CWA in Stanwell Park have just celebrated their 60th birthday, 60 years of serving the community as well as raising funds for the selected causes of the parent body. Our first aim was to establish a Baby Health Centre.
Back in l947 many young people did not have one car, let alone two, so it was a difficult situation for Mothers of babies with any problems to get to clinic at Coledale, they had to get a bus early and there was no bus back until after midday. This aim was achieved in l956, when the Branch paid rent, first for the back room of the Church of England which was very dilapidated and then when the Catholic Hall was built we moved over the road, where we stayed until 1964when we achieved our goal and were very proud to open our new premises on land leased from the Department of Lands, and where we are today.
From 1956 to 200 the Government had only to provide the Sister to man the clinic, CWA cleaned, paid electricity, maintained the rooms and surrounds, so we were very upset when the Health commission decided to close the clinic.
Over the years we have made the Hall available to countless local events, classes etc, while keeping the costs minimal. At one stage we had 29 hours of TAFE classes a week, where many people learnt pattern making, dressmaking, stretch sewing, homecrafts and art, until TAFE cut back on these outreach courses.
Through our parent body we have an ear to Government, and have achieved many things through our State conference.
We are affiliated with the Associated Country Women of the World whose headquarters are in London. Women from third world countries approach this body for help and it is given straight to the women who need it, sometimes a small amount can make a huge difference in their lives, our aid does not go through any government or other organisation.
All funds raised for a particular cause by CWA go to that cause, our annual subscriptions go straight to Head Office for administration, together with donations from the Branches to help run particular things. This year our Head Office is administrating large sums of money for the government for drought relief, they were asked to do this because of the knowledge bank of people all over this State.
Aims
(Excerpt from "Constitution of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales Regulations and Rules" May 2004)
5. The Aims of the Association shall be:
(a) To bring all women and families together and form a network of support.
(b) To provide a forum for the voice of all women in New South Wales.
(c) To improve conditions and welfare of all women and families especially in country areas.
(d) To support schemes which enhance the value of country living, especially health and educational facilities.
(e) To encourage development in regional areas and to increase the viability of rural communities and the environment.
(f) To provide a voice to Government at all levels.
(g) To promote International goodwill friendship understanding and tolerance between all people.
6. Branches of the Association may assist the following activities provided the Association Fund is supported:
(a) Ambulances and Child Flight Helicopter Services.
(b) Town planning and town improvement schemes and all country development within the aims of the Association.
(c) The Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Royal Far West Children's Health Scheme and The Travellers Aid Society.
(d) The Guide and Scout Movements.
(e) Accredited programmes for homeless youth.
Meetings
10am, 1st Tuesday, CWA Hall,
15 The Drive, Stanwell Park
Contacts
Elaine Pugh
Ph: 4294 1257
Mrs Lyn Sinclair (Secretary)
Ph: 02 4294 1750
