The next meeting of Grafton CWA will be on Friday February 9, starting with morning tea at 9.30am and followed by the meeting at 10am. New members are always welcome – if you are new to the area, why not come along to make some new friends, or if you have been thinking about joining, come along and see what we do. The meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of each month, in the CWA rooms, cnr Duke and Pound Streets. Craft mornings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 9.30am, starting on February 12, then on February 26.
If you are wondering what happens in CWA, we are more than just scones! The CWA was formed in 1922 when country women were fighting isolation and a lack of health facilities. Within the first year, the Association was a unified, resourceful group that was going from strength to strength. The members worked tirelessly to set up baby health care centres, fund bush nurses, build and staff maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes, seaside and mountain holiday cottages – and much more. The women of the CWA have been initiators, fighters and lobbyists. They have made localities into communities by providing social activities and educational, recreational and medical facilities.
The CWA is the largest women’s organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children. We reach that aim 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 the international organisation Associated Country Women of the World and through this organisation supports rural women world-wide.
Although Grafton CWA does not have its first meeting for 2024 until February 9, members are still getting together in January. We have an outing planned for the Branch members on January 31, when we are going to the Grafton Regional Gallery to see the Dobell Drawing exhibition, meeting at 11am, then on to Memorial Park to view the CWA sundial, followed by lunch for those interested at the Crown Hotel.
Anne McLellan