Projects
Overview
Since the inception of CWA, members have established many projects. Listed below are those operating at present. Members support these projects financially and/or with many hours of voluntary service.
The Countrywoman of Western Australia - the Association’s magazine
Five issues per year plus the annual report are distributed to members as part of their membership fee. Copies of the magazine can be ordered separately for mail out to interested parties.
Archives
Members serve on the Committee which catalogues and stores the Association’s archival material. Branches are requested to send minute books to the committee for safe keeping. The oral history project has been assisted by grant funds from Lotterywest. Archives may be accessed by contacting the Association’s staff in the first instance.
Training Programme
Tutors are available to provide training on a wide range of topics pertaining to the Association, governance, meeting procedure, leadership, communication. Training sessions can be organized by contacting the Association and are open for members and non members.
Youth Leadership
Members work to assist youth in various ways in the communities. Regular Young Leaders Workshops are arranged and funding assistance given by branches and individuals.
CWA Young Volunteer of the Year Award
This award from the State Projects Fund is to recognize and encourage young volunteers. Branches nominate young volunteers from their community. The winner is announced and presented with their award at State Conference.
Country Women’s Association Rural Medical Scholarship
Beginning in 2008, $10,000 is given annually from the State Project Fund to a rural student who would have difficulty in financing his or her medical studies and has an interest in serving as a GP in the country. The inaugural scholarship holder is James Preuss from Albany.
CWA Community Grant
In any one year up to $10,000 is allocated from the State Projects Fund which enables CWA branches to apply for a grant to carry out or assist with a project in their community. No more than two grants are to be given each year.
Social Issues Fact Finding Team
This team, with input from members, collates submissions on issues of importance to the community which are forwarded to the relevant body – usually Federal or State Government.
CWA 75 Administration Fund
The interest from this fund which is supported by members is used to fund a major part of the administration of the Association. Donations can also be given to the Ida Spencer Thanksgiving Fund and the General Account for administration.
International Fund and Pennies for Friendship
Branch donations are used to assist with the Association’s international work which is carried out mainly through the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) with which CWA of WA if affiliated.
Sir James Mitchell Education and Welfare Fund
Supported by branches and “friends” of CWA and used to assist those in need of a helping hand from time to time through welfare in various situations, education assistance and Secondary and Tertiary student awards, bursaries and scholarships.
Jubilee Fund
Used to provide grants or interest free loans to branches to assist with maintenance of CWA Centres.
Travel Fund
Supported by branches to assist with the cost of travel for Association business