The Country Woman Volume 61 No 06 December 2020
1
Merry Christmas
For all Women of NSW and the ACT Country Women’s Association of NSW Contacts State Office State President State Vice President Hospital Support Level 2, 244 Coward St Stephanie Stanhope Ann Adams, OAM Committee Secretary Mascot NSW 2020 Ph: 0429 161 038 Ph: 0428 387 753 Susan Hutchison PO Box 222 [email protected] [email protected] Ph: 02 6554 2185 Mascot NSW 1460 susan.hutchison@bigpond. State Honorary Secretary State Vice President Ph: 02 8337 0200 com Margaret Breust Judy Houghton Fax: 02 8338 1595 [email protected] Ph: 02 6342 3205 [email protected] Agricultural & 0424 685 789 [email protected] Environmental Committee Honorary Editor State Honorary Treasurer Chief Executive Officer Secretary Sue-Ellen Hogan Anne Kotz Danica Leys Robin Godwin PO Box 1070 Ph: 0428 511 948 Ph: 02 6888 5647 Tamworth NSW 2340 Cultural Committee [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Secretary 0409 929 632 State International Officer Yvonne Davis “The Land” Cookery Lyn Braico 31 Tripoli Way Committee Secretary Communications and Ph: 02 9487 2665 Albion Park NSW 2527 Mary Hollingworth advertising [email protected] Ph: 02 4256 4541 Ph: 0429 345 255 Leah Gaskell [email protected] [email protected] Ph: 02 8337 0200 State Agricultural & communications@cwaofnsw. Environmental Officer Show Catering Committee Social Issues Committee org.au Tanya Jolly Secretary Secretary Ph: 02 6975 6240 Tracey Bonfante Elizabeth O’Dwyer Association Patron [email protected] Ph: 0402 508 856 Ph: 0421 452 646 Her Excellency the [email protected] elizabethmarynash@ Honourable Margaret State Social Issues Officer Handicraft Committee hotmail.com Beazley AC QC, Governor of Bronwyn Dunston Secretary New South Wales Ph: 02 6576 4070 Pam Wright bronwyn_dunston@dodo. Ph: 02 6767 1044 com.au [email protected] 1
►► The Country Woman is the official publication of the Country Women’s Association Motto of New South Wales. Honour to God ►►Average Circulation: 8,210 (September 2020) Loyalty to the Throne Service to the Country ►►Article Submission Information: Members are welcome to submit articles for publication. Articles must be received by the 10th day of the month prior to Through Country Women publication and have a limit of 150 words. Please send articles by email or post to For Country Women the Editor’s home address. By Country Women ►►The views expressed in The Country Woman are not necessarily the views of the Association. Acceptance of advertising for The Country Woman does not Photo Guidelines constitute endorsement of the advertisers’ products or services by the Association. The contents of this magazine are covered by copyright, but may be reproduced Photos for The Country by any Country Women’s Association of NSW Branch or Group. The Honorary Woman must be Editor reserves the right to select and edit materials submitted for publication. No either full sized digital photos (sent via USB responsibility can be accepted for loss of photos. or attached to an ►►Privacy Policy: The Country Women’s Association of NSW collects members’ email) or professionally personal details and maintains a database in the Association’s office. The Country developed original Women’s Association of NSW will never sell or give away personal member prints. Photos printed information. Any information provided to the Association by members will only be on home printers are used to assist the Association in providing and enhancing membership services and not suitable. to refer new members to the Country Women’s Association of NSW. When posting photos please do not write [email protected] www.cwaofnsw.org.au directly on the back of photos. You may add facebook.com/cwaofnsw @cwaofnsw labels or Post-It notes.
2 December 2020 The Country Woman Contents State President’s Letter 4 CEO’s Report 5 Photo by CSIRO by Photo News from November Executive 6 Calls for Nominations 8 Annual General Meeting 10 ACWW South Pacific Area President’s Letter 12 Heather’s Stories of Hope 13 10 13 Committee Reports 14 Advocacy Update 21 Welcome New Members 22 Sudoku 23 Literary Mocktails 24
Celebrations 26 1 Story of the Month 27 From our Branches 27 From our Groups 32 24 27 From the Editor As we celebrated a new year on 1 the experience has meant she guidance and sharing her stories January 2020, I don’t think many has been able to connect readers and thoughts with our members. of us could image the immense she might not usually have the Thank you to all our members for changes our world would go chance to, she is looking forward continuing to provide wonderful through in just a short 12 months. to experiencing the very human stories, news and photos from and social connection of greeting For the Journal this month, I had the their branches and groups, it is people in person again and sharing pleasure of interviewing novelist, such a pleasure to read through stories openly. Something I hope all Heather Morris, an item I hope you the submissions for each edition our members have the opportunity enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed and hear the amazing work and fun over the Christmas season. writing it. activities our members are doing in This month, I also extend a very their communities. Heather told me about her warm thank you and best wishes experience in connecting with I wish you all a very merry to Journal Patron, Libby Fairfax, her readers during COVID-19, Christmas and all the very best for who has stepped down as Patron connecting virtually and online safe and healthy 2021. of The Country Woman. We thank rather than travelling across the Libby for her years of service in world as she usually would. While Sue-Ellen Hogan, Hon Editor this Patronage, providing her The Country Woman December 2020 3 State President’s Letter the activities of the CWA, drawing companionship and friendship. women together in difficult times. Women who are aware of their Members all over the state give community’s needs, aware when continuously and generously to their they need to make their voices communities and each other. heard and aware of what they can achieve as an organisation. Like the An excerpt from The Country members before us we believe in Woman, 6th January 1938: “The honour, loyalty and service—we just success or failure of any large do things differently. movement is measured by the On a personal front this year has amount of imagination—coupled “Resilience is accepting your new been like no other. The devastation with practical common sense- reality, even if it’s less good than the caused by the bushfires and then the behind it. That is why the CWA is one you had before. You can fight isolation of COVID-19. On a happy today such a power in the land.” it, you can do nothing but scream note, I should be in my rebuilt home about what you’ve lost, or you can for Christmas, and we can meet with That is as relevant today as it was in accept that new reality and put families and friends face-to-face. 1938. How we move forward as an together something that’s good.” — organisation and what we achieve It was a great relief to eventually Elizabeth Edwards. is limited only by the imagination of be able to travel and meet with the members. How can we continue “Resilience is knowing that you are members. And I look forward to doing what we have done, and will the only one that has the power and continuing these visits. It was do, but differently? the responsibility to pick yourself pleasing to see how groups arranged up.” —Mary Holloway. their annual meetings to adhere to By doing things differently, by COVID-19 regulations. I would like to being resilient, CWA has managed As the year closes on a far brighter congratulate all members who have to achieve so much. And we will note than it began, I wish you all a taken on Office Bearer positions and continue to do so. merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and the prospect of a brighter I hope you enjoy your role. For the The heart of CWA still lies in its 1 2021. foreseeable future we will have to branches, at grass-roots level, adapt to new ways of operating but with women brought together being the resilient organisation that by common interests, common Stephanie we are, I am sure that the Country experiences and their desire for Women’s Association of NSW will continue to flourish and grow. Nancy Fairfax wrote in a past edition Information for Treasurers of The Country Woman journal, “What do we see when we look out? Treasurers need to remember: Do we only see darkness as we open ▪▪Write receipts on the day you receive the money, for all funds received— the window and creep into bed, even if they are paid straight into the bank account. thanking heavens for another day ▪▪Count money collected at an event, on the day, with someone else (not behind us—or do we see the sun a family member), preferably before leaving the event. shining in the morning and think with joy of the opportunities of the ▪▪Do your reconciliation every month. day. In fact, are we looking forward ▪▪All payments should be passed at a meeting. or backwards?” ▪▪Write the cheque number on receipts/ tax invoices when they have Whatever your perspective is will been paid. determine how you view, and ▪▪Keep your receipts and payment details together. interact with your family, your If you have an enquiry about CWA Money, or a Group Treasurer is friends and your community. It will unfamiliar with using Dropbox to lodge files, please email enquiries to reflect how you contribute to life, [email protected] and how you move forward in these Late fees will be imposed on branches that are late submitting their different times. financial returns. $25 if not received by 1 December and then additional Now, as with past events—the late fees will be accrued at a rate of $50/month. early years of the organisation, Group Treasurers please remind branches that the Disaster Relief Fund the depression, World War II, requires a separate cheque—it is a different bank account. droughts, fires—these events have Anne Kotz, State Treasurer strengthened rather than weakened 4 December 2020 The Country Woman CEO’s Report normal. We will be in touch closer October Journal. We are keeping to the time with any additional track of any changes to the Public information as we become aware of Health Orders, particularly the one it. in relation to gatherings, so that we can advise all members of changes Our drought funding work that may impact their meetings. continues. We are grateful for the State Office is open for business as additional federal government usual, under COVID guidelines. We support that was secured by the welcome members and committees Country Women’s Association of to make use of the facilities here as Welcome to the final edition of Australia on behalf of all drought they wish. the journal for 2020. This year has impacted states and territories. thrown many more challenges at us This funding will enable us to finish I thank them every year, and I will all than what we could’ve possibly up our significant drought support continue to make specific mention contemplated at the start of the work in a positive manner. Although of the team working with me in the year. That said, as we go into the many parts of the state are moving office at CWA House as we close out end of the year we are reasonably out of drought, there are still those 2020. Thank you to Jackie, Luisa, settled here at State Office with in very difficult financial stress as Leah, Adair, Tracy, Elizabeth, Ray, our new ways of working and work they recover from the last few years Jean, Di, Laura and Nicki. This year continues as usual. of no income. By the time we finish particularly has had its challenges The November State Executive our work, we will have distributed from a work point of view but they Meeting took place in Dubbo over $18 million worth of drought have taken all these challenges in recently. News from Exec and other aid since July 2018. their stride and I am thankful for their support. associated information should Our Awareness Week campaign be available from your relevant still went ahead this year, although Have a wonderful Christmas group State Executive Committee like most things in 2020, in a everyone. member. The November meeting is modified fashion.1 We used the Danica Leys, the time that members of Executive week to highlight and bring discuss and consider Conference awareness to the very significant Chief Executive Officer motions for next year. Next year’s and serious issue of domestic and agenda is shaping up to be very family violence. We were able to Nominations for State interesting one with various generate significant publicity on motions coming in from all areas this issue and our partnerships with Honorary Editor of the state as well as the carried Domestic Violence NSW and White Nominations for the State over motions from our postal vote Ribbon Australia were very much Honorary Editor of The Country exercise earlier in the year. Our appreciated. Woman close with the Executive planning for the 2021 Conference Our advice in relation to meetings on 31 January 2021. The Honorary continues although we have to Editor is elected by the State remain flexible on our approach. It and catering remains the same and the relevant material has been sent Executive Committee at its is safe to say that that Conference February meeting. will look and feel a little different to to all members and published in the
