Cultivating kindness, fundraising projects and updates on branch activities were high on the discussion agenda when country women gathered in Baradine.

Members of the Country Women’s Association of NSW throughout the region met for the annual Castlereagh Country Group conference this year at the Baradine Bowling Club on Monday 16 October.  

Group President, Wendy Baldock welcomed CWA State President, Joy Beames who talked about the ‘Cultivating Kindness’ program which will be implemented in line with the Association’s strategic plan. 

“This program aims to create a culture of acceptance and inclusivity within the CWA with a specific focus on implementing a zero-tolerance policy for bullying,” said Joy. “The program will be rolled out over the course of three years.”

Joy said she had been in Canberra on behalf of the Association discussing various issues of concern with politicians including the critical housing shortage in NSW.  

“We talked about the viability of CWA halls and the increasing number of medical services that the Royal Flying Doctor Service is supplying to rural and remote areas, with very little government funding provided for these services,” added Joy.

“Plans are underway for the 2024 State conference in Coffs Harbour with the Riverina Group hosting the 2025 conference in Wagga Wagga. As the Royal Far West is short of funding, an event is to be held at Parliament House next year to promote the work done by this great organisation. It has been agreed that a contribution from the CWA International Fund be given to this organisation.

“There is also the wonderful news that the Macquarie Home Stay in Dubbo is being extended and the new extension will be known as the ‘CWA Wing'.”

Members were advised that the country of study for the next twelve months will be France; the fauna, Microbats; foe is the imported Red Fire Ant; and fungi will be investigated instead of the flora category for one year.

The election of office bearers was held with all positions filled; Group President, Annie Johnston (Mudgee Evening); Executive representative, Michelle Southwell (Mendooran), secretary, Barbara Hale (Mudgee Evening), Treasurer Lyn Prichard, vice-presidents Irene Worrell (Baradine), Wendy Baldock (Purlewaugh), Gail Preston (Purlewaugh) and Margaret Baxter; International Helen Marsonett (Rylstone), Ag and Environment Lou Press (Ilford Running Stream), Cultural, Margaret Skropeta; Handicraft, Barabara Gow (Mudgee Evening); Land cookery, Lyn Halpin; publicity, Evelyn Hampton (Baradine); Minutes Secretary, Jenny Lloyd (Mendooran) and patron, Irene Bassett (Purlewaugh).

The following trophies were presented; Sylvia Seaman Trophy for the four most interesting meetings was won by Mendooran, the Robyn McGrath trophy for the best branch report went to Rylstone. 

The Ag and Environment Recycling Competition was won by Barbara Gow and the shield for the best branch publicity report went to Baradine.  

The prize for the international South Pacific poster was won by Mudgee Evening for their promotion on the Tiwi Islands. 

Mendooran branch took out the award for the best cultural report and the ‘My Home Town’ junior postcard competition was won by Rylstone.