It’s already been a busy year for the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW with multiple advocacy activities, and preparations for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and annual State Conference in full swing, and they’re now encouraging more women to consider becoming involved. During April and May, the ‘Find Your Place’ campaign is urging NSW and ACT women to consider joining their local CWA branch and becoming involved with the association’s many activities, from fundraising for community and broader causes, to helping set association policies that become part of a wider advocacy agenda. “The CWA of NSW really is a community of women, who are trusted for their voice and actions that enable and support more prosperous and safer communities across NSW and the ACT,” said Joy Beames, President of the CWA of NSW. “Our branches are also places where women can find friendship and support, learn new skills and enjoy new experiences, and feel encouraged and empowered to advocate and achieve positive change for their communities.” There are currently 8000 members in 360 branches throughout NSW, and Joy said they were keen to continue growing their membership base to ensure a strong future for the association, which turned 100 in 2022. “The CWA of NSW has achieved so much in its 103 years, and we want to keep making a difference for women and children in regional, rural and remote NSW communities. This has only been possible through the united and passionate voice of our members, and we want to keep that voice strong into the future,” she said. Advocacy is a passion for many who join the CWA of NSW, Joy says, the association and its branches proving time and again that united and consistent advocacy can lead to enormous change for NSW communities. Think improved healthcare infrastructure in the early days of the association, and compulsory seat belts and compulsory helmets for cyclists in more recent years. This year already, the CWA of NSW has appeared before a number of inquiries, making multiple submissions on a range of issues, and meeting with NSW ministers and MPs. Telecommunications, feral animal controls, affordable housing for older women and the state of maternity services in rural and regional NSW are just some of the current advocacy priorities. Branches also have the opportunity each year to put forward policy motions to the association’s State Conference – this year in Wagga Wagga in May - where they are debated by delegates and if endorsed become official CWA of NSW policy. Beyond the branch level, members can also become involved at a state level in a variety of committees including Agricultural & Environmental, International, Social Issues, State Cultural, State Handicraft, and The Land Cookery. “Becoming a member of the CWA of NSW offers so many new opportunities and experiences, as well as offering a friendship and support network that is important to women everywhere, but often even more in more remote parts of the state where opportunities to connect with others may be a lot more limited,” Joy said. “There’s so much to be gained – you’ll have a lot of fun along the way, but also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference for women, children and communities right across the state. Contact your local branch for more information, or go to the CWA of NSW website where you can become a member today.”
