A Western NSW local has been elected the new president of the CWA of NSW, with Joy Beames earning her title after 30 years with the Dunedoo CWA Branch. 

Celebrating their centenary this year, Mrs Beames will lead over 400 branches across the state into their next 100 years. 



Mrs Beames is eager to both continue and progress the causes that the CWA stands for. 

“Access to health services, social isolation, adequate provision of secure housing, protection of valuable farmland and the rights of farmers, and environmental challenges are among the issues that impact all our branch communities,” Mrs Beames said. 

The announcement of her election was made at the state branch’s Centenary State Conference in Sydney, where voting from the hundreds of delegates in attendance took place. 

Prior to the new role, Mrs Beames held a range of executive positions at her home branch in Dunedoo, as well as numerous executive roles at the Group and State level. 

She said she was honoured to take on the role of CWA of NSW president and was committed to working hard for all members, in the more than 400 branches across the state. 

“It’s such a privilege to be taking the association into its next 100 years of advocacy and support for rural and regional NSW and, alongside our members,” Mrs Beames said.

“I look forward to continuing the hard work that has been a hallmark of our association throughout its first century,” she said.

With the senate inquiry into regional and rural health being released last week, Mrs Beames has already gotten to work.

“For years, the CWA has lobbied governments to address the disparities in health outcomes, access, and quality of care for people living in rural, regional, and remote NSW. It is now apparent that ongoing neglect has resulted in a decline of health services and outcomes for people living outside of major metropolitan centres in NSW,” she said. 

Outgoing president Stephanie Stanhope, a member of the Bega branch, said it had been an honour to lead the association for the past three years and represent members in advocating for a better deal for rural and regional NSW. 

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Joy as the next president of the CWA of NSW and I know she will gain as much fulfilment and satisfaction from the role as I have. It’s an exciting time in our history and I’m pleased to continue to be part of it,” Mrs Stanhope said.  

Mrs Beames will hold her position as president for a further three years, before another election is held.