MEMBERS of the local Country Women’s Association, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary last year and has been a pillar of the Broken Hill community for generations have been busy during the past six months.
Key members of the group include secretary Joan Casey, craft officer Fran Greville, Kathy Hogan, publicity officer and president Cathy Reid and all of who – alongside fellow members – took home the Event category at the Broken Hill City Council Volunteer Awards, held in late May.
The CWA benefits the community in many ways, from practical community aid and group learning assignments – such as a focus country for members to learn about – to showing respect for past members.
Despite the accolades, at the heart of the group is community said Ms Casey, explaining how the regular branch meetings held on the last Monday of each month are “more of a social gathering, with a bit of business at the end”.
While declining volunteer numbers impact other community groups, the CWA remains strong, with 45 members aged from 20 to 90, plus eight juniors who are younger than 18.
“That’s what I like about the CWA,” said Ms Granville.
“People have different skills and abilities, and the ability to say ‘I’m really busy right now’ and then there’s other members that can step up.
“Its not the same people having to do the same tasks all the time.
“As they have capacity and ability they all participate.”
Branch members also attended Agfair, a two-day agricultural field day and event held every two years.
“For events like Agfair, everyone does their bit. So there’s a group of ladies who do the cooking, who do the handicraft, and we all just contribute, and share attending the stall,” Ms Greville said.
In the recent school holidays the branch also held a craft day, with junior members helping to clean-up after the event.
“I think they came for the tucker,” Ms Casey said.
If a community member is facing hardship, they can come to the broader group and ask for help, which Ms Casey did when her neighbours became ill.
“If someone has an idea or something that they’d like to support, we will support that person,” she said. “Do what’s needed.
“Like a year or so ago my neighbours both had cancer, and it was very hard for them.
“So my grandsons and a couple of other lads decided they’d shave their heads to raise funds.
“We had a big turnout at the bowls club and people were so generous.”
The women have also organised and held two celebration of life events this year, acknowledging and having a small ceremony for past members who have died.
This includes laying flowers to rest and local Anglican Church Reverend Helen Ferguson saying a few words.
“We went out, found their graves, cleaned the graves up and had a nice service out there,” Ms Casey said.
In September the branch also had an awareness week for domestic violence, gathering donations.
As for 2025, President, Cathy Reid, said “Year is going to be busy, few little tricks up our sleeve, but they’re top secret.”
