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The
Country
Woman Volume 61 No 06 December 2020
1
Merry Christmas
For all Women of NSW and the ACT
Country Women’s Association of NSW Contacts
State Office State President State Vice President Hospital Support
Level 2, 244 Coward St Stephanie Stanhope Ann Adams, OAM Committee Secretary
Mascot NSW 2020 Ph: 0429 161 038 Ph: 0428 387 753 Susan Hutchison
PO Box 222 president@cwaofnsw.org.au cannoel@bigpond.com Ph: 02 6554 2185
Mascot NSW 1460 susan.hutchison@bigpond.
State Honorary Secretary State Vice President
Ph: 02 8337 0200 com
Margaret Breust Judy Houghton
Fax: 02 8338 1595
secretary@cwaofnsw.org.au Ph: 02 6342 3205 Agricultural &
info@cwaofnsw.org.au
0424 685 789 judy.houghton01@gmail.com Environmental Committee
Honorary Editor Chief Executive Officer Secretary
State Honorary Treasurer
Sue-Ellen Hogan Danica Leys Robin Godwin
Anne Kotz
PO Box 1070 Ph: 02 6888 5647
Ph: 0428 511 948 Cultural Committee
Tamworth NSW 2340 robin.godwin@bigpond.com
treasurer@cwaofnsw.org.au Secretary
sueellen.hogan@gmail.com
0409 929 632 State International Officer Yvonne Davis “The Land” Cookery
Lyn Braico 31 Tripoli Way Committee Secretary
Communications and Albion Park NSW 2527 Mary Hollingworth
Ph: 02 9487 2665
advertising Ph: 02 4256 4541 Ph: 0429 345 255
intl.cwaofnsw@gmail.com
Leah Gaskell noddydavis54@gmail.com tinkernanny@outlook.com
Ph: 02 8337 0200 State Agricultural &
communications@cwaofnsw. Environmental Officer Show Catering Committee Social Issues Committee
org.au Tanya Jolly Secretary Secretary
Ph: 02 6975 6240 Tracey Bonfante Elizabeth O’Dwyer
Association Patron Ph: 0402 508 856
allawah@bordernet.com.au Ph: 0421 452 646
Her Excellency the tippee165@hotmail.com elizabethmarynash@
Honourable Margaret State Social Issues Officer
Handicraft Committee hotmail.com
Beazley AC QC, Governor of Bronwyn Dunston
Secretary
New South Wales Ph: 02 6576 4070
Pam Wright
bronwyn_dunston@dodo.
Ph: 02 6767 1044
com.au
pamwright23@hotmail.com
1
►► The Country Woman is the official publication of the Country Women’s Association
Motto
of New South Wales.
Honour to God
►►Average Circulation: 8,210 (September 2020) Loyalty to the Throne
Service to the Country
►►Article Submission Information: Members are welcome to submit articles for
publication. Articles must be received by the 10th day of the month prior to Through Country Women
publication and have a limit of 150 words. Please send articles by email or post to For Country Women
the Editor’s home address. By Country Women
►►The views expressed in The Country Woman are not necessarily the views of
the Association. Acceptance of advertising for The Country Woman does not Photo Guidelines
constitute endorsement of the advertisers’ products or services by the Association.
The contents of this magazine are covered by copyright, but may be reproduced Photos for The Country
by any Country Women’s Association of NSW Branch or Group. The Honorary Woman must be
Editor reserves the right to select and edit materials submitted for publication. No either full sized digital
photos (sent via USB
responsibility can be accepted for loss of photos.
or attached to an
►►Privacy Policy: The Country Women’s Association of NSW collects members’ email) or professionally
personal details and maintains a database in the Association’s office. The Country developed original
Women’s Association of NSW will never sell or give away personal member prints. Photos printed
information. Any information provided to the Association by members will only be on home printers are
used to assist the Association in providing and enhancing membership services and not suitable.
to refer new members to the Country Women’s Association of NSW. When posting photos
please do not write
info@cwaofnsw.org.au www.cwaofnsw.org.au directly on the back of
photos. You may add
facebook.com/cwaofnsw @cwaofnsw labels or Post-It notes.
2 December 2020 The Country Woman
Contents
State President’s Letter 4
Photo by CSIRO
CEO’s Report 5
News from November Executive 6
Calls for Nominations 8
Annual General Meeting 10
ACWW South Pacific Area
President’s Letter 12
Heather’s Stories of Hope
Committee Reports
13
14
10 13
Advocacy Update 21
Welcome New Members 22
Sudoku 23
Literary Mocktails 24
Celebrations 26 1
Story of the Month 27
From our Branches 27
From our Groups 32
24 27
From the Editor
As we celebrated a new year on 1 the experience has meant she guidance and sharing her stories
January 2020, I don’t think many has been able to connect readers and thoughts with our members.
of us could image the immense she might not usually have the
Thank you to all our members for
changes our world would go chance to, she is looking forward
continuing to provide wonderful
through in just a short 12 months. to experiencing the very human
stories, news and photos from
and social connection of greeting
For the Journal this month, I had the their branches and groups, it is
people in person again and sharing
pleasure of interviewing novelist, such a pleasure to read through
stories openly. Something I hope all
Heather Morris, an item I hope you the submissions for each edition
our members have the opportunity
enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed and hear the amazing work and fun
over the Christmas season.
writing it. activities our members are doing in
This month, I also extend a very their communities.