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The Country Woman December 2020 5 News from November Executive ACWW excess of $18 million to those in Property sub-committee and need. awarded to Umina Beach Branch. The ACWW South Pacific Area Conference, which was to be held Any donations to the Disaster RAHMP Partnership Relief Fund to continue drought in Port Moresby, will now be hosted Redeem an exclusive CWA member’s support or to the Association Fund online in March 2021. offer through our partnership with to assist with processing drought The ACWW World Conference is to RAHMP and Melinda Schneider—Be support payments would be most be held in Malaysia from 17-25 May Gentle on Yourself EP + RAHMP’s appreciated. 2022. Take Time magazine: https://bit. Awareness Week Financial Information ly/3kPIZXm The operational budget for 2021 The CWA of NSW’s annual State Conference 2022 was approved. Awareness Week campaign was The State Conference for the 2022 held from 6-13 September 2020; A sub-committee of five was formed Centenary year will be held at Royal this year highlighting the issue of from within the current 2020 State Randwick. domestic violence. Executive to review the CWA of NSW targets for fundraising and State Conference Raffle We are hoping to be able to co- present recommendations to the host (with Domestic Violence NSW) Proceeds from the 2021 State next State Conference. Members a Regional Domestic and Family Conference raffle are to assist of this sub-committee are Sharyn Violence Roundtable with the the host group. Tickets can be Buck, Pauline Dunk, Jenny Birtles, Attorney General, Mark Speakman purchased online at https://www. Mary Shepherd and Kaye Anderson. and Minister Bronnie Taylor (online) rafflelink.com.au/cwa2020. Paper in early December. Insurance tickets are also available via your branch. We have continued to host and A building insurance grant of up facilitate webinars on a range of to $1,000 will be made available State Education Grants different topics. Copies are available as a one-off (for the 2021/2022 73 State Education grants, one to all members via the Downloads insurance year) for1 CWA branches palliative nurse grant and one section of the website. needing assistance in paying member’s scholarship were CWA of Australia building insurance as a result awarded, totalling $44,350. of the COVID-19 pandemic. The An additional $2.5 million has criteria and application form will Dates for Executive been secured from the Australian be available from State Office or the Meetings 2021 Government for drought support. CWA of NSW website. The deadline ▪▪15-17 February This will be distributed to farming is Monday, 15 February 2021. families via the State and Territory ▪▪2 May (pre-conference) participating CWAs, with CWA of Medical Research Projects ▪▪19-21 July NSW to receive approx. $780.000 The three medical research project ▪▪15-17 November to continue much needed drought items for consideration have been support assistance. shortlisted. Deadlines for agenda material are strictly two weeks prior to CWAA undertook to review They are: any Executive meeting. Items not its organisation, structure and 1. Ovarian cancer received by this due date will be strategy by conducting a survey. held over until the next meeting. A strategy and planning day was 2. Stillbirth held on 7 November with state and 3. Brain cancer in children Only Conference matters are considered at the pre-conference territory representatives to discuss Membership the survey results. It is hoped that Executive meeting. an even better, stronger and more Life memberships were considered. unified national representation of Full details will be made available country women in Australia will be later. the result. Miscellaneous State Office Closure Please send an email to info@cwaa. The CWA of NSW to take visible The State Office org.au if you would like to be added action to support the ‘Save our will close on 24th to the CWAA mailing list. Voices’ campaign. December and Drought Support will reopen on 11th Potts Point Grants January. CWA of NSW has distributed in A grant was approved by the 6 December 2020 The Country Woman THE Smart Choice FOR SENIORS
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CWA Full Page_Finance_275x195mm_FINAL.indd 1 14/7/20 7:55 am CWA Full Page_ Bob and Pat Seymour_275x195mm_FINAL.indd 1 21/10/20 8:18 am Calls for Nominations Annual General Meeting, Bega the position is the financial wellbeing develop a relationship which is Showground, 3–7 May 2021 of the Association (in conjunction of benefit to both parties with the Chief Executive Officer and Nominations for the following ▪▪Have a basic understanding of accounting staff); to comply with positions will close with the Chief the CWA of NSW Incorporation the Incorporations Act, accounting Executive Officer at close of Act 1931 (Private Act) and the standards, and the NSW Fair business on Friday, 19 February 2021 NSW Fair Trading Fundraising Trading fundraising regulations. in accordance with Rule XXIV (a): legislation ▪▪State President The Treasurer is the primary ▪▪Have a full understanding of how signature on all cheques written the Special Funds were formed, State Honorary Secretary ▪▪ from the Office; however, much how they may be used and be ▪▪State Honorary Treasurer of the financial movement is now aware of the total amounts in ▪▪State Agricultural & accomplished with online banking each Fund on a quarterly basis Environmental Officer by the Accountant and the Chief ▪▪Know the appropriate amounts of ▪▪State International Officer Executive Officer. interest in the Education Grants’ ▪▪State Social Issues Officer The Treasurer is one of the members funds to be used for distribution and where they may be used. ▪▪State Vice Presidents (two of the Finance Committee; the positions available) others being the State President Essential requirements and the State Honorary Secretary, Note: A member nominated for State working together with the Chief It is essential that the Treasurer President must be living or have Executive Officer. be computer literate, and have lived in rural or regional areas and email facilities. Knowledge of Excel have had three years’ experience Specific Duties program would be desirable. In representing a group on Executive, ▪▪To be present at all State addition experience as a branch/ in accordance with Regulation 18. Office Bearer’s, State Executive group treasurer would be an meetings and also to be present advantage. Each of the two Vice Presidents at the Annual General Meeting must have previously served on the 1 The State Treasurer should also Executive Committee for at least 12 ▪▪To meet with the Finance be prepared to communicate months, and will be elected from Committee on decisions relating (either over the phone or by email/ the State Executive Committee to matters of finance and letter) with members with any members or the retiring Officers of property financial queries. This enables the the Association, in accordance with ▪▪To liaise with the State President, development of good relationships Rule XXIV (b). Honorary Secretary and the with members who may be used Chief Executive Officer to as sounding boards and to provide The nomination form for the above ensure smooth functioning of all feedback. positions is available from the meetings Procedures Manual (F 10-1-716), is State International Officer’s also found on the website or upon ▪▪To present the quarterly financial request from State Office. statements (which have been Job Description prepared by the Accountant), to The State International Officer is Please complete the form and each State Executive meeting. attach the following: a State Office Bearer, a Member The Treasurer also presents of the State Executive Committee A passport size photo ▪▪ a financial report at these and reports directly to the State ▪▪A list of branch, group and state meetings; however, points President. The International Officer positions held presented will require a decision is required to: A citation (a 200 word limit of State Executive ▪▪ Liaise with the Country of Study applies. Entries will be edited if To check all Branches/Group ▪▪ Embassy (in partnership with State over the limit). Annual Financial Statements for Office) and plan ways to promote accuracy for annual auditing this Country throughout the year State Honorary Treasurer’s purposes from Conference to Conference. Job Description To present a financial report at ▪▪ Organise International Country the Annual General Meeting and ▪▪ The State Honorary Treasurer is of Study Seminar and information nominate the auditor for that a State Office Bearer, a member booklets for same. financial year of the State Executive Committee Chair the International As required, meet with financial ▪▪ and reports directly to the State ▪▪ Committee President. The primary priority of manager to discuss the direction of the managed funds and ▪▪Chair the International Meeting 8 December 2020 The Country Woman at the Annual State Conference and/or environmental nature ▪▪Keep abreast of current issues in ▪▪Set up, host and pack away the which affect all of us no matter case letters/press releases need International Display at the where we live to be written Annual State Conference ▪▪Encourage members to think ▪▪Chair the State Executive ▪▪Collect Group International and act on matters of need sub-committee dealing with Activities Annual Reports from ▪▪Chair Agricultural & proposed conference motions Group International Officers Environmental Committee pertaining to agricultural and environmental issues. ▪▪Collect and arrange for the meetings four times a year in judging of the Group Finalist March, June, September and Essential requirements: November entries for all International ▪▪A good understanding and Competitions ▪▪Arrange the annual Agricultural knowledge of current agricultural ▪▪Prepare reports for each & Environmental Seminar and environmental issues Executive Meeting, State ▪▪Deal with all correspondence ▪▪Computer literacy (including Conference, and annual forwarded from branches and email and internet facility). International Meeting at the groups State Conference ▪▪Ensure ongoing sponsorship for State Vice Presidents’ Job ▪▪Help Groups with suggestions the Recycled Article Competition Description for International days and organise judging The role of a State Vice President ▪▪Encourage membership of ▪▪Present a detailed report to each is to assist and support the State ACWW and remembering World State Executive meeting President at all times. This includes Rural Women’s Day on 15th ▪▪Collate Group Agricultural representing the State President October and ACWW Day on 29th & Environmental reports/ as requested at CWA or outside April each year activities, and include them functions and/or forums. Encourage support for in the Annual Report, which is ▪▪ It is a Vice President’s role to International Funds within presented at State Conference keep up-to-date on current ACWW, the South Pacific Area ▪▪Collate and write submissions issues pertaining to this portfolio Projects, and the CWA of NSW when called for (including government policy International and International Liaise with other organisations and/or legislation), to bring any Scholarship Fund ▪▪ 1 e.g. NSW Farmers Association on such issues to the notice of State ▪▪Support the collection of Material matters concerning agriculture Office Bearers, and to follow up on Aid and used postage stamps, and the environment responses to CWA communications and foreign coins and notes ▪▪Participate in delegations to relating to the portfolio. State International Officer ▪▪ state and federal ministers when State Vice Presidents attend all is available for advice and requested State Office Bearer meetings as information, should be Represent the Association, as convened by the State President enthusiastic, innovative and ▪▪ required, at forums, meetings and also attend Executive meetings. encouraging to members in etc, pertaining to agriculture and their International work, which In their capacity as members, State the environment promotes International tolerance Vice Presidents are responsible for and understanding. ▪▪Arrange a display at State ensuring that Executive decisions Conference of flora and fauna are supported and relayed State Agricultural & and group winners of recycled accurately to members. Environmental Officer’s Job article competition Description The State Agricultural & Environmental Officer is a State Office Bearer, a Member of the State Primary Executive Committee, Chair of the State Agricultural & Environmental Committee and reports directly to Product the State President. The Agricultural & Environmental Officer is required to: 2021: ▪▪Encourage members (through the Group Officers) to look into issues and problems of an agricultural Rice
The Country Woman December 2020 9 Annual General Meeting The 2021 Annual General Meeting will be hosted by the Far South Coast Group (Zone 4) from 3–7 May 2021 at the Showground in Bega. The Organising Committee is already working hard to ensure this Conference will be a success. As always, the Association is keeping updated with specific requirements that is published by the NSW Government which relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding guidelines and possible restrictions will be shared as it Bega Valley seen from Wolumla, NSW by CSIRO comes to hand. A COVID Safety Plan Weather in April to June Showground and the Uniting will be implemented to ensure the Church, 300 metres up on the The average temperatures range safety of all Conference delegates corner of Upper and Gipps Street, from 4°C at night to 21°C during the and attendees. Bega. day. Transport Sapphire Coast Accommodation Bega is the “country heart” of the Bega is on the A1 Princes Highway. Bega, Tathra and Merimbula have a Sapphire Coast—a land embraced It is currently serviced by REX to range of accommodation options to by vast stretches of wilderness, Merimbula from Sydney; however, suit any taste or budget. Tathra is 18 national parks and an ocean QantasLink has announced it will km from Bega and an 18 minute car teeming with life. There are many service Merimbula from Sydney trip. Merimbula is 33 km from Bega historical buildings, lagoons rich in four times a week starting in and a 25 minute car trip. There is bird life, art galleries—the principal 1 December 2020. A rail line does also accommodation available in being the Bega Valley Regional not run through Bega but there are Pambula, Cobargo and Bermagui. Gallery. Tathra is the jewel in the daily coach services to and from Further information can be found Sapphire Coast’s crown. It is a pretty Canberra which link up with trains at www.sapphirecoast.com.au, coastal town and is most famous to Sydney. Other coach services go www.escapetomerimbula.com.au, for its historic steamer wharf, and to Sydney and Melbourne daily with www.tathratourism.com.au, www. its oysters, officially the best in stops along the way. heritagecentre.com.au. Australia. Merimbula is the largest Taxi services and local bus services coastal town on the Sapphire Coast. Venues run throughout Bega, Merimbula It is a playground for watersport and Tathra areas. The local bus line The Annual General Meeting and lovers, including fishing, swimming also hires out its buses to groups. and boating. Bega, Tathra and Ecumenical Service will be held Merimbula all have spectacular golf at the Bega Showground. The Conference Lunches courses, bowling greens, walking Showground is located on the Choices of lunch boxes will be tracks and bike tracks. corner of Upper Street and Tathra Road, and is a five minute available (sandwich/wrap/roll and walk from the centre of salad) from Monday to Thursday Bega. There will be market of Conference. On one