broadcast of The Country Hour from the members’ lounge on the first floor of the building. The broadcast resulted in the State President being interviewed by a reporter from The West Australian and an article and coloured photo appeared in the paper the next day.
It was indeed a privilege to be part of this heart warming gathering and to stand besides the loyal members who had worked so hard over forty years ago and, who no doubt, had fond and proud memories of a previous Official Opening of a building which had served the Association so well at 1174 Hay Street.
The fact such an adventurous step has been taken once again by The Country Women’s Association of Western Australia bodes well for our future. The Association has acknowledged it must move with the times despite the sentimental attachments. This lovely modern building caters for the current and future needs of the Association. While its architecture and interior decoration is modern and functional they are also representative of our diverse membership. Treasures from the past have fitted in well and complement the modern décor and remind us of our history.
Where to from here? With such a beautiful home to enjoy, it can only be upwards and onwards!