Published on Thursday, 19 December 2024 at 11:50:44 AM
The Shire hosted an afternoon tea on Tuesday in recognition of 86 years of continuous service by the Country Women’s Association of WA Mount Barker branch.
Established in 1938, the not-for-profit, volunteer-operated women’s organisation has had powerful impact on the community, through friendship, fellowship and support, and continues to do so to this day.
Shire President Len Handasyde said the branch supports CWA WA projects, the Sir James Mitchell Welfare fund, and the Woolworths Drought Appeal.
“Thanks must go to those who had the foresight to establish a branch in Mount Barker all those years ago,” Cr Handasyde said.
“It must also be recognised the effort and time of volunteers who have given tirelessly of themselves and their families to the community for the common good.”
“The community is forever grateful to those women who went beyond the home and out and about to assist others. The positive effect on community can never be overstated.”
Branch Secretary Margaret Williamson thanked the Shire for their support over the decades.
“On behalf of the CWA Mount Barker branch, I would like to thank the Plantagenet Shire for the lovely afternoon tea and more importantly for their unwavering and ongoing support of our organisation over the years,” Mrs Williamson said.
“Without you and others in our town, we may not have still been operating."
“We are at present a small group with our oldest member, Mrs Cecilia Sounness, at 102 years old, and many more slowly approaching that milestone, all still attending our meetings.”
The branch received the Premier’s Australia Day Award in 2005, and the Clarice Ruddock Award for the most outstanding branch in WA in 2014.
The CWA of WA celebrates a centenary of service this year, after being established in Nangarin in 1924.
If you would like to join the branch, contact information is available via this link Find a Branch.
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