of these stalls supplying regional days there will also be an option of food, arts and gifts at a ploughman’s lunch as well as an the Bega Showground option for a barbecue lunch each on Sunday 2 May from day. Further information will be 12 noon to 5.00 pm. The in the February 2021 issue of The Ecumenical Service will be Country Woman. held at 5.00 pm. Gala Event Committee displays will be held on site and in the The Gala Dinner will be a Bush Seventh Day Adventist Dance on the evening of Wednesday, and Resonate churches 5 May 2021 in the Pavilion at the Bega Showground. A local bush Tathra Wharf by Vanessa Pike-Russell and halls opposite the 10 December 2020 The Country Woman band will play and there will be a Bega Showground at 1.00 pm on selection of food vans providing Thursday, 6 May and return to the fresh artisan food. Local produce Showground at 5.00 pm. including oysters, cheese and fresh This year we are inviting members breads will be arranged on dining and partners to enjoy tours tables. Each diner will be given a together. There will not be a full- book of 6 tickets—2 mini entrees; day Partner Tour. 2 small main dishes and 2 desserts of which one will be a cocktail/ Tour prices include coach hire, mocktail from the Cocktail Van. museum entry and refreshments The Lions Club Team will be selling where specified. alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Bookings will be taken in order of There will be 350 tickets available at receiving the tour coupon. Coupons a cost of $55.00 each. This includes are due by Friday 2 April 2021. To food and entertainment. avoid disappointment please book The Gala Event order form coupon early. oyster tasting (weather permitting) will be in the February Journal. Tour One: Bega and Tathra and farm talk on growing award- Expo/Workshops Visit Bega Cheese Heritage Centre winning oysters on the far south coast. Short walk (wheelchair Workshops will be held on Thursday for cheese tasting and wander through the History of Dairying friendly) to the iconic Tathra Wharf afternoon, 6 May and morning of to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in Friday, 7 May. Further information Museum with a display of cheese and butter-making equipment the trendy Locavore Café with art will be in the February 2021 issue of gallery, jewellery and local produce. The Country Woman. from the 1900s. Gift store includes Bega cheese, vegemite and peanut Guided tour of the Tathra Wharf State Conference Raffle butter, plus local produce, arts Maritime Museum. Tathra Wharf and crafts. Then travel by coach to with a panoramic platform for There are some great prizes for the Tathra Headland with spectacular fishing and whale watching, is one State Conference Raffle. All paper views of the ocean. Meet Gary of the last wooden sea wharves on tickets have been distributed to Rodely of Tathra Oysters for a fresh the east coast. Cost $35.00. Group Treasurers in September 1 prior to the Group Conferences held in October. The State Conference Organising Committee Order Form: Conference Tours, 6 May 2021 acknowledges that there would be some changes at the Group AGM’s Refer to the descriptions of tours available in your journal. Please insert the number you require for your chosen tour. and sincerely hope the handover to the new Treasurer’s has been as smooth as possible. It is important Tour 1: Bega and Tathra x $35.00 = $ ______that the tracking sheets be Tour 2a: Tilba and Bermagui x $35.00 = $ ______completed and returned to Alison Jenkins as requested. Tour 3a: Eden and Pambula— Longstocking Brewery x $36.00 = $ ______The following resolution from the Tour 3b: Eden and Pambula— July 2019 State Executive meeting x $35.00 = $ ______will be enforced should raffle books Oaklands Café fail to be returned or go missing: TOTAL = $ ______“That all Groups/Branches be Please attach a list of names and the tours they will be joining if you are responsible (invoiced) for the full paying for more than one person cost of unreturned / missing State Name(s): ______(if space insufficient, attach list) or Committee raffle tickets”. Address:______Post Code: ______The online raffle is now live for Phone:______Email:______the 2021 State Conference Raffle tickets. You can purchase tickets Branch: ______Group: ______at https://www.rafflelink.com.au/ Please send this form with cheque (payable to CWA of NSW FSCG 2021 cwa2020 Conf) plus a stamped self-addressed envelope by Friday, 2 April 2021 to Annette Kennewell, PO Box 2029, Central Tilba NSW 2546. Tours Tickets are non-refundable. All prices are inclusive of GST All Tours will depart from the
The Country Woman December 2020 11 Tour Two: Central Tilba and Clinic. Back on the coach for a Bermagui drive past CWA’s Bermagui Seaside Cottage then return to Bega via the Join Zoe Burke of Tilba Talks scenic coastal road. Cost $35.00. Historical Walks on the coach. Travel through Cobargo to the Tour Three: Eden and Pambula National Trust village of Central Coach to Merimbula’s stunning Tilba. Walk along Central Tilba’s Boller Park lookout. Then on to Eden historic Bate Street where you can to experience its history and on a explore the fascinating shops for guided tour to view the skeleton local arts, crafts and produce. Many and cream. of Eden’s famous killer whale “Old of Central Tilba’s historic buildings Tom” at the Eden Killer Whale Cost Option 3a Longstocking were constructed in the 1880’s. Meet Museum. The Killer Whales of Eden Brewery $36.00. Cost Option 3b Erica Dibden at Tilba Real Dairy were pods of killer whales that Oaklands Café $35.00 for handmade cheese tasting near formed hunting partnerships with Tilba’s CWA rose garden. Hear about the Yuin people and early whalers. 2021 AGM Pull-out Erica’s passion for making high The museum has commanding quality cheese from her family farm The February 2021 issue of The views over Twofold Bay where, in of Jersey cows. Watch cheese being Country Women will hold the season, whales can be seen feeding made through the large viewing Information Pull-out. This will be and frolicking. Then visit Oaklands window at the ABC Cheese factory. used by your Branch to discuss Barn in Pambula, a south coast gem Then travel by coach with Zoe to motions and to provide advance with art gallery, pantry, garden Bermagui, with views of sacred information for delegates (and centre, café, brewery and gift shop. sites of the Yuin people, Merriman observers). Only delegates will Enjoy the Longstocking Brewery Island, Wallaga Lake and Gulaga receive further information option with a tour including beer/ Mountain. Walk along Bermagui’s upon registration at the Bega cider tasting (4 tasters) with the Fisherman’s Wharf, see the fishing Showground. Observers need to option to purchase beautiful fresh trawlers and enjoy delicious gelati keep a hold of the pull-out for Pambula lake oysters, or Oaklands from the famous Bermagui Gelati reference at the AGM. Café for a cuppa with scones, jam
1 ACWW South Pacific Area President September 2020 to the closure of the office for many be revealed very soon. Please be months. You can download these patient; things are difficult at the Dear members from their website. moment with so many people not This is a short update on ACWW able to communicate from home as Personally in the last month I in the South Pacific. Like us all, they could in an office. have spoken to Probus, Rotary COVID-19 has hit everyone very and at a CWA Group Conference On that note, I pray that each and badly causing us all to shut down, enlightening them about ACWW and every one of you have been kept stay clean and stay safe. how CWA, Women in Agriculture & safe and well, and that you continue I have been in contact with most Business and Rural Women NZ all to do so. I also pray that for you who of the Island societies and most help fund those projects. have been “shut in”, that you will have been affected by COVID-19. soon be able to move around more I will be starting to send out Fortunately, I have been able to freely and visit family and friends registration refunds to those who fund a number of projects which is as you could before this pandemic registered for the Conference in wonderful. Mainly for educational struck us all. PNG as the South Pacific Area purposes, sewing projects and Conference will now be online “Contentment is not getting what we nursery, soil and vegetable planting. starting on the 8th March 2021, want but being satisfied with what The latter being in Tonga and half International Women’s Day. At this we have”—Suzanne Woods Fisher that project was funded by Rural stage, it will probably only be two Women in New Zealand. ACWW I wish each and every one of you days with voting, etc, coming via Head Office in London have a blessed Christmas and pray that emails between now and then. extended the application date for 2021 is a much better and safer year projects over $5,000 to the end of Unfortunately ACWW Head Office than 2020. November. in London is in lockdown again because of COVID-19 and I am Gail Commens The last three ACWW Country waiting to hear from the CEO as to ACWW South Pacific Area Women magazines are online due where motions will be sent. All will President 12 December 2020 The Country Woman Heather’s Stories of Hope fighting. her own life, the journey of writing Lale, Gita and Cilka’s stories and Just like Cilka’s Journey, The employs active listening to hear and Tattooist of Auschwitz has also write the stories of extraordinary lead Heather to her next fiction people with extraordinary courage novel, due to be published in and hope. Heather says the art of October 2021. active listening is about “shutting A Canadian man bought a copy up.” “It’s about remaining present of the book to take on a trip to and allowing them to trust that you Israel visit his mother. When are listening and open to hearing she saw the cover she said “that their story. When I met with Lale must be the story of Gita and and others who shared their stories, Lale”. I didn’t bring a pen or paper, I just listened and paid attention to body His mother too was at Auschwitz language and to what they were and recognised the number of When Heather Morris was first saying and how they were saying it. Gita’s arm, one very close to her asked to sit with Ludwig (Lale) It allowed me to connect more and own. Heather is now writing the Sokolov at a hospital in Melbourne then I could go home and just write story of Livia and her two sisters, in 2003, she never imagined she the whole experience.” would help him share his story with their escape from Auschwitz, millions of people. Through her role the rejection they experienced Heather is now inviting everyone to in social work and a propensity for returning to Slovakia and the lives write own their story of hope and active listening, she sat with Lale as they built for themselves in Israel. providing the platform and tools to help them share it. “Through he told the story of his time during The response Heather received my Stories of Hope webpage, I am the Holocaust and as a tattooist at from the release of her first two encouraging everyone to submit Auschwitz, a place full of trauma novels was both extraordinary and their own story of strength, and terror and also the place he humbling. Receiving letters from all 1 resilience and hope. For those that found love and hope through his over the world sharing how these want to share their story, we’re connection with Gita. stories had helped them overcome providing free editorial assistance their own grief and trauma, and Heather had originally planned too.” to share Lale and Gita’s story as a telling their stories of hope. Originally from a country town movie. Her screenplay, while met It was the openness and in New Zealand, Heather said she with acclaim, floated around for vulnerability of these letter writers knows the resilience of country around 12 years, but as Heather that lead Heather to write her first women and the importance of states it herself “no bugger would non-fiction book, Stories of Hope: networks like CWA. “Country take it on!”. Finding Inspiration in Everyday women show so much strength Lives, which is now available. It was Heather’s sister that and resilience. When something suggested she add prose and In Stories of Hope, Heather shares happens in our community, we narrative to turn Lale’s story into a the experiences that have defined show up. We’re on the front line novel. The Tattooist of Auschwitz working, volunteering, providing has now sold over six million copies friendship and hope. I would worldwide and, ironically, filming encourage all your members to of the adapted mini-series will write their amazing stories and commence in Poland next year, with share their own hope.” Heather acting as Script Consultant. To find out more about Heather’s Lale and Gita’s story led Heather Stories of Hope project, visit the to the protagonist of her follow- website www.yourstoriesofhope. up novel, Cilka’s Journey. Cilka, a com. To find out more about young woman at the concentration Heather’s novels The Tattooist of camp with Lale and Gita, survived Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey and Auschwitz only to face persecution her new non-fiction book Stories and isolation after liberation. Like of Hope visit her website: www. Lale and Gita, Cilka’s story is of heathermorrisauthor.com and like survival against all odds and the her Facebook page: www.facebook. strength and hope that kept her com/HeatherKMorrisAuthor