Heather told me about her
warm thank you and best wishes
experience in connecting with I wish you all a very merry
to Journal Patron, Libby Fairfax,
her readers during COVID-19, Christmas and all the very best for
who has stepped down as Patron
connecting virtually and online safe and healthy 2021.
of The Country Woman. We thank
rather than travelling across the
Libby for her years of service in Sue-Ellen Hogan, Hon Editor
world as she usually would. While
this Patronage, providing her
The Country Woman December 2020 3
State President’s Letter
the activities of the CWA, drawing companionship and friendship.
women together in difficult times. Women who are aware of their
Members all over the state give community’s needs, aware when
continuously and generously to their they need to make their voices
communities and each other. heard and aware of what they can
achieve as an organisation. Like the
An excerpt from The Country
members before us we believe in
Woman, 6th January 1938: “The
honour, loyalty and service—we just
success or failure of any large
do things differently.
movement is measured by the
On a personal front this year has
amount of imagination—coupled “Resilience is accepting your new
been like no other. The devastation
with practical common sense- reality, even if it’s less good than the
caused by the bushfires and then the
behind it. That is why the CWA is one you had before. You can fight
isolation of COVID-19. On a happy
today such a power in the land.” it, you can do nothing but scream
note, I should be in my rebuilt home
about what you’ve lost, or you can
for Christmas, and we can meet with That is as relevant today as it was in
accept that new reality and put
families and friends face-to-face. 1938. How we move forward as an
together something that’s good.” —
organisation and what we achieve
It was a great relief to eventually Elizabeth Edwards.
is limited only by the imagination of
be able to travel and meet with
the members. How can we continue “Resilience is knowing that you are
members. And I look forward to
doing what we have done, and will the only one that has the power and
continuing these visits. It was
do, but differently? the responsibility to pick yourself
pleasing to see how groups arranged
up.” —Mary Holloway.
their annual meetings to adhere to By doing things differently, by
COVID-19 regulations. I would like to being resilient, CWA has managed As the year closes on a far brighter
congratulate all members who have to achieve so much. And we will note than it began, I wish you all a
taken on Office Bearer positions and continue to do so. merry Christmas and a happy New
I hope you enjoy your role. For the Year, and the prospect of a brighter
The heart of CWA
1 still lies in its
foreseeable future we will have to 2021.
branches, at grass-roots level,
adapt to new ways of operating but with women brought together
being the resilient organisation that
we are, I am sure that the Country
by common interests, common
experiences and their desire for
Stephanie
Women’s Association of NSW will
continue to flourish and grow.
Nancy Fairfax wrote in a past edition Information for Treasurers
of The Country Woman journal,
“What do we see when we look out? Treasurers need to remember:
Do we only see darkness as we open ▪▪ Write receipts on the day you receive the money, for all funds received—
the window and creep into bed, even if they are paid straight into the bank account.
thanking heavens for another day
behind us—or do we see the sun
▪▪ Count money collected at an event, on the day, with someone else (not
a family member), preferably before leaving the event.
shining in the morning and think
with joy of the opportunities of the ▪▪ Do your reconciliation every month.
day. In fact, are we looking forward ▪▪ All payments should be passed at a meeting.
or backwards?” ▪▪ Write the cheque number on receipts/ tax invoices when they have
Whatever your perspective is will been paid.
determine how you view, and ▪▪ Keep your receipts and payment details together.
interact with your family, your If you have an enquiry about CWA Money, or a Group Treasurer is
friends and your community. It will unfamiliar with using Dropbox to lodge files, please email enquiries to
reflect how you contribute to life, treasurer@cwaofnsw.org.au
and how you move forward in these Late fees will be imposed on branches that are late submitting their
different times. financial returns. $25 if not received by 1 December and then additional
Now, as with past events—the late fees will be accrued at a rate of $50/month.
early years of the organisation, Group Treasurers please remind branches that the Disaster Relief Fund
the depression, World War II, requires a separate cheque—it is a different bank account.
droughts, fires—these events have
strengthened rather than weakened
Anne Kotz, State Treasurer
4 December 2020 The Country Woman
CEO’s Report
normal. We will be in touch closer October Journal. We are keeping
to the time with any additional track of any changes to the Public
information as we become aware of Health Orders, particularly the one
it. in relation to gatherings, so that we
can advise all members of changes
Our drought funding work
that may impact their meetings.
continues. We are grateful for the
State Office is open for business as
additional federal government
usual, under COVID guidelines. We
support that was secured by the
welcome members and committees
Country Women’s Association of
Welcome to the final edition of to make use of the facilities here as
Australia on behalf of all drought
the journal for 2020. This year has they wish.
impacted states and territories.
thrown many more challenges at us This funding will enable us to finish I thank them every year, and I will
all than what we could’ve possibly up our significant drought support continue to make specific mention
contemplated at the start of the work in a positive manner. Although of the team working with me in the
year. That said, as we go into the many parts of the state are moving office at CWA House as we close out
end of the year we are reasonably out of drought, there are still those 2020. Thank you to Jackie, Luisa,
settled here at State Office with in very difficult financial stress as Leah, Adair, Tracy, Elizabeth, Ray,
our new ways of working and work they recover from the last few years Jean, Di, Laura and Nicki. This year
continues as usual. of no income. By the time we finish particularly has had its challenges
The November State Executive our work, we will have distributed from a work point of view but they
Meeting took place in Dubbo over $18 million worth of drought have taken all these challenges in
recently. News from Exec and other aid since July 2018. their stride and I am thankful for
associated information should their support.
Our Awareness Week campaign
be available from your relevant still went ahead this year, although Have a wonderful Christmas
group State Executive Committee like most things in 2020, in a everyone.
member. The November meeting is modified fashion. 1 We used the Danica Leys,
the time that members of Executive week to highlight and bring
discuss and consider Conference awareness to the very significant Chief Executive Officer
motions for next year. Next year’s and serious issue of domestic and
agenda is shaping up to be very family violence. We were able to
interesting one with various Nominations for State
generate significant publicity on
motions coming in from all areas this issue and our partnerships with Honorary Editor
of the state as well as the carried Domestic Violence NSW and White Nominations for the State
over motions from our postal vote Ribbon Australia were very much Honorary Editor of The Country
exercise earlier in the year. Our appreciated. Woman close with the Executive
planning for the 2021 Conference on 31 January 2021. The Honorary
continues although we have to Our advice in relation to meetings
and catering remains the same and Editor is elected by the State
remain flexible on our approach. It Executive Committee at its
is safe to say that that Conference the relevant material has been sent
to all members and published in the February meeting.
will look and feel a little different to
Comfortable & Affordable
Guest Accommodation
New College Communities
Secure airconditioned ensuite rooms.
