Events start as Country Women’s Association of WA host annual State Conference for hundreds in Albany

Hundreds of women gathered in Albany this week for the annual Country Women’s Association of WA State Conference, held at Albany Entertainment Centre from June 23 to 25. More than 200 CWA members from branches across the State converged on the Great Southern city for the three-day event, of which the first order of business was the Annual General Meeting. State president Felicity Edwards opened proceedings with her report, welcoming members into the second century of the CWA after the organisation celebrated its centenary in 2024 and speaking on this year’s theme of ‘Beyond 100: Reimagining Our Impact’. Chief executive officer Trish Langdon followed with an outline of the annual report, highlighting the variety of events held and celebrated by the CWA throughout the past year. This included the Perth Royal Show, the launch of the Women of Spirit grevillea flower at King’s Park, the publishing of Women of Spirit: A Centenary of CWA Stories, and hosting the Governor of WA Chris Dawson for high tea at Government House. The CWA achieved charity status with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission in 2024 as an organisation that advances social or public welfare, education, and public debate, changing the way the organisation is are able to operate and receive donations and support. Changes to the CWA board were also officially announced, with outgoing board members farewelled and incoming members welcomed for the first time. Ms Edwards addressed topical questions brought to the board by members, including why the CWA has remained silent on the Keep the Sheep campaign. She said the organisation had chosen not to make public comment on the campaign due to the diversity of opinions among its members, as well as the campaign being outside of the CWA’s core mission and expertise. “We could play a vital role in supporting rural individuals impacted by the ban, but to engage in that actual campaign was not really within our core mission,” she said. “Our strength lies in delivering delivering practical, grassroots support and to regions. “I know some of you will be disappointed that we haven’t spoken and we haven’t acted already, but our real strength is in supporting families, and that may be unfortunately in 2028 when it really hits. “That’s what we do, we bridge the gap, and we’re there for the community at a grassroots level.” Host branches including Albany, Mt Barker, Denmark, Rocky Gully, and Badgebup-Rockwell manned charity raffle stands, with each branch nominating a local community organisation for funds to be donated to. The official opening of the conference on June 23 included a welcome to Menang country by Noongar elder Vernice Gillies, and a welcome to the city by Albany councillor Malcolm Traill. Albany MLA Scott Leary officially opened the conference, followed by the presentation of annual awards for branches and individuals. Capel and Safety Bay branches took home the Clarice Rudduck Memorial Award for outstanding community service, and Koorunga member Skye Smith and Quairading member Connor Atkins were joint winners of the Young Volunteer of the Year Award. Jennacubbin member Ellie Eaton and Koorda member Lesley McNee OAM both received honorary life membership, joining 24 other living honorary life members in WA. Mt Barker’s Cecilia Sounness was honoured as one of seven inaugural recipients of the Branch Legend Service Award, which honours members who have been part of the CWA for more than 20 years, and have continued to help care for their community over that time.