The Country Woman December 2020 13 The Land Cookery Report I hope everyone read the COVID-19 a lot of members would have a were taste tested for consideration guidelines in the October Journal. stockpile. We anticipate this change in our future schedules. We are very They were comprehensive and would occur for our centenary year. mindful of the cost of all The Land informative. The committee noted Cookery recipes and therefore cost I have been in contact with my local that there is a great deal of other plays a big part in the decision to supplier and they sell jars and lids at useful information to guide branches include new recipes. We also like to a cost of around $32.65 per box of re: being COVID-19 compliant, have some recipes in our schedule 28. State Office has advised that due including a NSW Government online to challenge members. If you have to the rules of WHS and COVID-19 course that takes about 20 minutes a recipe at any time and want to that second-hand jars cannot be to complete (https://covidaware. submit it to our committee then reused so new jars will be required. instructure.com/courses/4). There please do so, bearing in mind that Only second-hand jars that have is also information available from it has to sit on display for a week been commercially cleaned can be NSW Health, DPI, Rural Women’s after judging takes place. We have accepted. Network and local councils. This had request to include recipes for information would be very handy I hope you have all been practicing diabetic people in our schedule. your banana bread as The Land when branches are planning for Ideas were put forward for our 100 Cookery Committee will give a cash any catering. We are, however, at all year celebrations and discussed prize to the branch with the most times guided by the State Office. at length, especially to honour the entries. After many letters from members, proud and long tradition of The due to the cost involved, we have This will be the last year for the Land Cookery competition in CWA. Donna Latter cake competition. decided to introduce the 250 ml jars Branches are encouraged to now The family have been advised and for our jams and pickles section. We make their own cards for branch thanked for their contribution. will have a buffer of 12 months to and group competitions. With change to the smaller jar as I know New recipes including costings many free templates easily available
1 Hospital Support Report We are now at the end of a long and Branch who have assisted the to pack a container that is going to trying year for most people. The Committee with fundraising. As we Papua New Guinea. We have also Committee continues to work with have had extra costs for postage packed boxes with extra babywear social workers to assist families and delivery during these difficult to be included in the shipment. in need. During the year, the times this has helped greatly with There is still a lot of stock needing Committee registered with GIVIT covering our expenses. sorting in the packing room and so and recently we were asked to assist While most Ronald McDonald Family we ask that branches do not send a young couple who were in need Rooms are now open to donations any further deliveries until further and expecting their first child. The of rugs and quilts, these are not notice. Committee were able to pack two being accepted at the residential large bags of mother and baby needs As 2020 draws to a close we wish houses. The Ronald McDonald and Luisa Deacon from State Office, you a Merry Christmas and great House at the John Hunter Hospital who was attending the Wollondilly new beginnings for 2021 is arranging a central office to AGM, kindly delivered them to the handle these donations and will Elisabeth Hodgson, Moss Vale Evening Branch who notify us when the office is ready to Chairperson then passed them on to the case receive donations. The committee worker. The members of the Moss have received some beautiful quilts Vale Evening Branch are now going and we look forward to being able to provide ongoing support to this CWA journal on CD to once again give these to the family—great networking. As I write Did you know that vision- sick children at Ronald McDonald this report, I have just received news impaired members can request House. that the mother has given birth to a to receive “The Country Woman” healthy little girl and both are doing There were over 60 Mother & journal as a CD recording instead well. Baby Packs on the shelves at State of a hard copy, at no extra cost? Office and Lyn Braico, International Just contact State Office and ask Thank you to the Mascot Evening Officer, has collected these ready to be added to the mailing list.
14 December 2020 The Country Woman online, while it’s recommended that white cards be used for branch level Guidelines for The Land Cookery Days and coloured at group. ▪▪All catering and meeting guidelines provided by the CWA of NSW are The 2021 conference is proceeding to be followed at all meetings (these guidelines can be found in the as usual until any contrary advice October Journal). from State Office is given. Raffle In relation to Land cookery days the following additional points are made: prizes will be a mini Kitchen Aid ▪▪Food must be handled under strict hygiene conditions, by a minimum (which has been very popular in of people and utilising the most appropriate PPE such as gloves and the past), cake tins bundler and a masks; delightful teacup set. Our treasurer One judge only is to handle any specific food item; Gail will arrange the distribution of ▪▪ all raffle tickets in the near future. ▪▪If food items are to be handed back to entrants; judging must take place based on taste and feel only (no smelling of food that is returned is to I would like to wish everyone a merry take place); Christmas and a prosperous New year with some family celebrations . ▪▪Where judging incorporates a smell test, the food must be discarded afterwards—a large wedge may be removed from a cake for a smell test Kind regards, and that wedge will then be discarded; Denise Hawdon, ▪▪Judges are to wear gloves at all times and changed between each entry; Chairperson ▪▪No food items can be shared or sold after judging. Social Issues Report Welcome to 2020/2021, prison): Policy Manager, Adair, The guidelines could include for attended a Zoom meeting with example: The Social Issues Committee still KWOOP. A CWA branch in a are following with great interest: ▪▪Does CWA of NSW have any women’s prison is still on the policy regarding your concerns— Royal Commission into Aged Care ▪▪ Committee’s agenda.1 we have found some members Quality and Safety ▪▪Draft Regional, Rural and Remote do not understand that when ▪▪Review of the Narcotic Drugs Act (RRR) Health inquiry CWA survey a motion is passed at State 1967 ▪▪Maternity Services Alliance Conference, it becomes a policy. ▪▪Review of Fair Trading Our policy database can be found Amendment (Cash Loan Issues that are concerning members: on CWA of NSW website and Machines) Bill 2019—many of the ▪▪Homelessness—homes on a dates back to 1960. ads on TV have disappeared but disused Correctional Centre ▪▪If there is no policy, should your the Committee will watch this could be used for disadvantaged issue become a motion for State space closely. women, homelessness and Conference? This means it is ▪▪Special Commission of Inquiry domestic violence victims passed at a branch meeting to go into Drug “Ice” submission: The ▪▪Patient Transport services to your group meeting, if passed interim report was released 3rd ▪▪Post Mortems—unacceptable there it goes to state for Executive August delay in forensics to discuss and decide if it will go forward to State Conference. ▪▪Cannabis Medicines Prescribing ▪▪Reserve Bank ceasing cheques Guidance submission What are your expectations of Women’s refugee centres in ▪▪ ▪▪ the Committee on the issue you ▪▪Inquiry into NSW School regional, rural and remote areas Curriculum—the Committee have raised? Western NSW Local Health were invited to attend hearing ▪▪ Have you, the member/ District has put out tenders ▪▪ on the 4 November along with branch/group, supplied enough to contract health services in Isolated Children’s Parents information? Please don’t give six regions—Lightning Ridge, Association (IPCA) Social Issues Committee an issue Walgett, Bourke, Goodooga, and ask them to “follow up”. ▪▪The George’s Institute regarding Collarenebri and Coonamble. member’s participation in a As this is a work in progress, more The Social Issues Committee thanks dementia survey—the draft information will be circulated later. questions along with ethics all members who have notified application and support letter us with their concerns. We are in Stay safe, are being reviewed the process of forming guidelines Bronwyn Dunston, to assist members to present KWOOP (Keep women out of ▪▪ their concerns more thoroughly. State Social Issues Officer The Country Woman December 2020 15 CWA Tea Rooms Show Catering Help Wanted The 2021 Royal Easter Show will be welcome and much appreciated. Come along and join us at the held from 1–12 April and once again These items are always a big hit Sydney Royal Easter Show. we are looking for volunteers to and sell out quickly. Please ensure help us at the CWA Tea Room. a CWA food label is attached. These 1st to 12th April 2021 can be downloaded from the CWA Members, husbands, partners, website. If you are fit and willing to help friends, and workmates are all in any position, we would like to welcome as long as they are over In preparation for the 2022 Show— hear from you. Please note: all 16 years of age. Volunteers receive CWA of NSW’s centenary year—we positions require you to be on free entry to the Show and so asked in a previous journal to knit your feet for 4 ½ hours. can enjoy the activities of the mini koalas to go in a special show Volunteers need to be 16 yrs or over. Show either before or after their bag. Thank you to those who have shift, details of which are in the been knitting. For the moment, Please complete the coupon accompanying coupon. If you can can you please keep these koalas at below and forward to: help, please complete the coupon your branches and groups. and forward to Cheryl Mayberry as Ms Cheryl Mayberry Please consider helping at the 2021 soon as possible. The coupon is also Show. Whilst we work hard, we do 16 Mancini Drive available at www.cwaofnsw.org.au/ have a fun time. Lake Wyangan NSW 2680 showcoupon. Rowena Casey, OR Donations of fruit cakes, jams, pickles and date loaves are very Chairperson download from www.cwaofnsw. org.au/showcoupon and email to [email protected] Handicraft Report Name(s):______This year is fast drawing1 to a close. I Also if there is anyone from those am sure everyone will be glad to see Groups wishing to sit for their Address: ______the end to 2020 and hope that 2021 Proficiency Certificate or their ______will be a better year for everyone. Judges Badge, we will endeavour to accommodate you. Please contact The Handicraft Committee finally ______Post Code______our Secretary, Pam Wright, if you held a face-to-face meeting at wish to sit for either of these tests. Phone: ______Dubbo in September. It was great to catch up with everyone rather than We will be running our yearly Email: ______just a face on Zoom. raffle at the 2021 State Conference. The prizes will be Visa cards (or ______The Committee is endeavouring equivalent) to the value of $500.00 to organise a workshop in Dubbo Branch: ______for 1st prize, $300.00 for second on the 3rd and 4th February next prize and $200.00 for third prize. Group______year following on from our next Date/s you wish to work_____ meeting on the 2nd February. This With COVID-19 restrictions easing I will however only be available to am sure many will be able to spend ______members from Macquarie Group Christmas with their families and and surrounding groups—those I would like to wish everyone a Please tick shift preferred. being Oxley, South West, Central very happy Christmas and that the o 9:15 am–1:45 pm Western and Castlereagh Country New Year will be a better year for Groups. It was felt that if numbers everyone. o 1:30 pm–6:00 pm are still restricted by then that Diana Frost, These are starting/finishing these were the only Groups to times. be invited to attend at this stage. Chairperson If you have any queries regarding Our Workshop Convenor, Anne working at the show contact: Williamson, will be in contact with E-news for Members those Group Handicraft Officers to Cheryl Mayberry To subscibe email communications find out if there is any particular M: 0403 166 519 @cwaofnsw.org.au with “E-news craft they would be interested in subscribe”, along with your E: [email protected] learning. membership number. 16 December 2020 The Country Woman International Report Hello everyone and welcome to from your groups and seeing who donated to Pennies for Friendship Christmas! will be our next Country of Study and Foreign Coins. All efforts, no 2020 has been the most disruptive in 2021. The announcement will be matter how small, come together as and unusual year ever, I think, and made at State Conference in Bega, one big hug for the whole world, and I am sure that everyone is looking and the Study School will hopefully women and children everywhere forward to 2021 in the hope of a be held in Dubbo early August— really appreciate our help. COVID-19 cure and freedom for all. fingers crossed that we can all travel My State International Officer by then. Ecuador is proving to be a wonderful role is made possible by my family, Country of Study and the Zoom The container of Material Aid, my friends and especially my sessions that have been held over School Packs and Mother & Baby International Committee and the the past few months have reached Packs for Papua New Guinea (PNG) brilliant State Office staff team. I far and wide, giving many more is now a reality and by the time wish to thank everyone for their members access to this interesting you have received this Journal, the ongoing support and please know I information. I hope you have all donated items will be well on their have really appreciated your ongoing taken the time to view and share way! I have included a photo of patience, counsel and care this year. these programs and we thank the items I have here at home ready to 2020 has been a bit of a rough run Ecuador Ambassador and his staff, go and many more donations were for my hubby and I; however, we are Anita from Luviat and the Benitez received from the State Executive both on the mend now and ready to Family from the Australia Ecuador Committee Members at the State take on 2021. Friendship Association for all their Executive Meeting in Dubbo mid- Merry Christmas everyone, stay support. November. Thank you especially safe, stay positive and see you all in to the members of the Hospital the new year. Hugs and love, Our CWA of NSW Awareness Week Support Committee, and Margery focused on the issue of Domestic East and her Material Aid angels for Lyn Braico, and Family Violence in our state sorting and collating so many items State International Officer and the ACWW Orange the World at State Office. Also special thanks Program highlighted this social to Somersby Branch1 for liaising disease throughout the world. The with local school who has updated COVID-19 pandemic has alarmingly their uniforms and for securing the increased family violence due to superseded new stock to send to domestic lockdowns and we can PNG. Children are more likely to only hope that with the lifting of attend school if they have a uniform COVID-19 restrictions, victims can so this clothing will encourage many become survivors, sooner rather Papuan children to learn and grow. than later. Look out, help out and Thanks to every member who has speak out! donated items for the container, I am looking forward to receiving who have Walked the World, the Country of Study nominations collected and trimmed stamps and Items packed ready for the PNG container
