Country Women's Association

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-99960

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Country Women's Association

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (19:59:20):

I acknowledge and bring to the House's attention the Country Women's Association [CWA] of New South Wales and its outstanding work in Sydney, across New South Wales and across Australia, but particularly in my electorate. The CWA was founded in New South Wales in 1922 and it is the largest women's organisation in Australia today. It has 44,000 members across 1,855 branches nationwide. Now, 95 years later, these ladies do so much more than bake delicious scones, although I unashamedly hope that legacy will live on for many years to come.

Whilst it might be hard to imagine a CWA morning tea without tea and their famous scones, its dedicated membership prioritises helping people in a way that is sincere and purposeful. I most admire their value of improving the conditions for women and children to make life better for families, especially those living in remote parts of the country. I have never experienced the remoteness of residing in a rural part of Australia. However, I can only imagine how isolating it may be from time to time and how support networks would be stretched more than in busy and densely-populated Sydney.

The CWA's 95 years of service to local communities across the nation are a testament to its loyalty, dedication and commitment to serving women and families. In light of CWA Awareness Week, which was held in the first week of September this year, I honour the work of all women involved in a CWA branch in Australia for their generosity and kindness in volunteering their time and effort. In just the last few months, the CWA in New South Wales has been involved with or attended Family Safety Week, the National Council of Women, the NSW Farmers Conference and social issues committees, amongst many other events. State president Annette Turner was interviewed on several prime-time television segments over the same period and met with Premier Gladys Berejiklian recently. The Premier's first comment when she met with Annette was how she noticed a greater strength in the CWA's advocacy role and presence in lobbying governments across the nation.

It is organisations like the CWA that have inspired governments to act on the most pressing needs in the community. As members of Parliament, we need such groups to ensure we are making decisions that best reflect and address the needs of the individuals we have the privilege of representing. I am incredibly grateful for constituents in my electorate who advise me of their concerns and I encourage them to do so. However, the standouts are those who are willing to get their hands dirty and advocate for change. The CWA does exactly that. The Country Women's Association of New South Wales has outlined its mission statement as aiming to improve the welfare and conditions of country women by bringing opportunities for recreation within their reach, encouraging active study of local affairs, promoting a wise and kindly spirit, and supporting medical industries however possible.

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Ambassadors and partners with CWA help make this vision possible and assist in ensuring the core message is able to reach as many women as possible. This year's supporters are Rebel Black, founder of ; Simone Eyles, founder of ; Zoe Lamont, founder and chief executive officer of ; and . Through collaboration, partnership and unity, so much can be achieved. I warmly welcome Deb Gavan, newest member of the Georges River branch, and Elizabeth Connellan, newest member of the St George-Sutherland Shire branch, to CWA branches in my electorate. I sincerely hope they realise what a positive impact they will have in my local community within the respectable organisations they are a part of. I warmly congratulate CWA on its ninety-fifth anniversary. Here is to more tea, scones and social change to come.