A proud milestone was commemorated when country women gathered to reflect on achievements during one hundred years of service.

Members of the Tooraweenah branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW celebrated triumphs, community spirit and camaraderie at the branch centenary held on Saturday 12 April.   

More than seventy guests attended the long rolling ‘brunch’ event featuring an extensive display of craft and historical memorabilia, showcasing the association’s enduring legacy and contribution to the region whilst offering a glimpse into the history and resilience of the women who have shaped the heart of Tooraweenah for a century.

Dignitaries at the event included Macquarie Group President, Majorie Blatch, Gilgandra mayor, Cr Doug Batten, Cr Brian Mockler, and Tooraweenah branch patron, Cluna Gale and branch president, Cathryn Waller.

CWA members travelled from Dubbo, Collie, Coonabarabran, Purlewaugh, Baradine, Gilgandra, Fairfield and Uralla to attend.

Branch secretary, Jill Blackman says that the celebration brought back many memories and reminded members of what had been achieved, while honouring the women who laid the foundations for today.

Macquarie CWA Group president, Majorie Blatch with Tooraweenah CWA Branch Patron, Cluna Gale with the centenary plaque.  

“We honour our founder members for their fore-sight and dedication in creating the Tooraweenah CWA Branch,” she said.  “Over the past one hundred years many women have found a welcome, warmth and friendship in being a member of this wonderful organization.

“The branch has an interesting history with the first meeting held in a disused butcher’s shop and inaugurated on ANZAC Day 1925.

"Mrs M Buchanan of ‘Mount Terrace’ was our founder along with members Mmes Armytage, Buckley, Chaseling, Coulter, Fyfe, Kilgour, Manusu, McWhirter, Mills, Rohr, Singer and Trethowen.

“Records show that there were initially forty-seven members all eager to establish rest rooms, support local activities, improve conditions for women and their families, whilst providing opportunities for friendship, learning and fundraising for the community”.

Enjoying the Tooraweenah CWA centenary, Bev Pike (Gilgandra) with Purlewaugh CWA members Gail Preston and Wendy Baldock [IMAGE:E.Hampton]

Mrs Blackman added that fundraising has always been a major focus and over the years includes blue and gold balls, a wool exhibition, art shows, international, cultural and educational activities.

“We have raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor service, the Royal Children’s Far West home and the Cancer Centre in Dubbo,” she added. 

“We have lobbied for town lights, road safety, road surface upgrades and we supported the War effort with food hampers and adopted a service man.

"We also petitioned for a police officer, lobbied for the sealing of the Mendooran to Tooraweenah Road and for improved medical availability to reduce the waiting list for patients undergoing elective surgery.”

A commemorative plaque was unveiled followed by the cutting of the centenary cake and culminating with the launch of a special memories book by patron, Cluna Gale.

Mrs Blackman said that the centenary celebration was a day of joy, laughter and shared memories.

“Congratulations go to all members of the Tooraweenah CWA Branch, past and present, on an inspiring one hundred years of service to the community and beyond,” she concluded.