The Barwon Group of the Country Women’s Association held its 100th annual general meeting and conference in Pilliga on Saturday, 24 October.
L-R: NSW CWA president Tayna Jolly and Joy Beames, immediate past state President. Christine McDonnell and Pam Moore OAM. Photos: Leslie Hardman. CWA Northumberland Group President Lee Long and the Rowena branch’s Jocelyn Cameron, who has also served as the CWA Barwon Group’s Minute Secretary and Medical Grant Convenor. The CWA Barwon Group’s Medical Grant program includes an annual essay award, which is sponsored by CWA Northumberland Group, the twin group to the Barwon Group.
Rain certainly didn’t dampen spirits or deter about 70 people from attending the wonderful occasion, with attendees thrilled to catch up to mark the milestone.
Rebekah Makila and Ruth Shanks AM. BELOW: Michelle Southwell, Helen Oates and Rebekah Makila.
Since 1926, the Barwon Group has brought women together from across North West NSW, from Pilliga to Collarenebri, Wee Waa to Carinda, Lightning Ridge, Walgett and beyond.
Michelle Southwell, Helen Oates and Rebekah Makila.
The CWA has long been a voice for rural women, advocating for their communities and better services across the bush.
Rose Mumberson, Tanya Jolly and Lizzy Weber.
Local branches continue to foster strong friendships and drive positive change.
Chief Inspector Robert Dunn (Narrabri), Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens and Inspector Paul Battley (Walgett).
Special guests at the Pilliga event included Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey and his wife Judy, Narrabri Shire mayor Darrell Tiemens, Walgett Shire councillor Jane Keir OAM, Chief Inspector Robert Dunn and Acting Inspector Jason Ferns.
CWA Barwon Group president Chris Ford and Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey.
CWA state president Tanya Jolly, state vice presidents Leonie Fish and Bev Britton and state treasurer Ruth Cargill were among the special CWA guests in attendance.
Life Member, former President of the Goodooga-Lightning Ridge branch and esteemed Patron of the Barwon Group, Winsome O’Brien, cut the celebratory cake, pictured with CWA of NSW State president Tanya Jolly.
As well as three former CWA state presidents: Tanya Cameron OAM, Joy Beames and Ruth Shanks AM.
The CWA Barwon Group’s Medical Grant program includes an annual essay award, which this year was presented to Samantha Carrett of Wee Waa, a Diploma of Nursing student. Sponsored by CWA Northumberland Group, the twin group to the Barwon Group, the award recognises her thoughtful account of the challenges of rural healthcare. Pictured with Sam is CWA Northumberland Group President Lee Long. The CWA Barwon Group has awarded $23,950 in Medical Grants to 12 students from across the region in 2026. Supported by local donors and CWA branches, the annual program helps rural students pursue careers in healthcare. A report will feature in next week’s edition. Image supplied.
Readers would likely remember Tanya Cameron OAM, from the Rowena CWA Branch. As well as state, she also served as a group and national president of the CWA and received her Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for service to the community, particularly to women.
The Barwon Group of the Country Women’s Association held its 100th Annual General Meeting and Conference in Pilliga on Saturday, 24 October.
CWA branches also invited their own special guests. These included many members who had been ‘movers and shakers’ in the past and who now live elsewhere, returning to the North West for the event, including Pam Moore.
Jennifer Colless and Jane Keir OAM, Walgett Shire Councillor.
In 2006, Mrs Moore was named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list as a recipient of an Order of Australia Medal for services to the community through the CWA.
Ruth Shanks AM, past State president (Dubbo) and Joyce Purtle.
Mrs Moore and Mrs Cameron travelled from Queensland together for the occassion.
Christine McDonnell and Pam Moore OAM. Photos: Leslie Hardman.
Life member, former president of the Goodooga-Lightning Ridge branch and esteemed patron of the Barwon Group, Winsome O’Brien, cut the celebratory cake.
President of the CWA Barwon Group Chris Ford and Ken Beames.
Pilliga Branch members were praised for their huge effort in catering and preparing for the centenary celebration.
Guest speaker and CWA State president Tayna Jolly, CWA Northumberland Group President Lee Long and vice State president Bev Britton.
All those who attended and helped to make the day a success were also thanked, with different generations of CWA members coming together for the event.
Janette O’Brien, Jennifer Colless, Jane Keir OAM and Helen Harris.
A highlight was a presentation to Wee Waa’s Samantha Carrett, who won the best essay prize in this year’s CWA Barwon Group Medical Grant program, kindly sponsored by the CWA’s Northumberland Group.
Judy Smith, Gale Hewitt and Letitia Lowder.
A report on all the 2026 CWA Barwon Group Medical Grant receipts will feature in next week’s edition.
CWA Northumberland Group President Lee Long and the Rowena branch’s Jocelyn Cameron, who has also served as the CWA Barwon Group’s Minute Secretary and Medical Grant Convenor. The CWA Barwon Group’s Medical Grant program includes an annual essay award, which is sponsored by CWA Northumberland Group, the twin group to the Barwon Group.
