The Country Women's Association Branch in Walgett has celebrated its centenary anniversary this year.

While the actual centenary took place on 13 June, Walgett's social calendar was so booked out that the celebration event didn't happen until 5 July 2025.

The President of the NSW CWA Tanya Jolly, State Secretary Bronwyn Dunstan, the CWA of NSW Treasurer Ruth Cargill, and Federal MP for Parkes Jamie Chaffey all attended the morning tea in the CWA Walgett tearooms.

Members from neighbouring branches in Come by Chance, Carinda and Coonamble joined the celebrations.

The branch's longest serving member Mrs. Jill Friend, who joined in 1957, unveiled a plaque on a rock in the refurbished gardens at the CWA rooms to celebrate the centenary.

"We got a grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal a few years ago and we'd been looking for a centrepiece," explained Walgett CWA Secretary Christine Ford.

"The rock was donated by a local gentleman who carts gravel here."

Walgett CWA President Judy Campbell and Jill Friend CWA Gardens [IMAGE: Supplied]

Walgett CWA President Judy Campbell and Jill Friend unveiling the centenary plaque. [IMAGE: Supplied]

“This is such a special occasion for the Walgett branch and it’s something all of us as members celebrate,” said Ms Jolly.

“We marked 100 years of the CWA of NSW in 2022, and since then so many of our branches have passed that milestone as well.

"It’s an ongoing reminder of how far the association has come, and also the fact it remains as important and relevant today as it was when it was first established as an influential voice for rural and regional NSW communities.

“Congratulations to the Walgett branch and its members for this achievement and for all they’ve contributed to the association over the past 100 years.”

Longtime CWA Walgett branch member Coleen Edgar said the centenary was a testament to the grit of country women.

"I think it's an acknowledgement of what a group of dedicated women can achieve. Because for any organisation to celebrate 100 years is a big deal.

CWA NSW President Tanya Jolly and CWA Walgett President Judy Campbell cutting into the centenary cake made by Linda Schmetzer and Wendy Azevedo. [IMAGE: Supplied]

"CWA has over 8000 members in NSW, we're one of the biggest political voices for women in Australia, and we focus on the wellbeing of the whole community."

The crowd also looked through a slideshow that celebrated past members and events from the CWA Walgett.

One member Mrs. T Holcombe complied a book of all the past office bearers for the Walgett CWA.

The first President of the Walgett CWA was Mrs. H E Colless, the first secretary was Mrs. R Rittchie and the first treasurer Mrs. Thomas. There have been a total of thirty-four Presidents of the since the first election in 1926.

Ironically, the message has changed very little in all that time.

"When it started in 1922, they were looking at roads, education and health for rural women, and we're still looking at roads, education and health," said Ms Edgar.

They've also published a cookbook called '100 Recipes for 100 Years.' It's full of classic well-tested recipes, some of which are handwritten, plus quotes, an historic rainfall chart for the Walgett district and more.

Coleen has contributed several of her own recipes to the book, including her scone recipe and homemade mascarpone cheese recipe.

"One of the best things about the cookbook is finding recipes from older members or members who have passed on the back of envelopes and notecards. They were photocopied, and we put them all into the book.

"It was a very human touch."  

So what's next for Walgett CWA?

Secretary Christine Ford, said planning is underway for CWA Flower Show in September.

"The Anglican Church previously ran it, but they ran out of volunteers last year so we organised it in conjunction with them," explained Mrs Ford.

"This year we go it alone as the CWA Flower Show.

"We feed the community, they can buy takeaways or come and have a sit down meal with us.

"That's our biggest fundraiser for the year."

The Walgett CWA branch says they would like to acknowledge Mrs. Judy Campbell President and Mrs. Christine Ford Secretary for their contribution to the organisation and for ensuring the celebration ran smoothly.

Here's to 100 more years!