Strength and service inside Parkes CWA

PARKES CWA Over the past year, members of the Parkes Country Women’s Association have been busy supporting our branch and contributing to many activities throughout our community. The Parkes CWA meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Parkes Services Club. Our meetings are often enjoyed over dinner, providing members with an opportunity to connect, share skills and experiences, and enjoy each other’s company. We have also enjoyed several informal social gatherings, including a meet and greet and a visit to Inkwood & Ivy Books and Curiosities. These gatherings provide an important opportunity for women to come together, build friendships, share knowledge and help combat isolation. At our meetings, members discuss ways we can best assist our community, while continuing the CWA tradition of supporting and improving conditions for women, children and families. Supporting our community Parkes CWA has been proud to support several organisations and community initiatives over the past year through our fundraising and donations. Our contributions have included supporting the local preschool, Royal Far West, Macquarie Homestay, CareWest Lodge, CareFlight and Dollar for Dusty Little Wings. We are grateful to our members and the wider community whose generosity and support make these contributions possible. Every fundraiser, donation and act of kindness helps us continue our commitment to supporting those in need, both locally and across rural and regional communities. There are moments that truly humble you and remind us why the work we do as an organisation is so important. Meeting Dusty, who was travelling from Warren to Canberra to raise money for Little Wings, was certainly one of those moments. Hearing about the vital need for paediatricians and other medical services for families living in the bush was a timely reminder of the challenges faced by people in rural and regional communities. It was wonderful to hear about the difference Little Wings makes in helping families access the medical care they need. At our August meeting, we were fortunate to welcome Anne Norton from Sprouts, who spoke about the organisation, its work and the many ways it supports our community. It was an informative presentation and gave members a greater insight into the valuable work carried out by this not-for-profit organisation. Parkes CWA has also been invited on several occasions to provide catering for events, including the NSW State CWA meeting held in Parkes, Women in Ag, and Drones in Ag and Farm Mapping training, which was held over two days at Adavale Hall. These events have provided wonderful opportunities for our branch to support worthwhile initiatives while also showcasing the hospitality for which our members are known. Our involvement in the wider community has included participating in the Anzac Day Dawn Service and Seniors Expo, as well as sponsoring the Cooking and Needlecraft sections at the Parkes Show. In May, Parkes CWA hosted and catered for the Oxley Group Public Speaking Competition. The program includes a variety of competitions that encourage students to prepare and deliver speeches on a range of topics, helping young people develop confidence and communication skills. As part of the broader CWA of NSW, our local branch also contributes to advocacy on issues affecting women, families and rural and regional communities, including access to better health services. Earlier this year, the Parkes branch was represented at the Waste-to-Energy Parliamentary Inquiry, providing an opportunity to contribute to an important issue affecting our communities. For the past few years, Parkes CWA has hosted the Oxley Group Council meetings. With Fiji being the current CWA study country, we were delighted this year to welcome members of the Fijian women's community as guest speakers. They shared their experiences with us and entertained everyone with some beautiful singing. Successful street stall Our annual street stall was held on 11 September, and thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of our members, we were able to put together a wonderful morning. The weather was beautiful, and we had an amazing selection of homemade goodies donated, including meringues, melting moments, date slices, rocky road, lamingtons, lemons and lemon butter, chocolate chip cookies and many other delicious treats. The goodies were displayed on our newly purchased tablecloths, giving the stall a lovely fresh appearance. The morning was a great success, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed. Raffle Our raffle has also been launched, with the draw to take place at the Christmas Carnival on 5 December. Prizes include: First prize – grocery grab from IGA, second prize – handmade quilt, third prize – pamper hamper, fourth prize – Teddy Goose & Co products, and fifth prize – Buttabeef voucher. We sincerely thank everyone who has donated prizes, purchased tickets or supported our fundraising efforts. Your support is greatly appreciated. Nourish and Flourish event Parkes CWA is delighted to announce it will be hosting a Nourish and Flourish Day on Saturday 7 November at Adavale Hall. The day promises to be an inspiring and enjoyable opportunity to learn, create and connect, with deliciously nutritious morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch provided throughout the day. We are excited to welcome a wonderful line-up of presenters and facilitators who will share their knowledge and talents. Nutritionist Laura Kiel will explore the importance of nourishment and wellbeing, while Sounds of Being with Jenz Yogalates will offer an opportunity to discover ways to support a sense of balance and wellbeing. Leanne Riley and Christine Somers will lead a creative paper flower-making workshop, where participants can enjoy learning new skills and creating something beautiful to take home. Adding another creative element to the day, the delightful Daneille Diener will showcase her artistic talents and lead an art and painting workshop. With a wonderful mix of nutrition, wellbeing, creativity and connection, Nourish and Flourish promises to be a day for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are available through TryBooking for $60 per person. Keep the date in your calendar and join us at Adavale Hall for a day of nourishment, creativity, friendship and flourishing. As a branch, we continue to find ways to evolve while respecting the traditions of the 102 years that have come before us - traditions that remain an important part of the CWA. It is encouraging to see our members embracing new opportunities while continuing to uphold the values of friendship, service and community that have always been at the heart of our organisation. I would like to sincerely thank all our members and everyone who has continued to support Parkes CWA. Every act of kindness, every hour volunteered and every contribution helps our branch continue to make a difference in our community. If you are interested in meeting new people, making friends and contributing to our local community, we would love to welcome you to Parkes CWA. Come along, meet us and see what the CWA is all about and follow our Parkes CWA Branch Facebook page for updates. You can join the Parkes Country Women’s Association online through CWA of NSW and select Parkes as your local branch.