Located on the University of NSW Campus at the Anzac Parade
transport terminus. Ready access to Sydney CBD, beaches, SCG,
& CWA of NSW state office.
www.newcollege.unsw.edu.au
**Mention this advert and receive CWA discount **
The Country Woman December 2020 5
News from November Executive
ACWW excess of $18 million to those in Property sub-committee and
need. awarded to Umina Beach Branch.
The ACWW South Pacific Area
Conference, which was to be held Any donations to the Disaster RAHMP Partnership
in Port Moresby, will now be hosted Relief Fund to continue drought
Redeem an exclusive CWA member’s
online in March 2021. support or to the Association Fund
offer through our partnership with
to assist with processing drought
The ACWW World Conference is to RAHMP and Melinda Schneider—Be
support payments would be most
be held in Malaysia from 17-25 May Gentle on Yourself EP + RAHMP’s
appreciated.
2022. Take Time magazine: https://bit.
Awareness Week Financial Information ly/3kPIZXm
The operational budget for 2021 State Conference 2022
The CWA of NSW’s annual
was approved.
Awareness Week campaign was The State Conference for the 2022
held from 6-13 September 2020; A sub-committee of five was formed Centenary year will be held at Royal
this year highlighting the issue of from within the current 2020 State Randwick.
domestic violence. Executive to review the CWA of
NSW targets for fundraising and State Conference Raffle
We are hoping to be able to co-
present recommendations to the Proceeds from the 2021 State
host (with Domestic Violence NSW)
next State Conference. Members Conference raffle are to assist
a Regional Domestic and Family
of this sub-committee are Sharyn the host group. Tickets can be
Violence Roundtable with the
Buck, Pauline Dunk, Jenny Birtles, purchased online at https://www.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman
Mary Shepherd and Kaye Anderson. rafflelink.com.au/cwa2020. Paper
and Minister Bronnie Taylor (online)
in early December. tickets are also available via your
Insurance
branch.
We have continued to host and A building insurance grant of up
facilitate webinars on a range of to $1,000 will be made available State Education Grants
different topics. Copies are available as a one-off (for the 2021/2022 73 State Education grants, one
to all members via the Downloads insurance year) for
1 CWA branches palliative nurse grant and one
section of the website. needing assistance in paying member’s scholarship were
building insurance as a result awarded, totalling $44,350.
CWA of Australia
of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
An additional $2.5 million has criteria and application form will Dates for Executive
been secured from the Australian be available from State Office or the Meetings 2021
Government for drought support.
This will be distributed to farming
CWA of NSW website. The deadline ▪▪ 15-17 February
is Monday, 15 February 2021.
families via the State and Territory ▪▪ 2 May (pre-conference)
participating CWAs, with CWA of Medical Research Projects ▪▪ 19-21 July
NSW to receive approx. $780.000
to continue much needed drought
The three medical research project ▪▪ 15-17 November
items for consideration have been
support assistance. shortlisted. Deadlines for agenda material
are strictly two weeks prior to
CWAA undertook to review They are: any Executive meeting. Items not
its organisation, structure and 1. Ovarian cancer received by this due date will be
strategy by conducting a survey.
2. Stillbirth held over until the next meeting.
A strategy and planning day was
held on 7 November with state and 3. Brain cancer in children Only Conference matters are
territory representatives to discuss considered at the pre-conference
the survey results. It is hoped that
Membership Executive meeting.
an even better, stronger and more Life memberships were considered.
unified national representation of Full details will be made available
country women in Australia will be later.
the result.
Miscellaneous State Office Closure
Please send an email to info@cwaa. The State Office
The CWA of NSW to take visible
org.au if you would like to be added will close on 24th
action to support the ‘Save our
to the CWAA mailing list. December and
Voices’ campaign.
will reopen on 11th
Drought Support Potts Point Grants January.
CWA of NSW has distributed in
A grant was approved by the
6 December 2020 The Country Woman
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Calls for Nominations
Annual General Meeting, Bega the position is the financial wellbeing develop a relationship which is
Showground, 3–7 May 2021 of the Association (in conjunction of benefit to both parties
Nominations for the following
with the Chief Executive Officer and ▪▪ Have a basic understanding of
accounting staff); to comply with the CWA of NSW Incorporation
positions will close with the Chief
the Incorporations Act, accounting Act 1931 (Private Act) and the
Executive Officer at close of
standards, and the NSW Fair NSW Fair Trading Fundraising
business on Friday, 19 February 2021
Trading fundraising regulations. legislation
in accordance with Rule XXIV (a):
▪▪ State President The Treasurer is the primary ▪▪ Have a full understanding of how
signature on all cheques written the Special Funds were formed,
▪▪ State Honorary Secretary from the Office; however, much how they may be used and be
▪▪ State Honorary Treasurer of the financial movement is now aware of the total amounts in
▪▪ State Agricultural & accomplished with online banking each Fund on a quarterly basis
Environmental Officer by the Accountant and the Chief ▪▪ Know the appropriate amounts of
▪▪ State International Officer Executive Officer. interest in the Education Grants’
▪▪ State Social Issues Officer The Treasurer is one of the members funds to be used for distribution
and where they may be used.