The Country Woman December 2020 17 State Cultural Looking back, it’s hard to decide attached itself to a bungee strap. could ask ourselves what was our whether history will judge 2020 As we have been bounced up and “normal” before COVID-19 struck? as the year that “was” or the year down by the invisible enemy of our After some wishful thinking about that “was not.” In so many ways health, well-being and at its most “returning to normal” and before preparations for last Christmas (an confronting, mortality, in such a we try and rush back to our past we annual celebration of major cultural way that it appears to some that might ask, is what we had really the significance in our society regardless we have even been robbed of any “normal” we want? of religious denomination(s) or real sense of control over our lives. The silver lining exposed by the secular belief) seem like yesterday. One thing is certain, our culture will pandemic, and its close relatives— Yet, from other perspectives, they never be the same again. social distance, lockdown and appear to have been an eternity Taking the opportunity to engage isolation—has been to give us ago. Time, since the UN declaration in some personal evaluation we time to slow down, to engage in of the pandemic, has seemingly
Scott & Broad Art Competition Topics for State Cultural Coupon No. 1: Entry Coupon Committee Competitions Entry forms to reach State Cultural Committee Secretary by To be judged for the 2022 State 15th February 2021. conference Name of Artist Mrs/Miss/Ms ______Senior Photography Section A: Light Address: ______Post Code:______Senior Photography Section B: Springtime Branch: ______Group ______Painting Title: ______Section:______Junior Photography: Garden 1 Gnomes For Sale: Price: _______ Not for Sale Painting Title: ______Section:______Senior Short Story: “The Bottom Drawer” For Sale: Price: _______ Not for Sale Painting Title: ______Section:______Junior Short Story: “In Trouble For Sale: Price: _______ Not for Sale Again” Committee receives 20% commission Poetry: Grandparents Bush Ballad: Picnic Races The above all due by 15/11/2021. Scott & Broad Art Competition Junior Posters: Healthy Eating Coupon No. 2: To accompany each entry (min: A3 size, max: full sheet of Painting to be delivered to the Conference Venue. If paintings cardboard). cannot be delivered they can be sent to: Helen Galton OAM, Junior Posters due by 15/2/2022. 22 Panorama Drive, Tathra NSW 2550 before 19 April 2021. For the current topics, please see Name of Artist Mrs/Miss/Ms ______the CWA website: www.cwaofnsw. org.au/cultural Address: ______Post Code:______Branch: ______Painting Title: ______Section: ______ For Sale: Price: _______ Not for Sale Committee receives 20% commission. Please photocopy this coupon if you have more than one entry. Attach to back of each entry.
18 December 2020 The Country Woman self-reflection and re-evaluate for arguing well is deciding what the reached by the Cultural Committee our communities and our society. phrase “best catalyst” means and at our November meeting; a meeting This is not merely a time to just the key word to consider is, “best.” which follows the deadline for this tap “reset”. We are offered the Agreeing, or affirming, the subject year’s final The Country Woman. possibility of playing a significant involves putting forward examples Take opportunities to share with role in the creation of new attitudes which support the statement; to family, friends and neighbours, through a once-in-a-hundred-year argue against, or negate, you need always be COVID-aware and keep chance to articulate our aspirations to consider examples that show the safe and, at this time of personal for a better world. subject may not necessarily be true. growth and community renewal, Your Branch may like to engage The Woman of Note for 2021 is have a happy Christmas and a joyful in a discussion, or even hold a Nancy-Bird Walton. You will find an New Year. formal debate, on the subject “That article on her in this journal. COVID-19 is the best catalyst for Eva Campbell, My next report will detail decisions changing our society.” A timely tip Chairperson
Cultural Committee—Woman of Note The State Cultural Committee selects a “Woman of Note” to be studied each year. Groups and Branches may wish to include this information as part of their Cultural activities. A biography can also be included in Cultural Books if desired. The criteria are as follows: ▪▪She must have made a positive contribution to Australian society. ▪▪She must be no longer living. We encourage branches to suggest possible subjects at their Group AGMs, with the Group to then pass on a brief biography to the State Cultural Committee. The Committee will discuss each submission and make a decision as to who the next Woman of Note will be. Submissions should be sent to the State Cultural Secretary by 15th November each year. Woman of Note 2021—Nancy-Bird Walton1 Nancy Bird was born in Kew, New New South Wales. In 1935, she South Wales, on 16th October 1915. was hired to operate the Royal Far She left school at the age of 13 in West Children’s Health Scheme. order to assist her parents during Her Gipsy Moth was used as an the Great Depression. In 1933, her air ambulance until the “Angel of passion for flying drove her to take the Outback” bought a better- lessons from Sir Charles Kingsford equipped aircraft, and began Smith, who had opened a pilots’ covering territory, including school near Sydney. At the age Queensland, not yet reached by of 19, she became the youngest the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Australian woman to be awarded a As a result of her support of In 1936, Nancy entered an air race commercial pilot’s licence. charities and people in need, from Adelaide to Brisbane, and Nancy-Bird Walton was awarded With the aid of a legacy of 200 won the Ladies’ Trophy. In 1938 she an OBE in 1966 and an AO in 1990. pounds from a great aunt and a accepted an invitation from Dutch In 1997 she was declared an loan from her father (which she airline KLM to do some promotional Australian Living Treasure, and in paid back), Nancy bought her work in Europe. Nancy returned to 2001 was inducted into the first aircraft, a de Havilland Gipsy Australia shortly after the outbreak Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Moth. She and her friend, Peggy of World War II and began training McKillop, set off on a barnstorming women in the skills needed to back Nancy-Bird Walton, who was tour, dropping in on country fairs up the men flying in the RAAF. an inspiration to generations of and giving joyrides to people who female pilots, passed away on At the age of 24, Nancy married had never seen an aircraft before, 13th January 2009, at the age of Charles Walton and had two let alone a female pilot. 93. In March 2019, Prime Minister children. In 1950, she founded Scott Morrison announced that While touring, Nancy met the Australian Women Pilots’ the new Western Sydney Airport Reverend Stanley Drummond, Association and remained its will be named Western Sydney who wanted her to help set up a president for five years and became International (Nancy-Bird Walton) flying medical service in outback its Patron in 1983. Airport in her honour.
The Country Woman December 2020 19 Agricultural & Environmental Hello members, but that couldn’t happen so Zoom email which is great. Feel free to it is again—our meeting is on 6th send them this way if it is more Our policy on quad bike safety was November. convenient way for you. Please keep successful with the mandatory them coming in. safety code coming into effect. As of Hope you all enjoy studying the 11th October 2020 all new and used Flora, Fauna & Foe. With our borders slowly opening quad bikes being sold in Australia up and we start to travel around a Flora: Pimelea must meet a number of safety bit more, it’s a good time to remind requirements. Fauna: Possum everyone of the importance of not transferring weeds from one area The Narrabri Gas Project has been Foe: Parthenium weed to another. Please be mindful where approved with 134 conditions, This round of the Transport Subsidy you walk or park your vehicle. which in itself seems ridiculous if Drought Relief ends on the 31st there 134 conditions placed on this On behalf of myself and our December, so get your invoices in approval it doesn’t quite add up. We Committee we would like to wish by this date. have voiced our disappointment you all a merry Christmas and a publically staying in line with our $18 million dollars in about two happy New Year—enjoy time with CWA policy on this. and a half years is the amount that your family and friends but don’t CWA of NSW has assisted with forget to take time out for yourself Our two motions relevant to food the drought grants. This is huge too. labelling have had a win, with us and a big thank you to our team at being invited to participate in a Stay safe everyone and keep smiling. State Office for all their hard work Country of Origin Labelling review. involved. Tanya Jolly, Agricultural & The Committee were hoping for I am receiving a few reports via Environmental Officer a face-to-face meeting this time
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20 December 2020 The Country Woman Advocacy Update After writing to all relevant to the CWA of Australia (CWAA) We became aware by members in Ministers with our newly confirmed on the developments under the our far western branches about Q policy positions in September, we Murray Darling Basin Plan. The Fever clinics closure due to flight have been able to secure meetings CWAA hold a position on the peak services from Broken Hill not being with the Minister for Education, stakeholder forum and so have put available for pathology. We have Minister for Environment, Minister forward the concerns of the CWA written to the Health Minister and for Families and Communities, and of NSW at the most recent Murray a question has been asked by the the Minister for Agriculture and Darling Basin Authority meeting in NSW opposition during question Western NSW. The Social Issues early November in relation to water time, and so we are hopeful a and Agricultural & Environmental policy over the next 12 months. Key response will be forthcoming. The Committee have been working with concerns include healthy rivers as Health Minister’s office has been staff to bring forward the relevant well as compliance and metering. in touch directly and is currently issues for those meetings and we investigating the reasons for the The Independent Planning are pleased to be able to progress closure and possible ways to get Commission has approved the many new and existing priority these clinics back up and running. Narrabri Gas Project, with a large policy areas. We continue to seek number of conditions. We have We continue our advocacy on a meeting with other relevant expressed our disappointment regional telecommunications, Ministers for example, the Minister with this outcome in The Land particularly through our position for Health, and we continue to newspaper as well as on social on the Regional, Rural and Remote receive replies to our policy letters. media and via a traditional media Communications Coalition Following on from the Awareness release. The Project is now being (RRRCC). We are also a part of the Week partnership with Domestic referred to the federal Department newly formed reference group for Violence NSW, we have confirmed of Environment for assessment the development of the Regional a parliamentary roundtable to which is expected over the coming Tech Hub, facilitated by the discuss regional domestic violence months. National Farmers Federation (NFF) concerns in early December. A and the Australian Communications Thank you to all the members who number of domestic violence 1 Consumer Action Network have completed our health survey. related support services will be (ACCAN). The Regional Tech We have received a large number represented at this forum, along Hub is the result of the RRRCC of responses which is encouraging. with us, the CWA of NSW, to put our advocacy on the need for improving We will be now compiling our concerns and proposed solutions technological support available for submission to the Rural, Regional directly to the Attorney General regional people. The Hub, once and Remote Health and Hospital and Minister for the Prevention of launched, will be a very handy Services inquiry, as well as Domestic Violence and the relevant resource for many of our members potentially appear at any hearing in advisors and departmental staff. who have trouble accessing reliable the new year. Other relevant Ministers will be internet or mobile phone coverage. invited, for example the Minister for The newly formed Maternity It is also hoped it is an effective way Regional Youth and Women. Services Alliance, of which the to identify areas where more telco CWA of NSW is a part, has held two service and support is needed. We have continued advocacy on the meetings this year and have written Inland Rail project in partnership As always, we continue to to the Health Minister about with the NSW Farmers Association, encourage members to be in touch maternity services and continuity and have launched the landholder with the policy manager or the of care. This is an excellent invitation for group action, with relevant Committees about any and opportunity to put forward our the assistance of Holding Redlich all advocacy and policy issues that regional maternity services law firm. The action has received a we can incorporate into our work. policy and seek more funding and significant number of subscribers awareness of the importance of so far. Our CEO will participate continuity of care. in the online Senate Inquiry in Branch and Group News late November. We expect the Our policy manager will attend Please send your news item Environmental Impact Statement the NSW Budget Lockup in mid- with a high quality photo to for key sections of the route to be November, and will be keeping an the Honorary Editor, Sue-Ellen placed on public exhibition within eye out for regional NSW funding Hogan via email: sueellen.hogan@ the next few months. announcement. This year for the gmail.com or post: PO Box 1070, first time ever budget lockup will be The Agriculture and Environment Tamworth NSW 2340. Please send held virtually. Committee have provided feedback photos in “large” or “original” size.
