For the first time in its 95-year history, the Country Women’s Association of Tewantin Noosa is moving its regular monthly meetings from daylight to evening hours in response to the growing number of working women joining the branch.
“This is a big change as day meetings have been held ever since the branch opened in 1927,” outgoing president, 91-year old Marcia Dorricott said at last Friday’s annual general meeting.
“All formal meetings will be held at night, although the Thursday morning Hobbies will continue the same”.
The change in meeting time after so many years marked a significant shift for the much cherished association which held its first meeting under the fig tree opposite the RSL as the Great Depression was looming.
The link with the RSL became even closer when the CWA was experiencing hard times and the RSL (whose original sub branch was formed in 1919) stepped up to purchase its precious premises in Poinciana Avenue and allow continuing occupancy.
The AGM paid warm tribute to Marcia Dorricott for her leadership of the branch, which has continued its operations only slightly diminished despite the challenges posed by Covid. Marcia’s account of the activities of the branch in 2021-22 yielded a long list of community support activities.
Marcia’s parting wish was that “the branch continue to grow and be part of the Tewantin Noosa Community for many more years”, and that is the goal Leigh McCready has taken on in a accepting the role of president.
“The CWA is a trusted, credible organisation and we have a responsibility to advocate for better outcomes for our community,“ she said.
“I am fortunate to have a strong team that will ensure the good work of Marcia and her committee is continued: former Noosa councillor Ingrid Jackson (Vice President, Policy and Projects); Jennifer Gleeson (Vice President, Publicity and Membership); Tina Grigson (Treasurer) and Robyn Shillington continuing as International Officer.“
The AGM was attended by CWA divisional president Patsy Lee from Nambour, Cooroy and Eumundi branch members, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and Noosa councillors Karen Finzel and Amelia Lorentson.
Mayor Clare Stewart addressed the meeting on the important new draft housing strategy on which the Council is seeking community feedback. Vice president Ingrid Jackson praised the initiative and summarised a proposal she had provided to the Council supporting the strategy and including some suggestions for improvement.
The branch later endorsed Ingrid Jackson’s submission, particularly her emphasis on the need for safe and secure housing for victims of domestic violence, older single women bereft of savings and low income workers.
Also noted was the fine work of the Thursday morning Hobbies Group under the leadership of Connie Beausang where members continue to enjoy the fellowship and friendship of other women. This year the group donated 25 knee rugs to residents of Carramar, Kabara, Oz Care, Calvary and Salvation Army care homes.
To join or for more information visit Tewantin-Noosa CWA on Facebook or email treasurertnqcwa@gmail.com
