The Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW is ringing in its 100 year anniversary this year, and with local branches plotted across the Western Plains, there’s much to reminisce on in celebration of an organisation that has had a hand in an impressive amount of Australia’s history. 

President of the Trangie CWA branch Patricia Riley said that with its deep history, the centenary is an event worthy of celebration.

“Pretty much everything that is associated with everyday living, somewhere along the line the CWA has had a voice in getting there,” Mrs Riley said. 

In its early days, that meant a commitment to making improvements where resources were scarce and quality of life low. Today, the mission remains in support of those in suffering or with less, including disaster relief, education, and working with the government to lobby for causes deemed worthy. 

“In the early days of settlement, conditions were fairly rugged. There was no water, no electricity, no roads, no schools or adequate hospital facilities. The CWA has had a hand through the years in introducing or making improvements in each of those areas,” Mrs RIley said.

Closer to home, the Trangie CWA has its own list of accomplishments under its belt, including education grants that have seen people go far. 

“One of our recipients went on to school, finished his certificate, joined the army, and has recently been promoted to the role of Colonel, which is flying Blackhawk helicopters. That probably would not have happened had it not been for the CWA grant that got him through school,” Mrs Riley said. 

It’s noteworthy achievements like these that make Mrs Riley proud to serve her community as a CWA member and president. 

“It’s certainly a feeling of satisfaction, there’s a great deal of pride associated with being involved in all of these achievements,” she said. 

“We campaign for road and farm safety, workplace health and safety, and domestic violence. We also work towards supporting the hospital, cancer support, and education support,” Mrs Riley said. 

The Trangie branch will host a centenary celebration in conjunction with National Seniors Week, including morning tea, music, and guest speaker Walkley-Award-Winning Tracey Spicer. 

While the CWA women are usually behind the scenes, volunteering at any given community event, Mrs Riley said she was excited to secure funding to staff the event, giving the local volunteers a well-earned day off. 

“We’re at the stage now where we’re all seniors. So for this one, I hope that we can sort of sit abc and enjoy the show,” Mrs Riley said. 

Trangie will host the 100 years of CWA and Seniors Week event on 22 March. Other celebrations of the centenary will occur across the Western Plains CWA branches throughout the year.