The release of a commemorative centenary stamp of the Country Women's Association is not only a reminder of the many cups of tea and scones that have been served over the years.  

The stamp marks an important milestone for all members who volunteer tirelessly to improve the lives of rural and regional women, children and communities and recognises their innumerable achievements earned by industrious country women over the last 100 years. 

CWA of NSW President Stephanie Stanhope said: “The celebration of our centenary is an important milestone for our association...the release of this stamp acknowledges the work of all CWAs, but as the first association, it is a particular highlight and honor for the CWA of NSW as we embark on the next 100 years of representing the interests of rural and regional NSW.” 

Guided by the long-standing motto “… Service to the Country, Through Country Women, For Country Women, By Country Women”, each not-for-profit association creates a support and social network for women, particularly in remote areas, advocating on key issues including access to medical and education services, and undertaking fundraising including through sales of iconic scones and cookbooks.   

The stamp, designed by Stacey Zass, features the CWA of NSW’s foundation president, Grace Emily Munro MBE (1879–1964), who lobbied government to build and staff maternity wards, hospitals and schools, raised funds for bush nurses and a Royal Flying Doctor’s Service base at Broken Hill, and was the first woman to serve on a hospital board in rural NSW.  

Local CWA branch members have welcomed the recognition that comes with a special release postal stamp. 

"The stamp is symbolic of just how powerful the CWA is. We have been involved in many legislative changes across the decades in all areas of society," said Jean Piper, President of the Condobolin CWA Group.  

Patricia Hurley, long-standing member of the Myamley CWA Branch at Condobolin, NSW, says that "the stamp is a great honor to every member that we have lasted this long."  

"I think the credit goes to the way we handle things – we put a lot of thought into what we do before we do it and take things steady to make sure we get it right every time," she said. 

The Centenary of the CWA of NSW was officially celebrated at the annual conference which was held on the 2nd - 5th of May at Royal Randwick.  

The conference saw 457 delegates pass 39 motions relating to issues within health, agriculture and the environment, transport and communication, social security and education.  

Notable motions included advocating for government action to create a comprehensive development plan for the renewal and upgrade of essential arterial roads; urging the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to maintain railway corridors in NSW for hazard reduction; and developing an action plan for affordable housing options for elderly women and female refugees.  

Ms Stanhope said the conference was "an important time to reflect on just how far we’ve come and the successes of the Association to date, but just as importantly to look to the future and determine our priorities, particularly around our all-important advocacy efforts on behalf of rural, regional and remote communities." 

Not only is the centenary a celebration of the achievements of the organisation, but it also serves as an opportunity for members to commemorate the friendships that they've gained over the years. 

"The CWA means so much to so many of us – we all have friends all over the state because it's such a friendly organisation – it's something that we have in common that can bring us all together," said Jean.  

While both Jean and Pat raised concerns about the next 100 years of the CWA due to changing work structures and lifestyles for women, they both agreed that the last 100 years has been nothing short of inspirational.  

"The continuity of country branches that have survived through thick and thin is a testament to the women themselves," said Pat.  

"For these branches to continue, however, we need more people in the bush – at the moment our very rural branches struggle to have their voice heard against some of the coastal branches whose membership levels are well above ours." 

"There are still plenty of issues impacting rural women, families and communities and it's so important that we continue to see the CWA addressing them on our behalf," Pat concluded.  

The $1.10 stamp and associated collectables are an important acknowledgment of the works of all CWA's and of the inspiring women who made it all happen.