Last week’s guest speakers were Hayley Gray (President) and Claudia Wythes (Secretary) of CWA Mudgee evening branch.
Hayley and Claudia mentioned that CWA was formed in 1922 when country women were fighting isolation and lack of health facilities. It is the largest women’s organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children. They reach their objective in various ways including lobbying for change, helping the local community, creating a network of support and meeting together in towns and cities.
CWA of NSW is a member of CWA of Australia and the international organisation, Associated Country Women of the World. NSW (incl ACT) membership is comprised of women from all walks of life in town and country. Approximately 10,000 women belong to one of over 400 local branches, working not only for the overall aims of the organisation but often for very specific local issues.
Mudgee evening Branch was formed originally to meet the demand for ladies in Mudgee who worked full time. Today there are over 30 members from all backgrounds. The Branch is part of the Castlereagh Group and some of the Mudgee members sit on the Group’s executive.
Hayley mentioned that the Mudgee Branch contributes to many causes in our community every year as well as participating in more broader national and overseas issues.
Jan thanked Hayley and Claudia for their informative presentation.
