CWA locals from Caniambo, Baulkamaugh and the CWA Potters branch, with state president Jennifer Nola (second from left).
Photo by
Megan Fisher
The usual tread of weekenders hitting Shepparton’s pavement was more of a tsunami last week, as over 400 visitors hit the ground running.
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The reason for this influx?
Our regional city was selected as the venue for the 97th State Conference of the Country Women’s Association of Victoria, held at the McIntosh Centre on Friday, May 30.
There, hundreds of CWA members from across the state gathered to address pressing advocacy priorities and proposed resolutions that tackle vital issues affecting Victorian communities.
Family violence, cyber safety, food security — resolutions were passed on all these topics and more.
Margaret Wood from the Kurrajong branch and Prue McCredden from the Beulah branch take their seats.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
CWA of Victoria state president Jennifer Nola said the meeting also included an urgent resolution requesting the Victorian Government rescind the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund legislation.
“Following the conference, we’ll be having chats with the government (about this),” she said.
CWA of Victoria state president Jennifer Nola described the conference in Shepparton as “fabulous”.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Rubbing shoulders with the philanthropic-minded women were business figures in sharp attire who spoke on behalf of companies such as NBN and WorkSafe.
One of which was DV Safe Phone chair Richard Sluit, discussing the charity’s mission to support victims of family violence.
“He collected all our old mobile phones we brought to the conference to be repurposed for victims of family violence,” Ms Nola said.
Notable guests included City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, state Nationals leader Danny O’Brien and United Nations Commission on the Status of Women convener Sheila Byard.
All of whom contributed to a conference that Ms Nola described as “fabulous”.
Irene Freeman and Mavis Collison from the Sutton Grange branch, with staff member Robin Smith (middle).
Photo by
Megan Fisher
“We had a great time at the McIntosh Centre and a wonderful night at MOVE for dinner,” she said.
“The food was absolutely delicious, and the venue was amazing.”
The work stopped and the play continued throughout the weekend.
From dining options to retail rummaging, members experienced everything Shepparton had to offer.
“The visitor centre provided all our conference bags and information for what to go and see and do in Shepparton,” Ms Nola said.
“We’d also like to thank the local ambulance services.
“They responded to three callouts when our members were having medical issues, and they arrived very quickly.
“We’re very appreciative for the support the CWA received while we were in town.”
The Mitchell Group branch gathers for a photo.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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