Unlocking door to their past

Not only did the association allow those women to form crucial social networks, the building of rest rooms in the small towns provided a place in which they could meet and attend to issues such as the health of their children.

In recognition of the spirited action of those pioneering women during the past nine decades, their history has been written. 

The book, ‘Country women – hold the key’, recording the history of the CWA in the Riverina was launched by Annette Turner, state president CWA during the 90^th annual conference for the Riverina Group CWA held in 2016.

It was the culmination of three years research by the members of the committee, and was a fitting tribute to all women in the Riverina who have bonded and served throughout the past nine decades fulfilling the CWA motto “For country women, by country women”.

Speaking recently about the successful presentation of the book, current Riverina Group President, Ann Adams from the Oura branch noted the dedication of the publication committee with support from CSU Archives staff.

“They have done a tremendous job,” she said. 

“The book has been very well received by our members and we will be spreading it as wide as we can.”

From the outset in 1923 when the first branch was formed in Urana, CWA branches formed across the Riverina had a common aim to advance the cause of country women and in so many ways alleviate their problems.

“CWA was for fellowship and friendship, it was a chance for country women to work together for the betterment of all country women,” Mrs Adams said.

“It wasn’t easy, but at least in past days the ladies had really good stamina because they overcame so many hurdles in their lives and not only that, they had many challenges to establish the CWA.”

As an extremely valuable institution, the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is aging well, but the association does recognise the need to stay relevant within its tradition if it is continue to pursue its aims of improving the lot for country women.

Riverina Group president, Ann Adams said the CWA aren’t “getting the young people, although we are held in high esteem by the government.”

“We are still able to have influence to improve facilities, and in the past 90 years we have raised a lot of money to buy equipment for hospitals, and supporting the Life Education caravan through the 1980’s,” she said.

“And we are still contributing towards nursing homes or retirement villages.”

The power of historical record remembers that generational commitment to the Riverina community, and with the publication of ‘Country women – hold the key’, the Riverina Group is noting the service of those women who overcame difficulties to establish family life in distant areas.

“Following in the footsteps of our pioneering members, the vision to improve the conditions for country women and their families, especially in rural and remote Australia, continues today,” Riverina Group patron, Mrs Jan Brill AM said.

Along with a variety of health and community issues, the Riverina Group was not afraid to take a political stand when it was thought necessary by the majority of their members. 

In 1984 at their conference, Riverina Group carried the notion “that CWA of NSW strongly object to the State Government plans for changes to the NSW Constitution which would make it virtually impossible for Democrat and Independent candidates to be elected to the Upper House. These changes, being undemocratic, should be resisted.”

As Mrs Adams said: they were strong women, with determined views who worked hard to establish their families and communities in the Riverina.

“The CWA supported them as it continues to do now and for the future,” she said.