The Country Woman December 2020 21
Literary Mocktails What do you get when you cross Method literary favourites with delicious Fill a glass or copper mug with thirst-quenching concoctions? ice. Squeeze lime over ice. Pour in Literary mocktails are book- ginger beer and mix gently. Garnish themed, alcohol-free drinks, with lime wedges. inspired by well-known literary works. The names were suggested Grape expectations and voted upon by State Library This simple, fruity mocktail is fans. prepared with grape juice and Mocktails are a great alternative cranberry juice. Add soda water to to alcoholic drinks for designated give your drink some “fizz”. drivers, pregnant women, people ready to serve. Hint: try freezing some grapes to wanting to reduce their alcohol use as an icy garnish. Ingredients intake, young people or anyone who 3 cups chilled watermelon wants to avoid alcohol. Ingredients ▪▪ 1 cup coconut water ▪▪100ml grape juice ▪▪ The State Library literary mocktail ▪▪Juice of half a lime recipes feature a range of different ▪▪100 ml cranberry juice ▪Soda water flavours to suit a wide audience. ▪▪Soda water ▪ ▪▪Ice From alcohol-free versions of ▪▪Ice Method classic cocktails to our own Method signature virgin mojito there is sure Place watermelon, coconut water Mix juices, serve over ice, and top to be a drink to suit everyone. and lime juice in a blender and mix up with soda water to taste. Bah Humbug until smooth. Serve over ice and top The turn of the screwdriver up with soda water to taste. Enjoy a new Dickens-inspired mocktail this festive season. This mocktail is a1 refreshing blend Did you know? of mint, citrus and lime, with soda Current Australian Guidelines Ingredients water to give the drink some “fizz”. recommend no more than two Pomegranate juice ▪▪ Hint: blood orange juice gives the standard drinks per day for women ▪▪Juice of half a lime drink a distinctive colour and taste and men, in addition to one or two ▪▪Soda water but the mocktail can also be made alcohol free days per week. ▪6 mint leaves with plain orange juice. ▪ How can you reduce your alcohol Ice ▪▪ Ingredients intake? ▪▪Pomegranate seeds and lime ▪Blood orange juice (can be wedges ▪ ▪▪Enjoy a mocktail! substituted by orange juice) ▪▪Drink water instead of alcohol Method ▪▪Juice of half a lime and use it to quench your thirst Muddle the mint leaves in a glass. ▪▪Soda water ▪▪Sip alcoholic drinks slowly Add ice and lime juice. Half fill ▪▪6 mint leaves ▪▪Alternate alcohol drinks with the glass with pomegranate juice. ▪▪Ice water Top up with soda water to taste. Method NSW Health runs a free telephone Add pomegranate seeds and lime coaching service to help people wedges for garnish Muddle the mint leaves in a glass. Add ice and lime juice. Half fill the who want to reduce their alcohol A sidecar named desire glass with blood orange juice. Top consumption. The Get Healthy up with soda water to taste. Information and Coaching Service With only three ingredients this is a free, confidential telephone- non-alcoholic beverage is simple Watermelon for elephants based service which helps people to prepare and is perfect for any make lifestyle changes regarding occasion. This light and refreshing mocktail healthy eating, being physically is the perfect combination of active, achieving and maintaining a Ingredients watermelon, coconut and lime. ▪▪Ginger beer healthy weight or reducing alcohol consumption. Call 1300 806 258 ▪▪Juice of half a lime Hint: you can pre-prepare the blended watermelon mixture and Ice © State Library of New South Wales. ▪▪ set aside to chill in the fridge until ▪▪Lime wedges for garnish Printed with permission. 24 December 2020 The Country Woman Helping our regional and rural customers
Introducing the Regional Advisory Network So, we have put two and two together to deliver a personalised (RAN): a new program we’ve put together for face to face service to help our customers by leveraging our team our regional, rural and remote customers of experts.
that ensures we’re going the extra mile to The RAN is an integral part of Telstra’s broader Regional help when and where they need it most. Workforce Strategy with a focus on maintaining Telstra’s workforce integrity in regional areas. What is it? and Local Communications Advisors (LCAs) from our skilled field The Telstra Regional Advisory technician team, who are supported How does it work? Network (or RAN) is a program by the wider Regional Australia that helps our regional customers team. The RNAs and LCAs are (Consumer, Small Business & scattered around the country so You can find out more about the Enterprise) to get connected no matter where you live, you’ll Regional Advisory Network and wherever they are in regional, rural have access to them, locals how to speak to someone on our or remote Australia.. It provides helping locals! team at our Regional Australia holistic service solutions using our page experts from regional Australia, as https://Telstra.com/ Why have we 1created it? well as our Network & IT team and regionalaustralia field technicians, to provide In an ever-evolving digital world, we customers with a range of services understand the critical role For Mobile Coverage issues from a simple fix to fully integrated telecommunications plays in – You’ll be asked to complete a and bespoke network solutions to regional Australia. Whether it’s few questions online that will go ensure you’re able to make the connecting with family and friends, to the specialist team, who will most of your connection using our educating the kids, running your then arrange to call you back to regional footprint. And it’s a business or calling for help, having understand more about your big footprint. a reliable service is essential. situation and what solutions will help get the outcome you’re We have the largest regional mobile We also have a dedicated regional after. network by a country mile: We cover team with deep technical 1 million square kilometres across knowledge who understand the To invite a network expert to regional Australia that is not served reality of connectivity and are able your event – This will give you by any other network. It’s because to help all customers make the the option to request the of this investment and long history most out of the network. engagement of an RNA/LCA to of supporting the regions that we attend a community event, to wanted to ensure that our ensure the event has the right customers outside the major cities network support. are able to get the help they need and deserve.
The RAN program has been designed to help customers who are having connectivity issues in their home, business premises or on the road. We want to be able to fix these problems the way that our regional customers need: by putting the right people on the job who understand the issue in detail and who can recommend a solution.
The RAN team is made up of expert Regional Network Advisors (or RNAs) from our Networks & IT team The Country Woman December 2020 25 Celebrations Oaklands Branch Grattai Branch Manly Branch South West Rocks
It was with great pleasure and pride Margaret Monk was recently that Oura Branch members presented presented with her 20 year badge their valued member Mrs Marcia Margaret has held many positions Noble with life membership. Marcia in her 20 year membership. She has given faithful service to CWA was Branch President, Councillor, for over 41 years both at Ardlethan Rosemary Frost was presented Handicraft Officer and currently is Branch and Oura Branch. During this with her long service badge Vice President. Margaret is a very time Marcia has held positions at all Grattai CWA recently celebrated Betty recognising her 30 years valued and hard-working member. levels and participated in all branch Croake’s 70 Year anniversary with membership. Rosemary continues She attends meetings and our activities. Marcia is a friend to all and the CWA at a lunch at the Mudgee to be a very active member monthly morning teas where she epitomises all that CWA stands for and Soldier’s Club along with Betty’s most recently managing Manly’s could be found in the kitchen is most deserving of life membership. family and friends. Betty joined cookery activities and re- making sandwiches and cutting up Congratulations Marcia from Oura Grattai CWA on 1 October 1950 at the establishing our branch cookery her cakes. Recently, she was busy Branch. age of 15. competition. crocheting blankets for charity. South Grafton Evening Branch Glenbrook Branch Canberra Branch
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Our Branch was formed in 1970, from the Younger Set Branch. Recently we held a function to celebrate 50 years. We had a lovely evening dinner at a local restaurant with members and retired members. We After 33 years of active service in the also celebrated 50 years membership of three ladies Glenbrook Branch is proud to congratulate Canberra Branch, Ann Lond was awarded her who have been fantastic volunteers. Yvonne Carlton Mrs Shirley Merrett for serving the CWA for life membership at a surprise presentation. and Marjory Astbury were at the inaugural meeting, 50 years. Shirley was a member of Blaxland She has served seven terms as President, February 1970, having been active in the Younger Branch until it closed and is currently a valued three as Treasurer and countless years as Set Branch. Marion Coombes attended the first member of Glenbrook branch. On the 7 October, Handicraft Officer. Ann has won dozens of AGM in October 1970 and joined the Branch. North Shirley was presented with her 50 year badge prizes for her outstanding work and she is the Coast Group President, Jo Edgar, presented 50 year and certificate for long service. Elvie Murphy, current patron of Monaro Group. Her surprise membership badges and certificates to these very President, recalled the many positions held by was amplified by the arrival of close family deserving members. Shirley in group and branch level. members for the occasion. Bellarwi member Bellarwi Branch Olga Scott Walcha Branch celebrated her 100th birthday on 19 September. She was thrilled to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Bellarwi President Margaret Smith, along with a letter of congratulations from State President, Walcha celebrated their 95th birthday quietly with a beautiful cake made by Stephanie Helen Tisdell and cut by long serving member Fay Hawkins. Due to COVID-19 our Stanhope. celebration was low key but memorable.
Members are reminded to keep 1.5 metres apart at all times and follow all COVID-19 restrictions at branch meetings and events 26 December 2020 The Country Woman Story of the Month Weemelah Branch soldered silver together, melted we would be making silver jewellery silver to create blobs and hammered in the little remote Weemelah Hall?! On 26 & 27 September, members texture and shapes into their pieces. and non-members of the Weemelah Branch had an amazing weekend We had the most amazing tutor in creating silver jewellery. It was so Skye Bragg from Skye Bragg Designs good to be out and about after so from Brewarrina. much isolation. We enjoyed each Many thanks and much appreciation other’s friendship, met new people goes to the Weemelah Branch, and devoured delicious lunches. Gwydir Group President Charmaine Several pieces of jewellery were Potter, Highways & Byways and created from pendants, earrings, the Primary Health Network rings and bangles. Women used for providing funding for this saws to cut shapes for their pieces, workshop. Who would ever thought From our Branches Belconnen Branch stamps for sale. The snippers and violence, homelessness and sorters have requested that funds unemployment. raised in 2019 and 2020 support “clean water” projects. Blackheath Branch Belmont Branch Blackheath Branch recently supported their local Rural Fire Service at its Open Day by providing 1 free baked goodies to residents who attended, contributing to its success and raising the branch’s profile in the community.
