While it seems counter-intuitive for a CWA Association, traditionally formed by older women, to receive funding for shading a playground, Collie Branch secretary, Helen Murray said its exactly what the small town needs.

"There is only one playground in town which is part of the pub," Ms Murray said. "While that's great, not everyone wants to go into the pub so the new playground will be a great option for locals and visitors."

Ms Murray said the old playground, adjacent to the CWA Hall, was removed several years ago as it wasn’t compliant with new government regulations.

"The Warren Shire Council has been incredibly supportive of the idea and have donated the equipment, got it freshly powder coated and provided soft fall material. They will also help place the equipment and erect the shade."

Collie CWA Branch is unique in that it has two groups, the main branch and evening branch.

"Our main branch members are all older women," Ms Murray, who has been secretary "for longer than she cares to remember" said. "Our oldest member recently went into an aged care facility and sometimes our meetings only have two people attend so is more a 'discussion'".

Ms Murray has done her bit for recruiting her granddaughter who has since moved away.

"When she is back, I make sure she comes along," Ms Murray said.

The Evening Branch of Collie CWA came about when Ms Murray asked a local woman if she would like to join the existing CWA group.

"But, as a young mother, day time meetings were tricky," she said. "So the evening group was formed by younger ladies. They will often meet by Zoom but do use the hall regularly as well"

Clearly, a playground at the meeting place is an added attraction for times the children are in tow.

"It will be great," Ms Murray said. "Plus the mobile day care visits the hall so a playground will be a bonus for the visiting families."

This improvement to the hall is welcome, but the funding from Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) also covers an important upgrade to the infrastructure.

"During the floods, our rainwater tank overflowed and went under the building, buckling the floor," Ms Murray said. "It had never been plumbed to the building so just went everywhere, causing damage along the way. While costs won't be fully covered, like a pressure pump, this money will be so helpful. Now the playground is underway and will be sheltered, the plumbing is just the icing on the cake."

Ms Murray said the original Collie CWA group will celebrate its hundredth anniversary in 2025.

"We just need to last until then," she joked. "The playground will be up and the younger women can take care of it!"