Celebrating a century: Wee Waa CWA’s 100th Anniversary

A momentous occasion was celebrated on Saturday: the 100th anniversary of the local Country Women’s Association branch.

Established in August 1924, the Wee Waa CWA has been a cornerstone of the community with its members tirelessly working to brighten and improve the lives of locals, especially women and children.

“It was a special day for all,” said Wee Waa CWA branch president Denise Robinson.

“We enjoyed a lovely lunch and the 100th birthday cake was cut by our two life members Marie McCarthy and Judy Smith.”

It’s been a year big year for the district’s CWA branches with the Wee Waa News recently featuring reports on Rowena and Burren Junction’s centenary celebrations, and on Saturday – it was Wee Waa’s time to shine and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of this remarkable group of local women.

All the CWA gatherings have fittingly boasted the hallmarks of a good birthday bash: scrumptious cake, bright balloons and flowers, memorabilia, delicious food and drinks as well as great company.

Among the attendees were descendants of the Wee Waa CWA branch’s first president – Miss Isabella Mary Gray.

Bruce Gray, her great-nephew, attended the event with his wife Kay and their daughter Michelle. Both Gray women are current CWA members continuing the legacy started by a group of enthusiastic and passionate local women 100 years ago.

While the Wee Waa CWA was established in August 1924, it’s understood the local branch of members was officially formed on September 22 (1924) at a meeting held at the Wee Waa Library in the School of Arts on George Street.

The minutes of the first meeting are sadly damaged, but it’s known Miss Gray was elected president, Mrs Evans was elected treasurer, and Mrs A. Cameron was the first secretary.

Other members at the meeting included Mesdames Evans, Fallich, Boyle, Cameron, Coppelson, Gray, Clemesha, Knight, Anderson, Schwager, O’Rourke, Husley and Harris.

Many are still familiar family names in the Wee Waa district today, and records list the surnames of other attendees at the branch’s early meetings such as Wilson, McMullen, Watson, Collett, Holcombe and Thompson, to name a few.

Current CWA Wee Waa branch president Denise Robinson reflected on the group’s admirable contributions over the years and, during her speech, Mrs Robinson thanked guests for attending the gathering, executive committee members – secretary Gale Hewitt and treasurer Kay Gray – along with all the branch members who not only helped to make the 100th-anniversary party a success but remain committed to the CWA and our community.

Life members Marie McCarthy and Judy Smith were presented with flowers as well as long-serving members Beryl Green (member for 29 years), Kay Gray (member for 15 years), Judy Field (member for 14 years), and Dot Downey (member for 11 years).

Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs, including during the early days, Mrs Robinson said the Wee Waa branch’s first premises on Cowper Street was unfortunately destroyed due to a fire.

The resilient spirit of CWA members meant the group carried on and they led the push for the construction of new rooms at 110 Rose Street.

Officially opened in 1957 by the then Governor of NSW Sir John Northcott, these rooms have served as a hub for countless community activities.

In the early years, the rooms provided a safe and comfortable place for expectant mothers to stay and were also used by the baby health sister to run clinics.

Media articles at the time praised the excellent work and drive of Wee Waa’s CWA members and reported the opening of the ‘New rest room with special facilities for waiting mothers’ and in 1957 The Land stated, “This is an indication of just how important CWA is to women in places as far out west as Wee Waa where the problem of distances and bad roads still brings expectant mothers into town from distant properties, sometimes many weeks before their babies are born. Out here, 50 points of rain can gum up the roads for a week.”

When the Wee Waa CWA branch acquired the services of the child welfare nurse in 1925 it was considered a ‘great coup’.

Throughout its history, Wee Waa CWA has clocked up many fundraising achievements, marked important milestones and hosted events – both big and small – which have provided a much-needed sense of connection for the country community.

Mrs Robinson touched on some of these special moments and events, such as the social gatherings and dances initiated by the ‘CWA Younger Set’ and how the branch’s hall had been hired as a venue for wedding receptions.

In fact, the CWA rooms have been a hive of activity over the years, hosting everything from handicraft and sewing groups to ‘Paint and Sip’ nights and also offering a suitable meeting space for both local and visiting organisations.

Members have generously given their time to cater for local gatherings and organise fashion parades.

Participation in Remembrance Day wreath-laying ceremonies, the Wee Waa Show and Christmas Mardi Gras have remained a priority, just a few examples of how active CWA members are across the district.

Of course, when times get tough the CWA will always show up with members ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Playing a vital role in supporting the district during challenging times such as droughts, providing Christmas hampers, grocery gift cards, and distributing donated goods to farm families in need.

The branch has hosted conferences for both the Namoi and Barwon branches, and regularly welcomes visits from the Group President and other officials.

Wee Waa members advocacy has also extended beyond the levee bank, fighting for issues that matter to all rural communities and supporting the views of CWA representatives at a state and national level.

Embodying the true essence of what it means to be a ‘powerful voice for the bush’, in recent times, the CWA has called for more action to reduce rural crime, domestic violence and vaping.

While continuing to lobby government on important and ongoing issues facing rural areas such as education, health, transport, and agriculture.

The CWA’s mission is to improve the conditions for women and children in rural areas and make life better for families living in the bush.

At its core, the CWA is about making a positive difference and Saturday’s celebrations were a chance to recognise and pay tribute to the Wee Waa women who have left a lasting impact.

Whether it’s the social connections they’ve created to combat isolation, residents they’ve supported through tough times or causes they’ve spoken up about to force positive change – the Wee Waa branch of the CWA has plenty of reasons to celebrate.

“Thank you to the many people who have supported us throughout the years,” said Mrs Robinson.