From all across the far western countryside women young and old traveled to Hatfield, some 100 kilometres north of Balranald in south west NSW, to celebrate the annual Hatfield Happening, organised by the Balranald ICPA (Isolated Childrens Parents Association) Branch.
ICPA Balranald publicity officer Ange Spinks said it was a wonderful day of outback hospitality; celebrating being rural women and bringing together women to share laughter, cups of tea, home baked goodies and news from the past 12 months.
Guest speakers included Rosalie Ham, acclaimed author of “The Dressmaker” and Stacey Armstrong, a former Balranald local who recently walked the Kokoda Track.
Mrs Spinks said Ms Ham gave guests insight into behind the scenes of the movie “The Dressmaker” in the eyes of a cast extra and how the book came to fruition.
“Stacey also took the audience through a photographic journey of her recent trekking the Kokoda Track,” Mrs Spinks said.
Childcare was also available from the Broken Hill Outback Mobile Resource Unit, allowing young mothers some much needed time out for a few hours.
“A big thanks to Rabobank Swan Hill for providing sponsorship of the day enabling the cost to be kept to a minimum for attendees,” Mrs Spinks said.
“Such a fantastic day was had by all, and we look forward to the Hatfield Happening in 2017.”