▪▪ State Vice Presidents (two of the Finance Committee; the
positions available) others being the State President Essential requirements
and the State Honorary Secretary,
Note: A member nominated for State working together with the Chief It is essential that the Treasurer
President must be living or have Executive Officer. be computer literate, and have
lived in rural or regional areas and email facilities. Knowledge of Excel
have had three years’ experience Specific Duties program would be desirable. In
representing a group on Executive, ▪▪ To be present at all State addition experience as a branch/
in accordance with Regulation 18. Office Bearer’s, State Executive group treasurer would be an
meetings and also to be present advantage.
Each of the two Vice Presidents
at the Annual General Meeting
must have previously served on the 1 The State Treasurer should also
Executive Committee for at least 12 ▪▪ To meet with the Finance be prepared to communicate
months, and will be elected from Committee on decisions relating (either over the phone or by email/
the State Executive Committee to matters of finance and letter) with members with any
members or the retiring Officers of property financial queries. This enables the
the Association, in accordance with ▪▪ To liaise with the State President, development of good relationships
Rule XXIV (b). Honorary Secretary and the with members who may be used
Chief Executive Officer to as sounding boards and to provide
The nomination form for the above
ensure smooth functioning of all feedback.
positions is available from the
meetings
Procedures Manual (F 10-1-716), is State International Officer’s
also found on the website or upon ▪▪ To present the quarterly financial
request from State Office. statements (which have been Job Description
prepared by the Accountant), to The State International Officer is
Please complete the form and each State Executive meeting.
attach the following: a State Office Bearer, a Member
The Treasurer also presents of the State Executive Committee
▪▪ A passport size photo a financial report at these and reports directly to the State
▪▪ A list of branch, group and state meetings; however, points President. The International Officer
positions held presented will require a decision is required to:
▪▪ A citation (a 200 word limit of State Executive
Liaise with the Country of Study
applies. Entries will be edited if ▪▪ To check all Branches/Group Embassy (in partnership with State
over the limit). Annual Financial Statements for
Office) and plan ways to promote
accuracy for annual auditing
State Honorary Treasurer’s this Country throughout the year
purposes
from Conference to Conference.
Job Description ▪▪ To present a financial report at ▪▪ Organise International Country
the Annual General Meeting and
The State Honorary Treasurer is of Study Seminar and information
nominate the auditor for that
a State Office Bearer, a member booklets for same.
financial year
of the State Executive Committee
and reports directly to the State ▪▪ As required, meet with financial ▪▪ Chair the International
Committee
President. The primary priority of manager to discuss the direction
of the managed funds and ▪▪ Chair the International Meeting
8 December 2020 The Country Woman
at the Annual State Conference and/or environmental nature ▪▪ Keep abreast of current issues in
▪▪ Set up, host and pack away the which affect all of us no matter case letters/press releases need
International Display at the where we live to be written
Annual State Conference ▪▪ Encourage members to think ▪▪ Chair the State Executive
▪▪ Collect Group International and act on matters of need sub-committee dealing with
Activities Annual Reports from ▪▪ Chair Agricultural & proposed conference motions
Group International Officers Environmental Committee pertaining to agricultural and
environmental issues.
▪▪ Collect and arrange for the meetings four times a year in
judging of the Group Finalist March, June, September and Essential requirements:
November
entries for all International ▪▪ A good understanding and
Competitions ▪▪ Arrange the annual Agricultural knowledge of current agricultural
▪▪ Prepare reports for each & Environmental Seminar and environmental issues
Executive Meeting, State ▪▪ Deal with all correspondence ▪▪ Computer literacy (including
Conference, and annual forwarded from branches and email and internet facility).
International Meeting at the groups
State Conference ▪▪ Ensure ongoing sponsorship for State Vice Presidents’ Job
▪▪ Help Groups with suggestions the Recycled Article Competition Description
for International days and organise judging
The role of a State Vice President
▪▪ Encourage membership of ▪▪ Present a detailed report to each is to assist and support the State
ACWW and remembering World State Executive meeting President at all times. This includes
Rural Women’s Day on 15th ▪▪ Collate Group Agricultural representing the State President
October and ACWW Day on 29th & Environmental reports/ as requested at CWA or outside
April each year activities, and include them functions and/or forums.
▪▪ Encourage support for in the Annual Report, which is
It is a Vice President’s role to
International Funds within presented at State Conference
keep up-to-date on current
ACWW, the South Pacific Area ▪▪ Collate and write submissions issues pertaining to this portfolio
Projects, and the CWA of NSW when called for (including government policy
International and International
Scholarship Fund
▪▪ Liaise with other
1
organisations and/or legislation), to bring any
e.g. NSW Farmers Association on such issues to the notice of State
▪▪ Support the collection of Material matters concerning agriculture Office Bearers, and to follow up on
Aid and used postage stamps, and the environment responses to CWA communications
and foreign coins and notes
▪▪ Participate in delegations to relating to the portfolio.
▪▪ State International Officer state and federal ministers when State Vice Presidents attend all
is available for advice and requested State Office Bearer meetings as
information, should be
enthusiastic, innovative and
▪▪ Represent the Association, as convened by the State President
required, at forums, meetings and also attend Executive meetings.
encouraging to members in
etc, pertaining to agriculture and
their International work, which In their capacity as members, State
the environment
promotes International tolerance Vice Presidents are responsible for
and understanding. ▪▪ Arrange a display at State ensuring that Executive decisions
Conference of flora and fauna are supported and relayed
State Agricultural & and group winners of recycled accurately to members.
Environmental Officer’s Job article competition
Description
The State Agricultural &
Environmental Officer is a State
Office Bearer, a Member of the State
Executive Committee, Chair of the
Primary
State Agricultural & Environmental
Committee and reports directly to
the State President.
