Springing into the future with CWA

By Caleb Francis

Sep 15, 2023

A recipe for community: Shepparton Sunset CWA branch co-president Cathy Shields, Pine Lodge CWA branch president Anni Russell, Eastern Goulburn Valley Group president Helen Sands and Karramomous CWA branch treasurer Margaret Guppy. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Spring has ushered in fresh beginnings and ambitious plans at the Eastern Goulburn Valley Group Country Woman’s Association’s spring conference.

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Following the group’s half-yearly meeting, president Helen Sands spoke to The News on the recent happenings and what’s to come.

“We discussed what we’ve been doing over the last six months. We also planned ahead,” Mrs Sands said.

The ongoing dialogue about the strategies for the future of the CWA was a focal point at the conference.

Mrs Sands said that CWA Victoria is set on a sustainable future with a strategic five-year plan slated to be unveiled in January.

She also spoke of the group’s enthusiasm towards nurturing tradition and innovation to serve the community better.

“CWA Victoria is going through this strategy process,” she said.

“We’ve had face-to-face discussions in Echuca and an online survey on different themes about what CWA means to us and where CWA is going.”

The association stands at a juncture where honouring tradition and adapting to contemporary needs go hand in hand.

“We’re at a bit of a crossroads; we have certain traditions, and some of those are very dear to a lot of people, but we also have people that are a bit more modern, and we’ve got to find a compromise,” she said.

Mrs Sands said that while reinforcing the core values of supporting families and those who are vulnerable, the CWA maintains a robust relationship with various community entities.

“We’ve still got to keep the basic values, which is to support women, children, families, as well as underprivileged people,” she said.

She also spoke about the collaborations with Goulburn Valley Health’s midwifery unit and Greater Shepparton Secondary College, among others.

With seven branches, including four that meet during the day and three at night to suit members' varied schedules, the group encourages working and retired people to join their ranks and partake in the enriching experiences that CWA has to offer.

Mrs Sands, who has been a member for eight years, spoke about her experiences, the learning, and the camaraderie the association provides.

“It’s a great way to make friendships, learn lots of things and have the companionship of women,” she said.

For more information or for those wishing to join CWA, contact Helen Sands on 0439 376 267.