Macksville CWA goes back to the Roaring 20s Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 17, 2022 Dressing in 20s fashion at the Macksville CWA Centenary Garden Party are (L-R) Bethany Flarrety, Marion Watts, Felicity Ferris, Lesley Carson, Jenny Stanfield, Merrie Hunt, Tammy Truscott, Donna Olman, Lisa Stammes, buggy driver Jim McKenna at the rear and Clancy the horse. THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) turned 100 this year and this milestone is being formally recognised by CWA Branches all over the country in a variety of ways. The CWA was formed at a time when women in rural areas were dealing with the tyranny of distance and a distinct lack of health and other support facilities. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Over the next few years, through hard work and determination, CWA members established baby health care centres, staffed maternity hospitals, provided funding for nurses to set up in the country and so much more. A century later the CWA is still going strong and is Australia’s largest women’s organisation. Still focused on improving conditions for country women and children, the CWA also draws on the strength of its substantial member base to lobby for positive change in the regional areas of Australia. On Sunday 11 September the Macksville Branch of the CWA decided to commemorate their Centenary by hosting a Roaring 20s style garden party on the grounds of the Mary Boulton Cottage at Macksville. News Of The Area spoke to President of Macksville CWA, Gail Kirby, who said, “The Roaring 20s theme seemed fitting given the CWA was formed in the 1920s. “We are delighted so many of our members and their friends went to so much effort to achieve the 20s look in the way they dressed.” Mid North Coast Group President, Rhonda Merc, was a guest at the event and told News Of The Area, “Our Centenary has given me cause to go back and look at the founding principles of the CWA and it is interesting to see that the need for the organisation is just as strong in today’s world as it was in 1922.” By Mick BIRTLES At the Macksville CWA Centenary Garden Party are (L-R) President of Macksville CWA Gail Kirby, Mid North Coast CWA Group President Rhonda Merchant and Mid North Coast CWA Patron Pam Rogers.