Product
The Agricultural & Environmental
Officer is required to:
2021:
▪▪ Encourage members (through the
Group Officers) to look into issues
and problems of an agricultural
Rice
The Country Woman December 2020 9
Annual General Meeting
The 2021 Annual General Meeting
will be hosted by the Far South
Coast Group (Zone 4) from 3–7
May 2021 at the Showground in
Bega. The Organising Committee is
already working hard to ensure this
Conference will be a success.
As always, the Association is keeping
updated with specific requirements
that is published by the NSW
Government which relate to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Information
regarding guidelines and possible
restrictions will be shared as it Bega Valley seen from Wolumla, NSW by CSIRO
comes to hand. A COVID Safety Plan Weather in April to June Showground and the Uniting
will be implemented to ensure the Church, 300 metres up on the
The average temperatures range corner of Upper and Gipps Street,
safety of all Conference delegates
from 4°C at night to 21°C during the Bega.
and attendees.
day.
Sapphire Coast Transport
Accommodation
Bega is the “country heart” of the Bega is on the A1 Princes Highway.
Bega, Tathra and Merimbula have a It is currently serviced by REX to
Sapphire Coast—a land embraced
range of accommodation options to Merimbula from Sydney; however,
by vast stretches of wilderness,
suit any taste or budget. Tathra is 18 QantasLink has announced it will
national parks and an ocean
km from Bega and an 18 minute car service Merimbula from Sydney
teeming with life. There are many
trip. Merimbula is 33 km from Bega four times a week starting in
historical buildings, lagoons rich in
and a 25 minute 1car trip. There is December 2020. A rail line does
bird life, art galleries—the principal
also accommodation available in not run through Bega but there are
being the Bega Valley Regional
Pambula, Cobargo and Bermagui. daily coach services to and from
Gallery. Tathra is the jewel in the
Further information can be found Canberra which link up with trains
Sapphire Coast’s crown. It is a pretty
at www.sapphirecoast.com.au, to Sydney. Other coach services go
coastal town and is most famous
www.escapetomerimbula.com.au, to Sydney and Melbourne daily with
for its historic steamer wharf, and
www.tathratourism.com.au, www. stops along the way.
its oysters, officially the best in
heritagecentre.com.au.
Australia. Merimbula is the largest Taxi services and local bus services
coastal town on the Sapphire Coast. Venues run throughout Bega, Merimbula
It is a playground for watersport and Tathra areas. The local bus line
lovers, including fishing, swimming The Annual General Meeting and
also hires out its buses to groups.
and boating. Bega, Tathra and Ecumenical Service will be held
Merimbula all have spectacular golf at the Bega Showground. The Conference Lunches
courses, bowling greens, walking Showground is located on the
corner of Upper Street and Tathra Choices of lunch boxes will be
tracks and bike tracks.
Road, and is a five minute available (sandwich/wrap/roll and
walk from the centre of salad) from Monday to Thursday
Bega. There will be market of Conference. On one of these
stalls supplying regional days there will also be an option of
food, arts and gifts at a ploughman’s lunch as well as an
the Bega Showground option for a barbecue lunch each
on Sunday 2 May from day. Further information will be
12 noon to 5.00 pm. The in the February 2021 issue of The
Ecumenical Service will be Country Woman.
held at 5.00 pm.
Gala Event
Committee displays will
be held on site and in the The Gala Dinner will be a Bush
Seventh Day Adventist Dance on the evening of Wednesday,
and Resonate churches 5 May 2021 in the Pavilion at the
and halls opposite the Bega Showground. A local bush
Tathra Wharf by Vanessa Pike-Russell
10 December 2020 The Country Womanband will play and there will be a Bega Showground at 1.00 pm on
selection of food vans providing Thursday, 6 May and return to the
fresh artisan food. Local produce Showground at 5.00 pm.
including oysters, cheese and fresh
This year we are inviting members
breads will be arranged on dining
and partners to enjoy tours
tables. Each diner will be given a
together. There will not be a full-
book of 6 tickets—2 mini entrees;
day Partner Tour.
2 small main dishes and 2 desserts
of which one will be a cocktail/ Tour prices include coach hire,
mocktail from the Cocktail Van. museum entry and refreshments
The Lions Club Team will be selling where specified.
alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Bookings will be taken in order of
There will be 350 tickets available at
receiving the tour coupon. Coupons
a cost of $55.00 each. This includes
are due by Friday 2 April 2021. To
food and entertainment.
avoid disappointment please book
The Gala Event order form coupon early.
oyster tasting (weather permitting)
will be in the February Journal.
Tour One: Bega and Tathra and farm talk on growing award-
Expo/Workshops Visit Bega Cheese Heritage Centre winning oysters on the far south
for cheese tasting and wander coast. Short walk (wheelchair
Workshops will be held on Thursday friendly) to the iconic Tathra Wharf
afternoon, 6 May and morning of through the History of Dairying
Museum with a display of cheese to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in
Friday, 7 May. Further information the trendy Locavore Café with art
will be in the February 2021 issue of and butter-making equipment
from the 1900s. Gift store includes gallery, jewellery and local produce.
The Country Woman. Guided tour of the Tathra Wharf
Bega cheese, vegemite and peanut
butter, plus local produce, arts Maritime Museum. Tathra Wharf
State Conference Raffle with a panoramic platform for
and crafts. Then travel by coach to
There are some great prizes for the Tathra Headland with spectacular fishing and whale watching, is one
State Conference Raffle. All paper views of the ocean. Meet Gary of the last wooden sea wharves on
tickets have been distributed to Rodely of Tathra Oysters for a fresh the east coast. Cost $35.00.
