The Country Women’s Association has long strived to promote the interests of women, families and communities in Australia, and the Eastern Goulburn Valley branch has taken significant strides in doing so for the region.
This was evident in the group’s half-yearly conference on Saturday, August 17.
CWA Eastern Goulburn Valley group president Helen Sands said the gathering could be summed up in one word: success.
Nevertheless, here’s what happened.
The conference attracted representatives from seven CWA branches, including esteemed group presidents from Moira, Central Murray, Goulburn Valley West, Shepparton Sunset, Congupna, and Caniambo.
In an opening that set a respectful and celebratory tone for the day, Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Fiona Le Gassick took the floor.
She graciously acknowledged the CWA’s remarkable 96-year contribution to the Goulburn Valley region, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the organisation and the local community.
Among the day’s speakers was Marian House program manager Rachel Williams.
Ms Williams shared powerful insights into her crucial role within the organisation, which offers round-the-clock support to survivors of domestic violence.
She brought to light the concerning trend of rising data on domestic violence cases, cautioning that the numbers might only be the tip of the iceberg.
This underscored the importance of the CWA’s support for those facing domestic violence, homelessness and other critical issues such as food security.
On that theme, two Shepparton FoodShare volunteers attended the meeting and provided an in-depth view of their organisation’s operations.
Their testimony emphasised FoodShare’s critical role and how the organisation maximised every dollar donated to aid the community.
“They gave us a good understanding of how their organisation works,” Ms Sands said.
“It’s an organisation that’s hard to sustain, but it’s one that is vital to our community.”
The conference also showcased the CWA’s commitment to community service through discussions on various initiatives, including providing light lunches at the Shepparton Show and organising a Christmas pop-up shop in December.
Additionally, the group celebrated its recent achievements at the Victorian State Exhibition, where it earned first place in home industries (cooking) and second place in handcrafts.
“We’re very proud of our talented ladies,” Ms Sands said.
Looking forward, the CWA has outlined its charitable contributions for the year, reaffirming its pledge to support causes such as Marian House, FoodShare, Riding for the Disabled and primary-school breakfast programs at Shepparton East and Gowrie St, among others.
“As always, it was an enjoyable afternoon centred on very rewarding work,” Ms Sands said.
“At CWA, we share friendship, share our skills and work towards providing for women, children and disadvantaged families.
“We look forward to anyone interested in membership — whether with Dookie, Shepparton East, Karramomous, Pine Lodge, or any branch — I’m quite happy to forward anyone to the branches with meeting times that suit their schedule.”
For those interested in joining the Country Women’s Association, call CWA Eastern Goulburn Valley group president Helen Sands on 0439 376 267.
