CWA conference ‘not just tea and scones’
THE Country Women’s Association is well known for its penchant for tea and scones but it was serious social issues that monopolised the proud organisation’s state conference on the Central Coast this week.
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THE Country Women’s Association is well known for its penchant for tea and scones but it was serious social issues that monopolised the proud organisation’s state conference on the Central Coast this week.
THE CWA of NSW came together for its 95th annual conference over three days at Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi from Monday.
More than 800 members converged to discuss issues affecting women in communities across the State such as online gambling, marriage equality, foreign land ownership, rural and regional access to blood donations, and coal seam gas mining.
Members voted on a series of motions to shape CWA policies as the organisation continues to strive to improve the welfare of women and families.
CWA Tuggerah Lakes president Margaret Heathcote said the event, which was officially opened by NSW Governor David Hurley, would inject about $2.5 million into the Central Coast visitor economy.
Ms Heathcote said the conference would also help change the public’s perception of the CWA.
“People think we just make scones,” Mrs Heathcote said.
“We do that very well but we also fund disaster relief, fund educational grants, it’s about advocacy — it’s what we do.”
CWA of NSW chief executive officer Danica Leys said its discussions on issues often influenced government policy.
“Some of the past policies that we have helped instigate have been compulsory seatbelts in cars as well as rumble strips on roads to keep drivers alert,” she said.
CWA of NSW president Annette Turner said the event was a great way to bring members together to discuss a range of issues.
“You only have to read through the agenda to see how much more there is to the CWA than tea and scones,” Ms Turner said.
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