1
Group Treasurers in September
prior to the Group Conferences
held in October. The State
Conference Organising Committee Order Form: Conference Tours, 6 May 2021
acknowledges that there would be
Refer to the descriptions of tours available in your journal. Please insert the
some changes at the Group AGM’s
number you require for your chosen tour.
and sincerely hope the handover
to the new Treasurer’s has been as
smooth as possible. It is important Tour 1: Bega and Tathra x $35.00 = $ _________
that the tracking sheets be
Tour 2a: Tilba and Bermagui x $35.00 = $ _________
completed and returned to Alison
Jenkins as requested. Tour 3a: Eden and Pambula—
Longstocking Brewery x $36.00 = $ _________
The following resolution from the
July 2019 State Executive meeting Tour 3b: Eden and Pambula—
x $35.00 = $ _________
will be enforced should raffle books Oaklands Café
fail to be returned or go missing: TOTAL = $ _________
“That all Groups/Branches be Please attach a list of names and the tours they will be joining if you are
responsible (invoiced) for the full paying for more than one person
cost of unreturned / missing State Name(s): ___________________________(if space insufficient, attach list)
or Committee raffle tickets”.
Address:____________________________Post Code: __________
The online raffle is now live for Phone:_______________Email:____________________________
the 2021 State Conference Raffle
tickets. You can purchase tickets Branch: ___________________Group: ______________________
at https://www.rafflelink.com.au/ Please send this form with cheque (payable to CWA of NSW FSCG 2021
cwa2020 Conf) plus a stamped self-addressed envelope by Friday, 2 April 2021 to
Annette Kennewell, PO Box 2029, Central Tilba NSW 2546.
Tours
Tickets are non-refundable. All prices are inclusive of GST
All Tours will depart from the
The Country Woman December 2020 11Tour Two: Central Tilba and Clinic. Back on the coach for a
Bermagui drive past CWA’s Bermagui Seaside
Cottage then return to Bega via the
Join Zoe Burke of Tilba Talks
scenic coastal road. Cost $35.00.
Historical Walks on the coach.
Travel through Cobargo to the Tour Three: Eden and Pambula
National Trust village of Central
Coach to Merimbula’s stunning
Tilba. Walk along Central Tilba’s
Boller Park lookout. Then on to Eden
historic Bate Street where you can
to experience its history and on a
explore the fascinating shops for
guided tour to view the skeleton
local arts, crafts and produce. Many and cream.
of Eden’s famous killer whale “Old
of Central Tilba’s historic buildings
Tom” at the Eden Killer Whale Cost Option 3a Longstocking
were constructed in the 1880’s. Meet
Museum. The Killer Whales of Eden Brewery $36.00. Cost Option 3b
Erica Dibden at Tilba Real Dairy
were pods of killer whales that Oaklands Café $35.00
for handmade cheese tasting near
formed hunting partnerships with
Tilba’s CWA rose garden. Hear about 2021 AGM Pull-out
the Yuin people and early whalers.
Erica’s passion for making high
The museum has commanding The February 2021 issue of The
quality cheese from her family farm
views over Twofold Bay where, in Country Women will hold the
of Jersey cows. Watch cheese being
season, whales can be seen feeding Information Pull-out. This will be
made through the large viewing
and frolicking. Then visit Oaklands used by your Branch to discuss
window at the ABC Cheese factory.
Barn in Pambula, a south coast gem motions and to provide advance
Then travel by coach with Zoe to
with art gallery, pantry, garden information for delegates (and
Bermagui, with views of sacred
centre, café, brewery and gift shop. observers). Only delegates will
sites of the Yuin people, Merriman
Enjoy the Longstocking Brewery receive further information
Island, Wallaga Lake and Gulaga
option with a tour including beer/ upon registration at the Bega
Mountain. Walk along Bermagui’s
cider tasting (4 tasters) with the Showground. Observers need to
Fisherman’s Wharf, see the fishing
option to purchase beautiful fresh keep a hold of the pull-out for
trawlers and enjoy delicious gelati
Pambula lake oysters, or Oaklands reference at the AGM.
from the famous Bermagui Gelati
Café for a cuppa with scones, jam
1
ACWW South Pacific Area President
September 2020 to the closure of the office for many be revealed very soon. Please be
months. You can download these patient; things are difficult at the
Dear members
from their website. moment with so many people not
This is a short update on ACWW able to communicate from home as
Personally in the last month I
in the South Pacific. Like us all, they could in an office.
have spoken to Probus, Rotary
COVID-19 has hit everyone very
and at a CWA Group Conference On that note, I pray that each and
badly causing us all to shut down,
enlightening them about ACWW and every one of you have been kept
stay clean and stay safe.
how CWA, Women in Agriculture & safe and well, and that you continue
I have been in contact with most Business and Rural Women NZ all to do so. I also pray that for you who
of the Island societies and most help fund those projects. have been “shut in”, that you will
have been affected by COVID-19. soon be able to move around more
I will be starting to send out
Fortunately, I have been able to freely and visit family and friends
registration refunds to those who
fund a number of projects which is as you could before this pandemic
registered for the Conference in
wonderful. Mainly for educational struck us all.
PNG as the South Pacific Area
purposes, sewing projects and
Conference will now be online “Contentment is not getting what we
nursery, soil and vegetable planting.
starting on the 8th March 2021, want but being satisfied with what
The latter being in Tonga and half
International Women’s Day. At this we have”—Suzanne Woods Fisher
that project was funded by Rural
stage, it will probably only be two
Women in New Zealand. ACWW I wish each and every one of you
days with voting, etc, coming via
Head Office in London have a blessed Christmas and pray that
emails between now and then.
extended the application date for 2021 is a much better and safer year
projects over $5,000 to the end of Unfortunately ACWW Head Office than 2020.
