Quirindi CWA marks 95 years serving the community

The branch marked its 95^th anniversary this week.

Colleen Wills has been a member of the local organisation for more than 50 years.

She said all the volunteers should be proud of the help and support they have provided the people of Quirindi, through the decades.

"There's no doubt we've made a wonderful contribution over the years," Mrs Wills said.

"I have great memories, I've been very proud of it all and I've thoroughly enjoyed it."

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She said it was clear the CWA has been cemented in the community and hoped it would continue to play a part for another 95 years as well.

"Looking around now, I think we're needed more than ever in today's world," Mrs Wills said.

There have been plenty of changes over the past century, but Mrs Wills said the Quirindi CWA had always operated with the same motto - service to country.

In the unprecedented times brought on by COVID-19, volunteers have adapted to continue to support the community.

"We've done a lot of handicraft stuff of late ... women have made rugs, scarves, beanies and that, for the homeless," Mrs Wills said.

"It gives the women something to do while they're at home and feel like they've got a purpose in life has been very, very important."

Although the branch can't do so much work in places like schools, they've worked out a way to deliver Chinese meals to the local nursing home residents once a month as a special treat.

Mrs Wills said a memorable achievement of her time in the CWA had been the organisation's dedication to supporting the rural community through the worst drought on record.

She said it was hard to watch her town struggle, but was proud money raised through the CWA had almost entirely gone directly to locals in need.

"People really want to see small country towns survive, to see that money go back into the town has really pleased people," Mrs Wills said.

The ABC's Four Corners visited Quirindi in 2018, to do a story about the drought and fundraising.

She said the response from people wanting to help after the Four Corners episode was "out of this world".

The secret to the long term success of Quirindi's CWA is being immersed in local society, according to Mrs Wills, who has also served on the NSW CWA committee.

"To be part of the community is the whole secret of success for the CWA," she said. "If you show respect and look after them, they'll look after you and that's what's happened with us."

The branch will host a series of small events over the year to celebrate its 95^th birthday, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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