The Country Women’s Association is about to celebrate 100 years of service to country women, families and communities. With 13 branches across the state celebrating their centenary, Bingara joins Moree as the only two branches to reach the occasion in the Gwydir Group.
An enormous weekend of celebration has been planned for the weekend of March 12-13 with members of the public invited to get involved. It is expected that visitors will travel from across NSW and Australia to attend, with dignitaries including current CWA State President, Stephanie Stanhope, and past State Presidents Annette Turner and Jenny Mitchell.
Members past and present, alongside families and friends, will join the special guests coming to Bingara to join and honour the occasion, with local community members invited to attend the formalities to be held at Keera Station.
Mrs Grace Emily Munro M.B.E.
The Living Classroom, Bingara, will have historical displays of Bingara for viewing from 10:00am to 3:30pm Saturday 12 March, with a plaque unveiling to follow at 3:00pm in CWA Park.
On Sunday 13 March, there is a full day of festivity planned at Keera Station, with preparations in full swing. The local CWA extends their invitation to attend this occasion which will include a non- denominational church service, official proceedings, including a plaque unveiling, as well as morning tea and lunch.
RSVPs are respectfully requested for catering purposes. Please contact Mrs Mary Shephard on 0488 048 284.
Gwydir Branch member, Margaret Foster, says they are particularly excited to be hosting such a special occasion.
The first branch of CWA was formed in Bingara due to the foresight of one woman, Mrs Grace Emily Munro M.B.E. Mrs Munro became the first President and went on to form what the Country Women’s Association is today, an organisation that would work alongside country women, assisting them through the hardships and isolation they faced for themselves and their families.
Through the decades this wonderful, dedicated group of women have continued to grow and serve communities across the country. CWA members from across the country will be joining in celebrating the many milestones CWA has achieved.
“Mrs Grace Emily Munro M.B.E, her voice and passion for CWA has carried members forward throughout the decades striving for better conditions for women, families and communities across our great country,” said Gwydir Group Publicity Officer, Iris Barry.