November. in London is in lockdown again
because of COVID-19 and I am Gail Commens
The last three ACWW Country ACWW South Pacific Area
waiting to hear from the CEO as to
Women magazines are online due
where motions will be sent. All will President
12 December 2020 The Country WomanHeather’s Stories of Hope
fighting. her own life, the journey of writing
Lale, Gita and Cilka’s stories and
Just like Cilka’s Journey, The
employs active listening to hear and
Tattooist of Auschwitz has also
write the stories of extraordinary
lead Heather to her next fiction
people with extraordinary courage
novel, due to be published in
and hope. Heather says the art of
October 2021.
active listening is about “shutting
A Canadian man bought a copy up.” “It’s about remaining present
of the book to take on a trip to and allowing them to trust that you
Israel visit his mother. When are listening and open to hearing
she saw the cover she said “that their story. When I met with Lale
must be the story of Gita and and others who shared their stories,
Lale”. I didn’t bring a pen or paper, I just
listened and paid attention to body
His mother too was at Auschwitz
language and to what they were
When Heather Morris was first and recognised the number of
saying and how they were saying it.
asked to sit with Ludwig (Lale) Gita’s arm, one very close to her
It allowed me to connect more and
Sokolov at a hospital in Melbourne own. Heather is now writing the
then I could go home and just write
in 2003, she never imagined she story of Livia and her two sisters,
the whole experience.”
would help him share his story with their escape from Auschwitz,
millions of people. Through her role the rejection they experienced Heather is now inviting everyone to
in social work and a propensity for returning to Slovakia and the lives write own their story of hope and
active listening, she sat with Lale as they built for themselves in Israel. providing the platform and tools
he told the story of his time during to help them share it. “Through
The response Heather received
the Holocaust and as a tattooist at my Stories of Hope webpage, I am
from the release of her first two
Auschwitz, a place full of trauma encouraging everyone to submit
novels was both extraordinary and
and terror and also the place he their own story of strength,
humbling. Receiving1 letters from all
found love and hope through his resilience and hope. For those that
over the world sharing how these
connection with Gita. want to share their story, we’re
stories had helped them overcome
providing free editorial assistance
Heather had originally planned their own grief and trauma, and
too.”
to share Lale and Gita’s story as a telling their stories of hope.
movie. Her screenplay, while met Originally from a country town
It was the openness and
with acclaim, floated around for in New Zealand, Heather said she
vulnerability of these letter writers
around 12 years, but as Heather knows the resilience of country
that lead Heather to write her first
states it herself “no bugger would women and the importance of
non-fiction book, Stories of Hope:
take it on!”. networks like CWA. “Country
Finding Inspiration in Everyday
women show so much strength
It was Heather’s sister that Lives, which is now available.
and resilience. When something
suggested she add prose and In Stories of Hope, Heather shares happens in our community, we
narrative to turn Lale’s story into a the experiences that have defined show up. We’re on the front line
novel. The Tattooist of Auschwitz working, volunteering, providing
has now sold over six million copies friendship and hope. I would
worldwide and, ironically, filming encourage all your members to
of the adapted mini-series will write their amazing stories and
commence in Poland next year, with share their own hope.”
Heather acting as Script Consultant.
To find out more about Heather’s
Lale and Gita’s story led Heather Stories of Hope project, visit the
to the protagonist of her follow- website www.yourstoriesofhope.
up novel, Cilka’s Journey. Cilka, a com. To find out more about
young woman at the concentration Heather’s novels The Tattooist of
camp with Lale and Gita, survived Auschwitz and Cilka’s Journey and
Auschwitz only to face persecution her new non-fiction book Stories
and isolation after liberation. Like of Hope visit her website: www.
Lale and Gita, Cilka’s story is of heathermorrisauthor.com and like
survival against all odds and the her Facebook page: www.facebook.
strength and hope that kept her com/HeatherKMorrisAuthor
The Country Woman December 2020 13The Land Cookery Report
I hope everyone read the COVID-19 a lot of members would have a were taste tested for consideration
guidelines in the October Journal. stockpile. We anticipate this change in our future schedules. We are very
They were comprehensive and would occur for our centenary year. mindful of the cost of all The Land
informative. The committee noted Cookery recipes and therefore cost
I have been in contact with my local
that there is a great deal of other plays a big part in the decision to
supplier and they sell jars and lids at
useful information to guide branches include new recipes. We also like to
a cost of around $32.65 per box of
re: being COVID-19 compliant, have some recipes in our schedule
28. State Office has advised that due
including a NSW Government online to challenge members. If you have
to the rules of WHS and COVID-19
course that takes about 20 minutes a recipe at any time and want to
that second-hand jars cannot be
to complete (https://covidaware. submit it to our committee then
reused so new jars will be required.
instructure.com/courses/4). There please do so, bearing in mind that
Only second-hand jars that have
is also information available from it has to sit on display for a week
been commercially cleaned can be
NSW Health, DPI, Rural Women’s after judging takes place. We have
accepted.
Network and local councils. This had request to include recipes for
information would be very handy I hope you have all been practicing diabetic people in our schedule.
when branches are planning for your banana bread as The Land
Ideas were put forward for our 100
any catering. We are, however, at all Cookery Committee will give a cash
year celebrations and discussed
times guided by the State Office. prize to the branch with the most
at length, especially to honour the
entries.
After many letters from members, proud and long tradition of The
due to the cost involved, we have This will be the last year for the Land Cookery competition in CWA.
decided to introduce the 250 ml jars Donna Latter cake competition.
