Nearly a century of service

Newly elected Barwon CWA Group officers at the 99th annual conference (l-r) Di Shearin (Vice President), Mel Press (Ag & Environmental Officer), Judy Campbell (Treasurer and State Executive committee member), Sarah Thomas (Publicity Officer), Trish Wilkins (International Officer), Helen Harris (The Land Cookery Officer), Marianne Webb (Cultural Officer), Suzie Murray (Handicraft Officer), Coleen Edgar (Vice President), Jocelyn Cameron (Minute Secretary), Robyn Walters  and Margaret Barret (Vice Presidents). Absent: Chris Ford (President and Social Issues Officer), Margie Cruikshank (Secretary). Photo contributed

The Country Women’s Association Barwon Group celebrated its 99th Annual Conference at the Lightning Ridge Multi-Purpose Centre on October 11th, bringing together members from across north-western New South Wales.

Outgoing secretary Jocelyn Cameron said the milestone event marked the start of preparations for the group’s centenary in 2026.

“We are working on a special event for next year, something out of the ordinary,” Ms Cameron said.

“The CWA itself was formed in 1922, and it took a while to organise branches into groups, especially in regions because New South Wales is a pretty big place.”

The Barwon Group - originally known as Far North West - was established in 1926 after separating from neighbouring Gwydir and Namoi groups.

Today the Barwon group includes seven branches - Walgett, Goodooga-Lightning Ridge, Pilliga, Rowena, Burren Junction, Collarenebri, and Wee Waa. Ms Cameron said Barwon remains one of the smaller groups in the state. […]

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