CWA Goulburn Valley ‘not just tea and scones'

“We advocate for change — on issues that concern the community and the country."

Now, as Ms Goonan prepares to hand over the presidency, she is calling on women in the Goulburn Valley to join the CWA and continue its legacy for the next generation.

Since 1922, the not-for-profit organisation has worked to advance the rights and equity of women, families and communities — particularly those living in regional, remote and rural Australia.

In Victoria, 300 branches and about 5000 women run community-oriented programs and fundraisers, including 14 branches across the Goulburn Valley.

But Ms Goonan said while a Toolamba branch had recently opened, others were facing dwindling numbers or had closed.

“We've got a lot of branches that are (majority) elderly and they're closing down,” she said.

“Some of the communities had large branches — but they've lost their schools, they've lost their church, and they've got nothing that anchors them.

“The whole of Victoria needs new branches and new members, to get things bubbling again.”

Goulburn Valley West has seven branches from Kyabram and Harston to Mooroopna, Toolamba, Tatura and Shepparton.

Sadly, though, once successful branches in Murchison, Lancaster and Stanhope have shut down in the past two years.

“Numbers in those areas are declining,” CWA Mooroopna member Judy Luscombe said.

“You've got to have a leader that comes on, that's the hard part.”

Ms Goonan said joining the CWA was a way to find like-minded friends, learn new crafts and volunteer or fundraise for a community structure with decades of history.

“We've lobbied governments to have roll bars installed on quad bikes, requested legislation for safer packaging and disposal of button batteries, and have advocated to address inequity across the country for secure water supply,” she said.

This year, Goulburn Valley branches are raising funds for endometriosis research through the Jean Hailes Medical Centre for Women's Health, and studying the nations of indigenous Australia — starting with the area known as The Flats in Shepparton.

Ms Goonan hoped more women would be encouraged to join or start their own branch.

“We're not just old women . . . a lot of young people join because it's a night out and getting out without kids,” she said.

“It's a way for women to get together, and it's a focus for them.”

Incoming president Barbara Carter said the CWA had been a “lifeline” for her mother in times of need, while she was living in the remote community of Bollon, in north Queensland.

“The bush telephone had a party-line system where many women could join a conversation together and speak about drought, or the heat of summer,” she said.

“For these strong women living in the outback . . . the CWA seemed to be the life-blood of their existence.”

Later joining Mooroopna's CWA in her own adulthood, Ms Carter said her journey had provided strong friendships.

“There will always be a task to do, or a cuppa as well, stories to tell,” she said.

“And most all, a voice at the end of a phone line if and when you may require it.”

To join the CWA, or open a new branch, email Jenny Goonan at jenny.goonan@gmail.com