Branches are encouraged to now
for our jams and pickles section. We The family have been advised and
make their own cards for branch
will have a buffer of 12 months to thanked for their contribution.
and group competitions. With
change to the smaller jar as I know many free templates easily available
New recipes including costings
1
Hospital Support Report
We are now at the end of a long and Branch who have assisted the to pack a container that is going to
trying year for most people. The Committee with fundraising. As we Papua New Guinea. We have also
Committee continues to work with have had extra costs for postage packed boxes with extra babywear
social workers to assist families and delivery during these difficult to be included in the shipment.
in need. During the year, the times this has helped greatly with
There is still a lot of stock needing
Committee registered with GIVIT covering our expenses.
sorting in the packing room and so
and recently we were asked to assist
While most Ronald McDonald Family we ask that branches do not send
a young couple who were in need
Rooms are now open to donations any further deliveries until further
and expecting their first child. The
of rugs and quilts, these are not notice.
Committee were able to pack two
being accepted at the residential
large bags of mother and baby needs As 2020 draws to a close we wish
houses. The Ronald McDonald
and Luisa Deacon from State Office, you a Merry Christmas and great
House at the John Hunter Hospital
who was attending the Wollondilly new beginnings for 2021
is arranging a central office to
AGM, kindly delivered them to the Elisabeth Hodgson,
handle these donations and will
Moss Vale Evening Branch who
notify us when the office is ready to Chairperson
then passed them on to the case
receive donations. The committee
worker. The members of the Moss
have received some beautiful quilts
Vale Evening Branch are now going
and we look forward to being able CWA journal on CD
to provide ongoing support to this
to once again give these to the Did you know that vision-
family—great networking. As I write
sick children at Ronald McDonald impaired members can request
this report, I have just received news
House. to receive “The Country Woman”
that the mother has given birth to a
healthy little girl and both are doing There were over 60 Mother & journal as a CD recording instead
well. Baby Packs on the shelves at State of a hard copy, at no extra cost?
Office and Lyn Braico, International Just contact State Office and ask
Thank you to the Mascot Evening to be added to the mailing list.
Officer, has collected these ready
14 December 2020 The Country Womanonline, while it’s recommended that
white cards be used for branch level Guidelines for The Land Cookery Days
and coloured at group. ▪▪ All catering and meeting guidelines provided by the CWA of NSW are
The 2021 conference is proceeding to be followed at all meetings (these guidelines can be found in the
as usual until any contrary advice October Journal).
from State Office is given. Raffle In relation to Land cookery days the following additional points are made:
prizes will be a mini Kitchen Aid ▪▪ Food must be handled under strict hygiene conditions, by a minimum
(which has been very popular in of people and utilising the most appropriate PPE such as gloves and
the past), cake tins bundler and a masks;
delightful teacup set. Our treasurer
Gail will arrange the distribution of ▪▪ One judge only is to handle any specific food item;
all raffle tickets in the near future. ▪▪ If food items are to be handed back to entrants; judging must take place
based on taste and feel only (no smelling of food that is returned is to
I would like to wish everyone a merry take place);
Christmas and a prosperous New
year with some family celebrations . ▪▪ Where judging incorporates a smell test, the food must be discarded
afterwards—a large wedge may be removed from a cake for a smell test
Kind regards, and that wedge will then be discarded;
Denise Hawdon, ▪▪ Judges are to wear gloves at all times and changed between each entry;
Chairperson ▪▪ No food items can be shared or sold after judging.
Social Issues Report
Welcome to 2020/2021, prison): Policy Manager, Adair, The guidelines could include for
attended a Zoom meeting with example:
The Social Issues Committee still
are following with great interest:
KWOOP. A CWA branch in a ▪▪ Does CWA of NSW have any
women’s prison is still on the policy regarding your concerns—
▪▪ Royal Commission into Aged Care Committee’s agenda.
1 we have found some members
Quality and Safety
▪▪ Draft Regional, Rural and Remote do not understand that when
▪▪ Review of the Narcotic Drugs Act (RRR) Health inquiry CWA survey a motion is passed at State
1967
▪▪ Maternity Services Alliance Conference, it becomes a policy.
▪▪ Review of Fair Trading Our policy database can be found
Amendment (Cash Loan Issues that are concerning members: on CWA of NSW website and
Machines) Bill 2019—many of the ▪▪ Homelessness—homes on a dates back to 1960.
ads on TV have disappeared but disused Correctional Centre ▪▪ If there is no policy, should your
the Committee will watch this could be used for disadvantaged issue become a motion for State
space closely. women, homelessness and Conference? This means it is
▪▪ Special Commission of Inquiry domestic violence victims passed at a branch meeting to go
into Drug “Ice” submission: The ▪▪ Patient Transport services to your group meeting, if passed
interim report was released 3rd ▪▪ Post Mortems—unacceptable there it goes to state for Executive
August delay in forensics to discuss and decide if it will go
▪▪ Cannabis Medicines Prescribing ▪▪ Reserve Bank ceasing cheques forward to State Conference.
Guidance submission
▪▪ Women’s refugee centres in ▪▪ What are your expectations of
▪▪ Inquiry into NSW School regional, rural and remote areas
the Committee on the issue you
Curriculum—the Committee have raised?
were invited to attend hearing
▪▪ Western NSW Local Health ▪▪ Have you, the member/
District has put out tenders
on the 4 November along with branch/group, supplied enough
to contract health services in
Isolated Children’s Parents information? Please don’t give
six regions—Lightning Ridge,
Association (IPCA) Social Issues Committee an issue
Walgett, Bourke, Goodooga,
▪▪ The George’s Institute regarding Collarenebri and Coonamble.
and ask them to “follow up”.
member’s participation in a As this is a work in progress, more
dementia survey—the draft The Social Issues Committee thanks
information will be circulated later.
questions along with ethics all members who have notified
application and support letter us with their concerns. We are in Stay safe,
are being reviewed the process of forming guidelines
Bronwyn Dunston,
to assist members to present
▪▪ KWOOP (Keep women out of their concerns more thoroughly. State Social Issues Officer
The Country Woman December 2020 15You can also read
