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AustralianFarmers

‘Sconversations’ with the CWA

When you picture a warm cup of tea and a freshly cooked scone, it’s hard not to feel comforted and somewhat disarmed. It’s the secret weapon of the Country Women’s Association, which is marking 100 years supporting people in regional Australia. Of course, these wonderful members offer so much more than a hot afternoon cuppa, but it is symbolic of something at the heart of this organisation – connection.

Country Women’s Association’s NSW branch president, Stephanie Stanhope.

“As a women’s organisation, that’s one thing we do really well. We sit down and talk,” says Stephanie Stanhope, CWA’s NSW branch President.

“Everyone at some time will just need to be propped up a bit. Sitting down and just being able to talk freely, which you can do over a cuppa, it’s just a massive pressure release.”

Support in the tough times

Stephanie calls Numbugga home which is about 25 kilometres outside Bega in southern NSW. It’s a stunningly beautiful part of the country but unfortunately also the site of the horrific Black Summer Bushfires. Tragically, Stephanie lost her home during this disaster and after years of service to her community, she learnt what it was like to be on the receiving end of help from others.

“As a women’s organisation, that’s one thing we do really well. We sit down and talk.”

“Just the support from unknown members of the association. A note. A phone call. It just made so much difference,” Steph tearfully recalls.

“The fires, the floods, the drought, the mice plague – just being able to talk freely makes so much difference to everyone.”

That demonstrates what a crucial support role the organisation plays but advocacy for better services in regional areas is also a key part of the organisation. Stephanie spends a lot of time on the road speaking with other branches.

Advocacy for better regional services is a key part of the organisation.

“When I’m out and about, we can discuss what the issues are. That’s what we do, advocate for better conditions in regional and rural NSW,” she explains. 

“The fires, the floods, the drought, the mice plague – just being able to talk freely makes so much difference to everyone.”

Stephanie knows first-hand the challenges that can confront those living in the country from her background in dairy cattle. These challenges impact all ages but even still, many people may be surprised to learn the CWA often has members aged 18 to 100.

“One of the things I want to do for our centenary conference this year is acknowledge all those members who are turning 100 this year. I think we’ve got seven or eight!”

Bringing services to the regions

It is a testament to the tireless work of the volunteers that, 100 years since it all began, the CWA is still as relevant as ever.

“Social and financial systems have changed but because we advocate for improvements in regional and rural NSW, that is always going to be necessary. The heart of the association is its membership. They are aware of what their communities need.”

Stephanie also says having no political affiliation is a major asset, as well as not being limited to any one single issue, has allowed the organisation to change with the times and remain relevant. 

The CWA has a very visible presence in the community with fundraisers like cake stalls, sausage sizzles and pop-up cafes at places like the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where these women sell an average of 4,000 scones a day. Perhaps, what’s less known is where the money goes. 

The CWA sells an average of 4,000 scones at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Stephanie highlights a vast range of causes the CWA has taken up in recent times.

“One of the projects we’ve spent quite a bit of time on is the inland rail. The consultative process with the farmers has been lacking, so we’re advocating on behalf of those families who will be severely impacted by the train route.

“We did a lot of work with the Narrabri Gas Project because it will impact quite a large area of members. But one thing we are always advocating on is improvement in medical and educational services in regional and rural NSW. As a single person, they can’t do anything about it but when you get enough people together, you can make a difference.”

I am exceedingly proud to be a member of the CWA. It is such an amazing organisation with a remarkable spread of women.”

In addition to advocating for better outcomes on major projects, the CWA also provides education scholarships within schools, supports medical research and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“I am exceedingly proud to be a member of the CWA. It is such an amazing organisation with a remarkable spread of women.”

Strong values

Like any membership organisation, it’s strength relies on the continuing cycle of participation.

“The women who started this 100 years ago, they must have been exceedingly remarkable women given the aims and objective remain the same to this day,” says Stephanie.

“To have the foresight to realise what was needed. That’s the strength of the organisation. We don’t go from fad to fad. It is just the basics – improving conditions in regional and rural NSW for women and families.”

Being a volunteer organisation, members have to want to be there. “In the process of achieving those aims and objectives we actually have fun.”

That’s the strength of the organisation. We don’t go from fad to fad. It is just the basics – improving conditions in regional and rural NSW for women and families.”

Anyone who has seen these women in action can testify to the fact, they always seem to be having a good time. “You can achieve the aims and objectives but you can have fun along the way. I think that’s what the organisation is. We are serious but we also know how to enjoy ourselves. That’s what we need.”

Stephanie believes being part of the CWA, what you give, you get back tenfold. “It’s the friendships that you make. You can drive up somewhere and people will remember you. You are always made to feel welcome.”

We couldn’t let Stephanie go without drawing her into the great scone debate – jam or cream first? She has a novel idea. “You put row of cream around the edge and a dollop of jam in the middle. So when you bite, you get both jam and cream.” Remember that for your next CWA scone!

Hear more stories just like Stephanie’s by subscribing to the Telling Our Story podcast on iTunes and follow podcast host Angie Asimus on Instagram for more updates.

Angie Asimus

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