Seven snippers, one supervisor, one hostess and one afternoon Branch members Elaine & Joan packing the tea visitor made for some serious toiletry bags for Allira House. stamp snipping at Belconnen Branch’s International Officer’s Belmont Branch has been busy house last week. The stage was set working towards their final market for the year and planning next Branch President, Kathryn Hibbert and Branch with the promise of afternoon tea in Land Cookery Officer, Karrie Yealland at the CWA the background. Many hands made year’s activities. The Branch has table at the RFS Open Day light work, as the snippers slipped made and donated a number of into action, including Monaro shower bags with toiletries to Allira Bonshaw Branch Group’s International Officer (from House Opportunity Shop (Op Shop) Bonshaw Branch arranged the Gungahlin Branch) who came along at Mt Hutton. The Op Shop funds purchase of a defibrillator to be to lend a hand. Branches throughout Allira House Refuge which support housed in Bonshaw for the benefit of NSW and the ACT collect stamps to women and children escaping the community. The defibrillator was raise funds to assist ACWW projects domestic violence. jointly purchased by the Bonshaw in the South Pacific Area. The State A number of hand-made rugs have Hall Committee, the Bonshaw International Officer coordinates also been donated to Survivors R Racecourse Trust, the Bonshaw the project. Members from the Us, a not-for-profit charity that Rodeo Committee and Bonshaw Belconnen Branch prepare the supports the fight against domestic The Country Woman December 2020 27 CWA Branch. Representatives of inside of the hall in the not too all four committees gathered at distant future. the Bonshaw Store to install the As we resume meetings, members defibrillator on the 14 October. have been practicing social distancing. Euberta Branch
Branch President, Marion Farrell presenting Bryce Dryden is 3rd Place certificate for the International Postcard competition. Bryce’s postcard read as follows L-R Philip Harpham, Michelle Ramsay, Julia “Where do I start! My friends and Harpham, Ian Coventry, Barbara Coventry, I were stoked as we got out of the Raylee Capper, Dawn Brown, Shirley Thompson, Bernadette Walker, Tim Ramsay, Simon Capper dirty 4wheeler. It was a long drive from the Airport, but we were Castle Hill Branch ready to start the day. First, we Euberta Branch International went to the most common point Officer, Fi Gaston recently provided A local farmer delivers Seville for tourists from overseas, which a display of post cards and poster oranges to the branch each August has the gorgeous National Museum about Ecuador, made by students to make and sell marmalade. and Art Gallery. In this Island just from Wagga Wagga Public School. We have been making face masks off the north coast of Australia, it Gilgandra Branch to sell. It has been good to meet has a lot of culture and beautiful the locals and make a difference. In places to explore. I’m not going to the first day we had orders for over fit everything in here. Well, it is an 500 masks. For Awareness week amazing place we have explored we donated face masks to the local heaps of places. Maybe you can 1 Women’s Shelter. visit? Ten ladies meet once a month for Bryce is now a secondary school the Castle Hill Book Club to discuss at Kildare Catholic College, Wagga the book our Book Club Officer, Faye Wagga. Brown sets for us to read. The Book Club is just over 12 months old and East Maitland Branch we have discussed some interesting State President, Stephanie Stanhope; Macquarie books we might not normally read. Group President, Karen McHale; Group Executive for State, Sue Armstrong Six beautifully crocheted rugs were delivered to Eden Branch State President, Stephanie Stanhope for distribution to the bushfire was our guest in Gilgandra for affected families and six knitted two days. On the Friday we had a rugs and teddy bears in the three lunch time meet-and-greet with colours of the Aboriginal flag were Armatree CWA and an afternoon delivered to the Aboriginal Health tea with Tooraweenah CWA. Care Workers at Randwick and On Saturday morning, Stephanie Westmead Children’s Hospital for opened our Oral History the children. Workshop—part of our CWA project Coolamon Branch East Maitland Branch hall has to preserve the history the oral undergone some renovations history of Gilgandra. Coolamon Branch is thrilled to during the COVID-19 closure have been notified of a local entry Afterwards, Stephanie came to the period: the Ladies bathroom has from St Michaels Primary School CWA market which is held on the been upgraded, including new light that progressed to state, for the 1st Saturday of each month—a great fittings, external awnings have 2019 Country of Study—Papua New opportunity for our members to been replaced, windows and barge Guinea, has received 3rd place. meet the State President. boards have been repaired, external Congratulations to Bryce Dryden painted and external paths cleaned In the evening we enjoyed a with his Postcard Entry. wonderful International dinner. We are now looking to paint the 28 December 2020 The Country Woman Jamberoo Branch Morisset member, Therese Alexander was awarded her 20 years service badge at the Northumberland AGM. The badge was presented to Therese by CWA of NSW Vice-President, Judy Houghton. Thank you and congratulations, Therese. Moss Vale Evening Branch
Senior Constable Andrew Wainwright gives a talk on domestic violence to a recent Manilla Evening CWA Branch meeting. local policeman, Senior Constable Andrew Wainwright to give a talk at Branch President Eilis Golightly with Beth Downes our September meeting. After many, many years Jamberoo While incidences of domestic Branch Land Cookery Officer, Beth violence in our society dates as far Downes, has retired. back as Captain Cook’s days, Senior Constable Wainwright said that the Our Branch held a special “thank problem had increased in the 25 you” afternoon in her honour years he has been in the force. Moss Vale Evening members have attended by many of our members. yarn bombed Leighton Gardens Beth was also Wollondilly Group “Initially it was females who were in Moss Vale! We decorated seven Land Cookery Officer and a Judge, affected, but now we’re finding a lot large plane trees and hung pom not only at our branches but also more men and same sex partners poms throughout the trees in the for local Shows Societies. are affected” he said. gardens. We like to think of the Beth’s sponges, fruit cakes He said that a lot more services have jumpers as not just warming the and puddings have been very come on board in recent years and bare trunks, but warming the hearts successful at state level many times. victims were assessed1 for referral of the people who created them and Although she has retired, Beth will to the appropriate services—even the people who join in the fun as we undoubtedly still enter The Land to the extent of women being re- celebrate the Council Art Trail this Cookery competitions. educated on how to cope with November. living alone. Other supports include We sourced leftover yarn from Keiraville Branch emergency accommodation, everyone’s stashes, op shops and long-term accommodation and our local “tip” shop—saving land Centrelink. fill! Many lengths were required “Members of the public who are and members produced masses aware of cases can even lend a hand in an exciting and arty way. Locals by just being an ear to listen in the and visitors love the results of this first instance. Don’t give advice, massive job, and all visitors walk just listen. If the problem begins to up to the trees with smiles, taking get out of hand, then police should selfies and photos. become involved,” he said. Murray Hut Branch Morisset Branch Murray Hut STEM Scholarship Our wonderful ladies at Keiraville CWA busy knitting and crocheting High school student Shianne has trauma bears and rugs for our been the beneficiary of a $1000 indigenous children are Westmead scholarship, which she plans to use Children’s Hospital. A great effort for further tertiary education. continuing from our team at The Science, Technology, Keiraville CWA. Engineering and Maths (STEM) scholarship was recently presented Manilla Evening Branch to Shianne by Murray Hut Branch In keeping with CWA of NSW’s recent President Nola Pinnuck. Awareness Week 2020 focus on ‘‘The CWA is really happy to be domestic violence, Manilla Evening empowering young women in our Branch engaged the services of region with the financial assistance The Country Woman December 2020 29 a Murrumbidgee Lachlan Group Councillor and has attended CWA State Conferences. Tilba Branch
Murray Hut CWA President, Nola Pinnuck—STEM Scholarship Recipient, Shianne Mason to help them through to secondary education after high school,’’ Mrs Pinnuck said. We’ve been running the STEM As you can see, Nikita is very proud of her scholarship for four years now junior membership ribbon and badges. and after viewing the quality of Shianne’s resume and how she L to R: Jenny Burnett; Branch Secretary, Helene years old, has been visiting CWA Sharpe; Gretal Bodiam; Branch President, meetings since she was nine months presented herself in her interview, Annette Kennewell she was the right choice among old and is a regular contributor to many impressive candidates. After a long hibernation due to the Virtual Branch meetings. Nikita COVID-19, meeting and staying loves to share her latest colouring The scholarship has been made in touch by Zoom, or in a local activities with us all and our broad enough so that a wide range park where we could social Virtual Branch members are always of career paths chosen by a young distance, Tilba CWA put together interested to see what Nikita has woman can apply.’ an exhibition for the Eurobodalla been doing since our last meeting. Rankin Springs Branch River of Art Exhibition at Tilba Wallendbeen Branch Hall on 19 September. Along with many local artists,1 the CWA table had crochet work by Cas Mayfield (Tilba CWA Treasurer) and Janine Halaz, needlework by Janine and Tilba CWA tea towels designed by Helene Sharpe (Tilba CWA Secretary). The CWA display was curated by Zoe Bourke (Tilba CWA Handicraft Officer). Other displays in the hall included a Steampunk outfit crocheted by Cas. Gretel displayed her beautiful hand made lampshades, Zoe her art installation Branch President, Kaylene Hudson and Branch Treasurer, Annette White present Annette named Seed Bank and Helene her Newly elected Patron, Doreen O’Connor with Vearing (middle) with her life membership watercolour paintings. On the Branch President Natalie Wilkinson being certificate and badge presented with her award for best branch same day. Tilba CWA members attendance. also cooked up cupcakes, slices Annette Vearing of was presented and biscuits for the RFS Open Day. Wallendbeen members at their with life membership for her service People are getting their homes AGM appointed Doreen O’ Connor within the Rankins Springs Branch. and properties prepared for the as Patron of the Branch. Annette has been an active member Summer bushfire season and were Sadly over the last few months our for over 32 years. She is the only seeking information and advice two much loved Patrons, Mrs Jean member within Branch history from the local RFS. Bennett and Mrs Patricia Marinan (over 90 years) who has held all Virtual Branch both passed away. Jean and Patricia executive positions including were both foundation members, President for three years, Secretary Meet Virtual Branch’s first junior joining in 1956. Both received for four years and Treasurer for member. Certificates of Appreciation and 10 years. She has also held Branch The Virtual Branch is very pleased 50 year gold medallions. Jean and positions such as Handicraft and to welcome our very first junior Patricia held many positions and Land Cookery Officer. She has been member, Nikita. Nikita, who is four will be greatly missed. 30 December 2020 The Country Woman Wagga Wagga Branch
Why socks you might ask? Because L to R: Maureen Knight, Judith Amey, Sue Holt, Kay Adams, Julia Livingstone fire-resistant socks aren’t part of the standard issue RFS volunteer door where they were asked to sign uniform and Woy Woy Branch, along a COVID-19 register and sanitise with Central Coast Disaster Relief, before they browse around and believe they should be standard purchase. Sunday was a bit slower issue. trading. The ladies enjoyed each other’s company and meeting up On Tuesday 10 November we with people they hadn’t seen for a presented over 400 pure Australian Wagga Wagga Branch has reopened, while. wool fire-resistant socks as well as 467 cooling neck ties, sewed by our and we had very active meetings Woy Woy Branch in August and September after members. COVID-19 pandemic restrictions Earlier this year, Woy Woy Branch The socks were made by an 100% were eased. started a GoFundMe page to raise Australian owned company in money for fire-resistant socks Mrs Barbara Parnell, together Victoria with wool from Tasmania. for our NSW Rural Fire Service with Mrs Ann Adams, presented We thank Craig from Workin’ Gear, volunteers who work tirelessly the current Treasurer, Denise Tim from Wilderness Wear and all all year, every year, to keep us Fergusson with a life membership the community that donated to the safe. We raised over $7,000 very award for Denise’s service to CWA. fundraiser. quickly before COVID-19 slowed The members participated in a the fundraising down. Nevertheless Our goal is fit to all RFS feet on the Flower Arrangement Craft Day. we managed to buy1 a great number Central Coast with fire-resistant There was also an information of socks and we hope that the socks, so we will keep the campaign session delivered by Mr Phil Hoey campaign gains momentum as the going and hope it continues to grow. from the Wollundry Rotary Club weather warms up again. who spoke on the Defibrillator program the Rotary club has set up for Wagga Wagga Branch and it’s New website and Database usage. We also participated during CWA of NSW now has a new Awareness Week by displaying the website and database system. resources at Marketplace. We held If you haven’t logged in yet, you our Annual Garage sale in October. will need to to set up a new We made donations to Sunflower password in order to gain access House, a local women’s refuge, to members’ only areas of the Disaster Relief Fund and the website and your account. Association Fund. Our Branch Go to www.cwaofnsw.org.au Facebook page is very active and click on the “member login” showcasing our events, displays, image. Click “Forgot Password?” meetings and has been gaining a lot and enter your email address in of community and media attention. the Username field and Click “Submit”. Wallerawang-Linsdale A password reset link will be emailed to you, and you can return to the Branch site and log into the system. You can then click the quick link images to see the downloads page, Procedures Manual page or your account In November, Wallerawang-Lidsdale under the “Edit My Details/Pay My Membership” link. You can also held a garage sale in their rooms in access your account, through the “My Account” link, located in the Wallerawang. The ladies had fun upper right between the “Sign Out” and “Cart”. unpacking all the boxes and placing them in an orderly fashion on their If you don’t have an email address listed in the database, please contact tables. Saturday saw a steady flow State Office, 02 8337 0200. of customers coming through the Note: if you haven’t paid your membership fee, please pay online today.
