Family and friends gathered at the much-loved Rowie Pub recently to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Rowena’s Country Women’s Association branch.
Connecting country communities is something the CWA has been doing since day one, so it was fitting to see different generations smiling and laughing as they mixed, mingled, and shared treasured memories to mark the impressive centenary milestone.
“The celebration was great,” said dedicated Rowena CWA branch member Joc Cameron.
“A good local crowd and several past members who now live elsewhere attended.
“There was a memorabilia display which the visitors particularly enjoyed looking at – photo albums of past big events, CWA publications, certificates, the first treasurer’s ledger from 1924, international scrapbooks, among other things.
“Lindy McMicking came from Narrabri and loved the memorabilia display – her mother Joan, who is no longer with us, was a mover and shaker in Rowena CWA in the 1960s and 70s.
“Three grandsons of Myrna Harris, another branch mover and shaker who is no longer with us, attended with their families/partners, which was wonderful.
“Sons and grandsons of Elsie Harris and Ivy Cameron – other women of influence in Rowena branch’s history – were there too.”
A highlight of the birthday bash was the cutting of a beautifully decorated cake by three very special Rowie CWA branch identities: Thalia Phelps, Esme Phelps and Carolyn Michell.
“This was definitely a special moment,” said Mrs Cameron.
“The cake was made by Cindy Corbett, a past member who now lives in Walgett, and it looked wonderful.
“Thalia is still a current member even though she now lives in Narrabri.
“Carolyn and Esme are both past members and now live in Narrabri and Moree respectively – all very long standing, so having them cut the cake together seemed like a fitting thing, as well as a tribute to their connection to the branch.”
Often referred to as ‘the voice of the bush’, the CWA has a long and proud history of advocating for rural women, families and communities.
And the small but mighty village of Rowena has punched above its weight when it comes to delivering better outcomes and opportunities for its residents.
“From the minute books, Rowena branch began advocating for district residents nearly right from the start,” said Mrs Cameron, who is also a diligent historian.
“Improvements to train travel, which was all important in the 1920s especially to access places like Sydney, with emphasis on sleeper conditions.
“Lobbying the Walgett Shire about local issues – the village’s water supply, roads, rubbish removal.
“Many letters written to the local MP, Inspectors and the Minister for Education regarding issues attached to the local school – the building, provision of drinking water and ‘water closets, the lack of a shelter shed.”
In its early days, the Rowena CWA raised funds to support the Collarenebri Hospital, which Mrs Cameron explained was the closest place where medical assistance was available.
“Funds were raised to assist in the purchase of an x-ray machine, help equip the anaesthetic room, furnish and equip the nurse’s quarters including buying a fridge at one time, donating to improve the children’s and maternity wards.
“In more recent times, the branch has advocated on a wider range of issues, regarding government regulations around land and water use, mining, classification of and funding for control of weeds, funding for local government, the restructure of the electricity supply.
“At a local level, Rowena branch has always worked to assist local people and sometimes those further afield, in times of adversity, following natural disasters like floods and when illness or an accident occurred, especially if those concerned were struggling financially.”
A much-loved and cherished tradition of the Rowena CWA is the annual Christmas Tree event, which has been held since 1926.
Each year, around 50 local children receive gifts, bringing endless joy and a sense of Santa’s festive spirit.
“The branch funds an annual education grant for a local student completing Year 6, as all local children have to go elsewhere for secondary schooling, whether that be to boarding school or travelling a long distance to access a school bus,” said Mrs Cameron.
The Rowena CWA remains determined to maintain the Rowena Hall, a vital community hub.
“The branch has worked tirelessly over many years to ensure the survival of the Rowena Hall, lobbying the Walgett Shire to ensure it was maintained.
“This effort is more important than ever now, as the hall approaches its centenary in 1927 – the building is currently not able to be used, due to safety issues.”
However, the branch’s advocacy will go on. And as Rowie reflects on the CWA’s 100th anniversary and the legacy of its members, there is a call to keep the group active and attract news members to ensure a bright future for both the branch and the community.
“Rowena branch hopes to stay alive in the future and continue the kind of work already done for the village and district,” said Mrs Cameron.
“Surviving is an effort in a small community where there are few people to make up the membership,” she added.
And, there was another reason to celebrate at the CWA gathering, with the event held on Father’s Day, September 1.
“For the last couple of years, Rowena CWA has held a fundraising market day on Father’s Day, so it was decided to combine the two events this year rather than have two occasions close together,” said Mrs Cameron who thanked the stall holders who were able to attend, guests and organisers for making the marking of such a magnificent milestone a truly memorable occasion.
