Corowa and Balldale CWA members gathered for their milestone celebration on November 21.
The Corowa Country Women’s Association (CWA) marked a very special milestone on November 21, celebrating an illustrious 95 years of dedicated service to the local community.
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The anniversary, which also was a celebration of Balldale CWA’s 95 years, was commemorated with a high tea celebration held at the CWA headquarters, bringing together members, invited guests, and distinguished speakers.
Branch President Anne Wescott and Moira Group President Judee Lockwood delivered inspiring speeches, reflecting on the CWA’s enduring legacy and its integral role in the town’s rich history.
The event also featured guest speaker Aaron Nicholls, representing the local architectural business Regional Design Service, who shared insights into the design and significance of the purpose-built CWA rooms.
Original members from the Balldale CWA, which merged with Corowa in previous years, graced the celebration, along with guests from sister branches in Yarrawonga and Shepparton.
Corowa and Balldale CWA members gathered for their milestone celebration on November 21.
The High Tea was arranged by talented CWA cooks with adorned tables set with beautiful vintage China, creating an atmosphere of elegance.
Mr Nicholls delved into the architectural heritage of the CWA rooms, shedding light on the work of renowned architect A.C. Macknight, who contributed significantly to the local landscape. In a town steeped in history, Corowa has been home to the CWA since 1928, with the first meeting held on November 20, 1928, in the Council Chamber offices.
In a town rich with history, Corowa has been home to the CWA since 1928. The first meeting of the branch was held on November 20, 1928, in the Council Chamber offices and saw the Mayoress Mrs R.F. Hudson take the chair while the first committee was established.
CWA President Anne Wescott, guest Aaron Nicholls, and Judy Lockwood at the high tea celebration.
Inaugural President Mrs Sargood was elected, and the branch officially recognised. The first order of business being to ‘secure a temporary rest room and make enquiries about a building site’. From this motion, purpose-built rooms were eventually constructed and are still lovingly maintained by the Corowa branch to this day. Interesting to note was Mrs A.C. Macknight was also elected to the committee at that time.
Over the past 95 years the branch has provided a resting place for rural women and families, while coming into town from the farms, mothers and babies were able to spend time in the rooms as husbands carried out business in town.
During the depression years the CWA helped those in need with food and clothing parcels, and during World War II the CWA played a significant role in supporting the war effort making tens of thousands of camouflage nets and sheepskin vests for the military and knitting and baking for the troops.
Since it started, the CWA has funded bush nurses, built, and staffed maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes and holiday getaways for rural and remote families.
The CWA commitment to the local community is still strong today and you will always find our dedicated members involved in local events, giving back to those in need and providing a place of friendship for local women with regular meetings and craft days.
To recognise it’s 95 years Corowa CWA recently published a commemorative cookbook, these can be purchased from the branch with all funds going back into supporting the community. To grab a copy, you can message their Facebook page www.facebook.com/corowacwa.
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