Advocacy

When most people think of the Country Women’s Association (CWA), images of aproned country women baking perfect scones for fundraisers often come to mind. And while good food and coffee are certainly part of the story, they’re just a small piece of what this powerhouse group of women has achieved over 103 years of continuous advocacy, community service, and social reform across New South Wales and the ACT.

Formed in 1922 to improve conditions for women and children in rural areas, the CWA held its first conference the same year. Within 12 months, the concept of a women’s restroom at local shows — a safe space to breastfeed and rest — was born. In the years that followed, the CWA funded its first ambulance in Nyngan (1924), and its first hospital in Hillston. By 1937, the Association had established 13 emergency and maternity hospitals — all without government assistance.

During World War II, while the nation was at war, the CWA was running 120 baby clinics, 136 restrooms, 60 libraries, and eight holiday homes. In the decades since, the organisation has led advocacy that resulted in seat belts becoming compulsory in 1966, child restraints in private vehicles in the 1970s, and a ban on smoking in public eating areas. The CWA fought for school pedestrian crossings in 1968, random breath testing in 1980, itemised phone bills in 1985, bicycle helmets in 1986, seat belts in school buses in 1990, and national disability parking in 1997.

Time and again, this organisation has proven its commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of families in every corner of our state.

NSW Branch groups gather yearly in a statewide conference to discuss issues affecting women and families in rural, regional and remote communities. The focus is on improving healthcare, the environment, agriculture, transport, and telecommunications in regional and remote communities.  

With that same spirit of advocacy, the Bungendore Branch put forward amendments to the following motion to include the word families :

Motion:
That the policy of the CWA of NSW advocate for the provision of best practice baby health services, including accessible and well-resourced clinics, to support the health and development of infants, children, and families across NSW and the ACT. 

Locally we are advocating for greater safety for local pedestrians in Bungendore and for a greater police presence in our town overnight.