Country Women’s Association members from all over NSW and parts of Victoria joined members from surrounding groups for the Barellan CWA centenary celebrations last week.

One very active 90 year old member and her husband travelled from the Gold Coast in Queensland to attend.

There were many apologies from former and present day members but all sent messages. Barellan had a number of resolutions to State Conference and most were successful.

Clockwise: Federal Member and Deputy Leader of the Liberals Sussan Ley addresses the gathering watched nearby by Narrandera Shire Mayor Neville Kschenka (seated), A close-up of the artistically decorated 100th anniversary cake, Barellan branch president Donna Robertson with Sussan Ley. Photos: Narrandera Argus

Federal Member and Deputy Leader of the Liberals Sussan Ley congratulated Barellan on its 100 years and State Member for Murray Helen Dalton also spoke, noting that she had been a long time member of Barellan CWA.

Catering was excellent and the food was very capably served by the Barellan Central School Hospitality class. A beautifully decorated birthday cake was cut by life members Reta Spencer and Val Hawker and served later as sweets.

Former CWA Younger Set members and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke sent greetings and her apology due to parliamentary commitments.

Branch president Mrs Donna Robertson welcomed everyone and Annabell Harris gave the Welcome to Country on behalf of the Wiradjuri people.

Guest speaker Mrs Joy Beames spoke of CWA activities, commenting that CWA was not all cooking, sewing, knitting etc.

Over the years the Barellan branch had taken some important resolutions to State Conferences.

She made particular mention of the five cent refund available in South Australia for soft drinks/bottles and cans requesting that it be made law in NSW – eventually it happened and it was a ten cent refund!

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 25 August 2022.