They are often considered the mainstays of country towns and regional cities. But the Country Women’s Association wants to be known for more than their penchant for delicious baked goods.
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Given the rich history of the group – particularly in NSW – this should not be a surprise.
Across the nation, CWA branches are mobilising to enhance their input into local communities, tackling important issues such as internet access and health care.
The Maitland branch has joined this renewed focus, with senior members telling the Mercury that the group wants to concentrate on enhancing its “citizenry” and the way it engages with the community.
“We get together and express our views, you can bring things up and get others involved,” Maitland branch secretary Margaret Harvey said.
According to The Australian Women’s Register, the NSW CWA was formed in 1922 at the Royal Agricultural Show in Sydney.
The register, which is a partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Foundation for Australian Women, described the CWA as one of the state’s most influential women’s organisations in the 20th century.
Despite officially being a non-political-party, the group interestingly had mixed political leanings.
The Australian Women’s Register noted that, while some of the CWA’s practices tended to align with the conservative side of politics, the group was also at the forefront of progression when it came to many important social issues.
For example, the CWA passed a motion in 1936 to support calls for equal pay for women and has more recently been outspoken on environmental issues.
During World War II, members made hundreds of camouflage nets for the armed forces and provided food for soldiers.
They have also actively supported other worthwhile organisations including the Bush Nursing Association, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Travellers Aid and the Flying Doctor Service.
Communities like Maitland and others across the Hunter need a diversity of voices in public conversations in order for democracy to be truly alive. That doesn’t simply mean elected councillors and members of Parliament – though they are important parts of the process – it also means groups like the CWA need to thrive.