Hundreds of women from across New South Wales gathered in Wagga Wagga recently for the 2025 Country Women’s Association of NSW Conference, a landmark event celebrating community, connection, and the enduring spirit of rural women.

Members of the Castlereagh Country Group, including those from Baradine, Coonamble and Purlewaugh, joined more than 700 delegates at the event held from 19 to 22 May to discuss key issues affecting regional communities, share knowledge, and shape the future direction of the organisation.

Aunty Cheryl Penrith delivered the Welcome to Country. Dr. Joe McGirr, State Member for Wagga Wagga, officially opened the conference, followed by an address from Dallas Tout, Mayor of Wagga Wagga.

The Hon. Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW, and Western NSW, highlighted the government's commitment to rural communities.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of guest speakers who inspired and informed attendees.

Poet Murray Hartin with Baradine CWA member Evelyn Hampton at the Wagga Conference. [IMAGE SUPPPLIED]

Keynote speaker Sarah Wheeler shared her journey with 'The Outback Long Ride', which included communities across the western plains, emphasizing resilience and community support.

Kylee Denis, Managing Director of Two Face Investigations, provided insights into investigative practices relevant to community safety.

The conference also featured performances by the Riverina Central Choir and singer Isabella Suttie, adding cultural richness to the proceedings.

These speakers and performers contributed to a dynamic and engaging conference experience.

Outgoing President Joy Beames. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

Joy Beames concluded her impactful three-year term as State President.

Elected during the centenary conference in Sydney, she reflected on her tenure, expressing gratitude for the support and friendship received from members across the state.

She emphasized the association's unwavering commitment to advocacy, particularly on issues affecting rural and regional communities.

Succeeding her, Tanya Jolly from the Barellan branch was elected as the new State President. A long-serving member, Tanya brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural women.

Incoming President for CWA NSW, Tanya Jolly from Barellan. [IMAGE: CWA NSW]

Record motions

Delegates passed a record number of thirty-six motions, reflecting the organisation’s strong commitment to rural and regional communities.

Key resolutions included calls for the NSW Government to urgently review ambulance resourcing in regional, rural, and remote communities to ensure timely medical responses, and to improve emergency call handling protocols to prevent delays in dispatching services.

Other motions addressed the need for short-term housing for women and children, particularly those over fifty-five, by converting unused buildings into safe accommodation.

Delegates also advocated for a review of local council funding models to ensure equitable state and federal contributions, minimizing reliance on ratepayer increases.

Additional resolutions supported the fitting of seatbelts in public buses transporting school children in rural areas, strengthening penalties for biosecurity breaches, and providing financial support for women from rural areas accessing fertility treatments.

Part of the handicraft display at the Wagga Conference. [IMAGE: CWA NSW]

State handicraft officer, Ruth Shanks, announced that 650 items had been exhibited and judged this year.

The 2026 branch challenge is four items of food made from any type of medium on a handcrafted plate.

The group challenge is once again eight handcrafted articles and the chairman’s choice is to be an article of Indian Kantha work. 

A new section has been added to this year’s handicraft schedule of any type of paper craft to fit in a 30 x 30 cm frame.

Barbara Gow (Mudgee) with the winning Castlereagh Country Group handicraft trophy. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]

Other competitions included art, photography, short story, and poetry writing. 

Branches and individual members also received awards for scrapbooks outlining their activities in areas of International, Agricultural and Environmental, Publicity and Cultural studies.

Castlereagh Country Group won the branch runners-up trophy for coming equal second with their eight handicraft items.

Barbara Gow from Grattai received a highly commended for her gold work and Baradine branch had the entry from Baradine Central School student, Paige O’Grady selected as one of the top 12 entries in the international postcard competition.

The 2026 conference will be held at Forster from the 2 to 7 May.