The Gunnedah branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is celebrating 95 years.
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The members celebrated the major milestone with representatives from surrounding branches including Emerald Hill, Curlewis, Manilla and Willala. Branch patronesses and councillor Rob Hook were special guests.
Cr Hook said the Gunnedah Shire Council appreciated the work of volunteer groups, such as the CWA.
“I don’t think the community would be as tightly knit as it is without volunteers,” he said.
“We don’t want to see organisations such as this depleted.”
Branch president, Coralie Howe, said it was a lovely occasion and she was thankful to other branches for attending.
“It’s very good being able to celebrate with everyone,” she said.
The Gunnedah branch was established at a meeting convened by Frances Studdy in the School of Arts building, on June 22, 1922, soon after she established the Emerald Hill branch on June 2, 1922.
Ms Studdy and Susan Ritchie attended an open conference of country women in Sydney from April 18-22, 1922, which was inspired by a female journalist, the writer of a rural newspaper women’s page, and Bingara resident Grace Munro.
The women had the objective of improving conditions for country women and from this spark came the Country Women’s Association.
Ms Munro became the first state president, with Frances Studdy and Susan Ritchie elected to the first executive. Soon after the women began branches at Emerald Hill, Gunnedah and Boggabri.
In 1928, the Frances Studdy Rest Room, on the corner of Barber and Henry Streets, was purchased for 1250 pounds and used for mothers-in-waiting. In 1933, a baby health centre was established and an extra room and kitchen were built.
The rest home was sold in 1963 and block of land purchased at 112 Barber Street. The CWA Rooms were opened on November 26, 1966.
- More photos online at www.nvi.com.au