CWA enjoys tea at Camellia Gardens

By Jan Johnston

Our local president attended May’s CWA annual state conference in Bathurst. The theme for this year was “Courage, Kindness, Strength” and the types of motions raised and debated indicates the relevance of CWA in current issues.

Representatives from flood-affected districts of the far north coast and central west spoke of the work done and practical assistance which was delivered to those communities.

The Awareness Week campaign saw a focus on the need for improvements to maternity services and highlighted the deficiencies in NSW’s health system for many women.

A keynote speaker was Shanna Whan who founded Sober in the Country and was the winner of the 2022 Australian of the Year Local Hero. She spoke about beginning conversations for change on the subject of alcohol addiction.

An address by the Regional Education Commissioner highlighted the need to have a national focus on remote, rural and regional education from early childhood to higher education and including special needs.

CWA spoke of the collaboration with the NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team and providing assistance in delivering the message to the community of “Report, Report, Report” to address under-reporting of rural crime.

Our Stanwell Park branch supported the Keiraville 60th birthday celebrations and enjoyed the company of our neighbouring branch.

We visited the EG Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens and were surprised by the abundant wildlife, including bats, cockatoos, and ducks. The camellias were in full bloom and spring colour displays were newly planted. We finished with a visit to the teahouse where our orders were served on beautiful eclectic crockery.

We meet at 10am on the first Tuesday of the month at the CWA Hall, The Drive, Stanwell Park.

Email stanwellparkcwa@gmail.com