The many varied ways the Far South Coast CWAs enrich their communities. Why not join one?

So many Far South Coast members of the CWA are unassuming. Behind the scenes, they are powerhouses doing amazing things for our communities.

All that cooking and craft raises funds for myriad worthy causes and local community groups. Many a community event and festival are supported by the presence of their cake and craft stalls, and they host their own gatherings where all women are welcomed with cheery smiles.

They are awesome advocates. Tilba CWA member Helene Sharpe stands out for taking her well-considered case for the need for a regional bus service to the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads.

The breadth of activities of the 10 Far South Coast CWA branches highlights how much they contribute to the region. They reflect the needs of their communities, and the remarkable range of the women’s skills and knowledge. They have heaps of fun doing so.

Bermagui branch raised more than $130,000 in a year to complete a 20-year quest to build two more affordable housing units for seniors. It earned them a visit from the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.

Bodalla branch’s famous Christmas cake raffle, its only fundraiser, supports the Bodalla Public School. Batemans Bay branch donates to local schools for excursions for disadvantaged students, Tilba branch supports the local preschool and primary school, and Eden gives financial support to two primary schools and one high school. Narooma branch applied for a grant to award a tertiary education grant to a Year 12 student at Narooma High School.

Some of Bega branch’s fundraising went towards the Sapphire Community Pantry and other local organisations.

Another way the CWA contributes is by hiring out its rooms to other community groups. With the help of three grants and other funds, Eden branch completed a $43,000 kitchen renovation which makes it attractive to hirers. Narooma branch successfully applied for grants to upgrade the rooms to become a Bushfire and Heatwave Haven.

A core reason the CWA was formed was to create activities for members and the community to socialise and feel less isolated. It remains a key focus of activities.

Pambula-Merimbula branch visited the residents of Albert Moore Gardens for morning tea and held stalls at Rotary Markets and two festivals. Tilba branch had a strong presence at the Tilba Festival and hosted a successful fundraising high tea.

Narooma branch holds Sunday afternoon games as a fundraiser and social event and has a dedicated group of mahjong players.

Cobargo has a new community meeting place since the Valiant coffee van moved to the CWA Cobargo Cottage gardens. The branch also holds a monthly cake stall on the main street that brings out the community as Cobargo’s CBD rebuild gets underway.

Eden branch was involved in the Open Gardens day, Anzac Day memorial, whale festival, the opening of the rebuilt Kiah Hall, and the Access Community Centre.

Moruya branch runs tea rooms, book nook and craft shop, providing opportunities for CWA and community members to mingle.

Many branches invite guest speakers, while Batemans Bay branch presented a speech on the history and future of the CWA to Garden Club.

Bega branch hosted the recipients of the state CWA Rural Doctors Network scholarships.

CWA branches also cook and sew for their local communities.

Batemans Bay catered for the Patchwork Christmas party, and Pambula-Merimbula branch delivers home-prepared desserts to Pearl’s Place fortnightly, plus makes and donates Breast Care Packs to the South East Regional Hospital in Bega.

Batemans Bay branch sewed cotton bags for Meals on Wheels, and Bodalla branch made beanies and baby blankets for the local premature babies ward, along with knee rugs for retirement homes.

Narooma branch is known for its craft. It puts its skills to great use by supporting Uniforms 4 Kids and the CWA Hospital Support committee for newborns. It also makes Bags for Dignity, hygiene bags for a remote Aboriginal community, and cuddle teddy bears for Narooma Ambulance.

Joining the CWA is a wonderful way to meet new people and support the community, while having fun. Members range from 13-year-olds to women in their 90s. Some are working, others studying, and some are active retirees.

All share the common goal to meet in friendship and make the community a better place for women, children, and families.

They meet monthly and new members are warmly welcomed. More information is on the website.