THE state's chief scientist and engineer Professor Mary O'Kane will deliver the keynote address during the official opening of the 93rd Country Women's Association of NSW (CWA) state conference in Tamworth next week.
The conference - which will be officially opened by the Governor of NSW General David Hurley and his wife Linda - will be held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre from Monday to Thursday, May 4 to 7.
Conference speakers include founder and co-chief executive officer of 1 Million Women,Natalie Isaacs and the 2014 NSW-ACT Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Rural Women's Award runner-up and deputy chairman of the NSW Farmers Pork Committee Edwina Beveridge Blantyre Farms, Young.
Executive director of Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia Karen Willis will also conduct an open information session on the Tuesday afternoon.
CWA State president Tanya Cameron, Rowena, said the conference rotated across the state annually.
"We're looking forward to returning to Tamworth and this year's program ensures the important business of the association is dealt with, as well as allowing members the opportunity to network and enjoy the local attractions," she said.
This year's conference program gets underway with a church service on Sunday evening, with the official opening on the Monday morning.
During business sessions CWA delegates will debate a range of motions including calls for: government funding to be made available to investigate the health effects of e-cigarettes; the growing, manufacture and distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes be legalised; future road safety campaigns address the responsible use of high beam headlights, and fog and driving lights, and adequate government funding continues to be made available to help landholders to eradicate the wild dog problem in NSW.
Members are also concerned with the important and topical issue of food labelling with three related motions on the agenda.
The remainder of the program comprises business sessions, meetings and award ceremonies and will conclude with the gala dinner on Thursday evening.
Art, china painting, handicraft and entries from The Land Cookery Competition will be on display and open to the public until the Thursday morning, with some items available for purchase.
This year's conference will be held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre.