The Country Woman December 2020 31 From our Groups Far North Coast Group a new member of Lismore Evening gathering of her own battles since Branch, who is an avid whale the bushfires destroyed her home. watcher. Members and guests were Group AGM is a time of recognition entertained with skits and poems over the year for all branches, by our talented branch members. officers and members with all being It was a most enjoyable and applauded for their work especially memorable day. during these very tough times. It Gwydir Group certainly did not stop the true heart of CWA! Gwydir Group President, Mrs Charmaine Potter congratulated all new officers for taking on their positions in Group and applauded all branches for their tireless work in coming up with creative ways to continue their activities under the COVID-19 restrictions. Macquarie Group
Group International Officer, Yvonne Scarrabelotti with guest speaker Martha Ferguson
The Far North Coast Group recently held their combined International Day which included Agricultural 1 & Environmental and Cultural aspects. The guest speaker—Martha Gwydir’s retiring Group International Officer, Ferguson originates from Ecuador Mrs Lynda Atkins, presenting Group Vice- President & Yetman Branch President Mrs Mary and her talk was both entertaining Gaston with the International trophy for Best and enlightening. Martha is a new International Book Report member of Casino Branch. The guest speaker for Agricultural & Gwydir Group recently celebrated Environment was Shelley Oldham, its 95th AGM Hosted by Yetman Branch. All branches within Remember to Gwydir Group attended, with members living in keepRemember your distance. to and out of the “border Macquarie Group President, Karen McHale with former ACWW president, Ruth Shanks cutting Remember to bubble” able to attend the 90th anniversary cake. keep your distance. safely at the lovely, large Macquarie Group celebrated 90 Yetman Town Hall. keep your distance. years of service at our recent Our inspirational State AGM, held in Wellington. Members President Stephanie were encouraged to wear a hat, to Stanhope graciously represent that the CWA wears so attended and chaired many hats! our AGM. Helen Norris, who recently received Stephanie spoke of the life membership after being a incredible resiliency member of CWA for almost 50 of women and how years, officially opened the AGM. many within CWA have Guest speakers included Di Lawson adapted and worked from the Salvation Army’s Rural to keep CWA going Chaplaincy and Lyndal Shanks, For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), during these times. speaking about the domestic please visit health.gov.au Stephanie spoke to the violence crisis during COVID-19.
For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), 32please visitDecember health.gov.au 2020 The Country Woman For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit health.gov.au Garden of Remembrance
The following branches mourn Ganmain the loss of valued members: Bermagui Belles for over ten years; awarded a Long Service Fay Jones—held several positions Baradine Bar; fondly remembered and including President, Secretary missed by all—aged 90. and Agricultural & Environmental Stephanie Hubbard—ex Officer; a member of the Group Coonabarabran where she Bundanoon Choir; won prizes for cookery served as President, Secretary and handicraft and shared her and Treasurer for many years; Patricia Wells—held many knowledge; awarded a Long awarded Life Membership, positions including President Service Bar; member for 47 member for 55 years. and Group Handicraft Officer; talented and successful at years—aged 90. Batlow cultural, handicraft and cookery, winning 17 first prizes for Gerogery Mary Brown—held numerous decorated cakes; awarded a Maria Ramminger—a willing positions, a loyal and active Long Service Bar; valued former worker who hosted functions in member who was always ready member for 37 years—aged 95. her home; spoilt the members with advice when needed, former with Austrian recipes, and member for 24 years, missed by Cobar showed off her hand-made members. Jean Lowe—past Treasurer for a Austrian costume for the Country Heather Wolfe—past Vice number of terms, successful with of Study; awarded a Long Service President and Cultural Officer her knitting and crochet with Bar; member for 36 years. among other roles, well known some items being donated for for dressing up and skits on stalls; awarded Life Membership; Glenbrook International Days; always had an active and dedicated member Barbara Sykes—past President, an entertaining story or joke; for 67 years, sadly missed. Vice President, Publicity Officer, 1 incredible at handicraft and Group Councillor and Mobile cookery; awarded a Long Service Kathleen O’Brien—a quiet and gentle lady who was interested in Meals Co-ordinator; member for Bar, her happy disposition will 40 years, sadly missed—aged 87. be sadly missed; member for 35 handicrafts, particularly knitting years. and crochet, and attended Goolgowi handicraft and branch meetings; Bedgerabong (closed) member for 24 years, sadly Jan Ziebarth—past Treasurer for missed. many years; unfailingly kind and Win Brown—held many positions generous; she and her husband including Patron; a caring, Dubbo looked after the CWA gardens thoughtful, gentle woman; Una Elliott—past Treasurer for and she contributed something former member for 60 years— delicious to meetings and aged 102. a number of years; a dedicated member, volunteering to help gatherings; she volunteered in Bellarwi with many activities and making many events and catered many everyone feel welcome; awarded meals; awarded a Long Service Ruth Rogers—past Tallimba a Long Service Bar; member for Bar; member for 30 years, sadly Branch and Hume Group 24 years. missed. International and Cultural Officer; Tallimba Branch Eastern Suburbs (closed) Munyapla (closed) Delegate for Group and State; Eleanor Kreutzberger—held awarded a Long Service Bar and Bessie Mann—former member who attended meetings regularly all branch positions and was Life Membership; member for 36 a wonderful cook, judging at years—aged 97. and always had a smile; member for 25 years—aged 105. branch level and travelling to Bermagui & District judge at many local shows; a Forbes willing member for 50 years. Winsome Salway—past Land Cookery Officer and former Toni Reid—an active, loyal and Myamley member for 28 years; famous supportive member for nine years, will be sadly missed—aged Catherine (Cathie) Todd—a loyal, for her sponges and scones; working member, holding several performing member of the 85.
The Country Woman December 2020 33 positions; as International Officer Somersby aspects of CWA; awarded a Long she organised many successful Service Bar; a valued former days and was generous with Phyl Astill—ex Terrigal Evening, member for 37 years—aged 92. her cooking; a Group Country past Vice President and Woman of the Year finalist and Councillor to Group; looked after Wallendbeen Delegate to Group and State the Trading Table for many years and participated in all branch Jean Bennett—Patron; Branch conferences; her organising foundation member in 1956; skills, friendship and laughter activities; valued member for 30 years, sadly missed—aged 82. past Land Cookery Officer, well are missed by all; member for 44 known for her sponges; judged years—aged 68. Florence Perry—held many cookery at all levels; did fine Port Macquarie positions including Treasurer knitting; awarded a Long Service for many years, Secretary, Group Bar, Certificate of Appreciation June Foley—a Junior at Representative and Cookery and 50 Year Medallion; much Deepwater 1952-1967; Tamworth Officer; always willing to help loved member for 64 years—aged member for 37 years, serving as prior to ill health; former member 96. Vice President, Cultural Officer for 18 years—aged 83. Branch Secretaries please note: and Agricultural & Environmental notifications should be mailed Officer for seven years; a member The Glen-Mannus direct to State Office, or emailed of Wanthella Group Choir; Jeannine Morton—attended to [email protected]. nominated for Tamworth Citizen Group and State meetings; loyal, of the Year 2006; awarded a Long enthusiastic and interested in all Service Bar, member for 40 years.
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34 December 2020 The Country Woman Accommodation and Mini Ads Janet Burkhardt Mimosa Cottage CWA Members Outsourced Accommodation Enjoy our sunny Holiday House at The Metro Hotels Group has been chosen as the Old and Fine Scotts Head, near Macksville accommodation provider for the CWA of NSW. A Books Ocean and mountain views 15% discount off the BAR (Best Available Rate) at the Specialising in Australiana, One double bedroom & one time of booking, when using the code, is available Local and Rural History and twin, reverse cycle a/c, shops, at Aspire Hotel Ultimo, Metro Hotel Sydney Marlow Australian Biography. club in village, great beaches, Central, Metro Hotel on Pitt, Metro Apartments on Contact us for Mail Order fishing. CWA discount out of Catalogue. King and Metro Apartments Darling Harbour. school holidays 11 Larakia Street, Ring owners for information Booking should be made online via www. Waramanga ACT 2611 02 6247 0598, manager for metrohotels.com.au or contact 1800 766 498 if you Phone 02 6288 1939 bookings 02 6569 0447 do not have access to the website. Epping (Sydney) Tamworth Stay The code must be entered (in the promotional code Homestay Apartment Relax, Explore and section when searching for rooms) or quoted over Lovely leafy short Indulge in Tamworth. the phone to obtain the discount. The code can be term/holiday fully self- New self contained obtained from the website (after logging in) or by contained furnished 2 studio with ensuite. calling CWA State Office. There is a new code starting bedroom apartment 2 rooms with shared from 1st February each year. for rent – at the front bathroom & kichenette. Please note: Peak season rates apply for City to Surf, of our home (Separate Walking distance to local NRL Grand Final, V8 Supercars and New Year’s Eve. entrance). Close to attractions including transport, hospitals cafes and restaurants, and unis. 2 night min CBD Sporting facilities Bermagui Seaside Cottage stay. Linen and starter and AELEC kit breakfast included. No Smoking No Animals The CWA Bermagui Seaside Cottage comprises From $90/night. Contact 5% discount to CWA a family room off the kitchen and 2 bedrooms Kaye 0410 68 9915 or members. containing: queen bed and single bed, and twin beds. [email protected] Contact 0466157003 Cutlery supplied. Bring own linen. 1 Enquires and applications to: The Country Woman is produced on the instructions of Sue-Ellen Hogan the Honorary Editor of the Country The Secretary, Women’s Association of New South Wales, Level 2, 244 PO Box 123, Bermagui 2546 Coward St, Mascot, 2020. Typeset by Leah Gaskell, Country [email protected] Women’s Association of New South Wales State Office and printed by Rural Press, North Richmond.
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