CWA Awareness Day

Wednesday 8th September 2010 is the inaugural NSW/ACT Country Women's Association (CWA) Awareness Day.

There is wide misconception that the CWA is solely about tea and scones. The CWA has never been an organisation to spend time talking about its achievements - its history has been one of 'just getting on with the job'. Awareness Day is designed to attempt to enlighten the community as to the real CWA.

"The CWA was formed almost 90 years ago out of desperate need. Country women were fighting isolation, an appalling lack of health facilities and the constraints of a male dominated society. The Association was built by women who had to watch helplessly as their children died from minor illnesses. These women realised they had nowhere to turn but themselves - and the result was staggering.

Within a year, the Association was a unified, resourceful group that was going from strength to strength. The members worked tirelessly to set up baby health centres, fund bush nurses, build and staff maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes, seaside and mountain holiday cottages - and much more.

At the same time they continued to run homes in which they were often mother, nurse, teacher and general hand."

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Nowadays, mothers (and community members in general) have facilities and services at their fingertips, and many have both physical and emotional support from family and friends around them. This was not the case at the turn of the last century, especially for country women isolated with large families to raise.

The women who formed and ran the CWA in the early days are an inspiration to us all. They rolled up their sleeves and, in difficult circumstances, built a better life for women and families. They were courageous and showed great vision.

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Today the needs of our community are different but many traditions and procedures of the Association remain constant. The framework has been enduring and the objectives of the Association still reflect the desire to serve and a readiness to adapt.

As a result, the CWA's impact on society has continued. Many people might be surprised to know that the CWA was a leader in breaking down stigmas associated with the treatment of mental health in the 1950s. CWA women pioneered the concept of adult education in the early 60s by developing University Extension Kits for women, and the CWA was an early provider of pre-school centres and child care in the 1970s when more and more women were returning to the workforce.

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The role of the CWA now is often one of influencing Government and ensuring the voices of women and children are heard. Members of the NSW and ACT CWA have contributed to the debate over issues as diverse as compulsory seat belts in cars, the introduction of a scholarship scheme to train dentists for country areas and have breast prosthesis included in the Medicare Rebate Scheme.

Our aim is to improve the communities in which we live, and at a local level we have the power to do this in whichever way best suits the needs of our community.

The CWA also provides a support network for women that encourages and fosters growth, friendship and learning. Each year, the CWA studies the culture of a nominated country, as well as an Australian environmental subject, and an Australian agricultural industry. The learning and sharing of information is an educational pursuit as well as providing stimulating projects which encourage those well out of the school system to broaden their horizons.

Also, the CWA supports a nominated sector of the medical world each year. This support involves raising funds to donate, as well as learning about the specific medical issue and raising awareness within the community. CWA also financially supports vital community building projects in poor countries.

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Singleton CWA is proud to have been able to support their local community, firstly and most importantly providing a baby health centre which at the time was a boon to the mothers of the district.

When the Singleton Army Barracks was hosting Kosovar refugees, the CWA made all the curtains for the accommodation huts, provided cots and bedding and also arranged and paid for the expectant mothers to be fitted with proper maternity bras.

They also assist with delivering Meals on Wheals each month, support Tidy Towns by participating in roadside clean-ups, and helps out community groups with support and catering. Of course, the Singleton CWA is on hand when emergencies strike the community.

Over the years, drought relief efforts by the Singleton CWA for rural families has been extensive and ongoing.

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Today, Singleton CWA hosted a morning tea where the public was invited for the inaugural Awareness Day. A guest speaker from the Singleton Cancer Support Group presented a very informative talk about prostate cancer, which is the CWA's medical research support for 2010. All attendees were handed a booklet setting out necessary information on the disease to share with men in their family, and questions were asked and addressed.

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A few months ago I joined the Singleton CWA. This group of genuinely caring women welcomed me into their group, and as a result of becoming involved in the work and activities that they organise and participate in, I have found friends and a role that I've wished for all my life.

Through actively and enthusiastically participating in the CWA I am learning new skills, leaning more about the world around me, becoming aware of my own capabilities, and participating in team work. I have found such a happy place with the CWA that I feel sure I will continue my involvement with the Association for as long as I am able. I love what the CWA stands for, and I am proud to be part of such a valuable organisation.