THE Victorian CWA have proved once again that they are much more than just a great lamington or sponge cake.
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Descending on Kyabram in their hundreds last weekend, members from across the state gave a welcome boost to the local economy as the town hall hosted the annual CWA Creative Arts Exhibition.
It was quite the coup for Ky – or icing on the cake, if you prefer.
Ky is one of only a handful of small towns to ever host the event, with bigger regional centres such as Warrnambool or Yarrawonga usually getting the gig.
And as well as bringing some incredibly intricate and well-made produce, handmade crafts and floristry, it brought the crowds.
Much of Kyabram’s accommodation received a welcome boost in bookings and cafés along the main street, as well as premier attraction the Kyabram Fauna Park, had some extra visitors.
“Kyabram is a hidden gem set among dairy farms,” GV West CWA president Jenny Goonan told the crowd in her opening address.
“I hope this weekend you come away with new ideas, new friends and new inspiration.”
And there was plenty to be inspired about. Among the award recipients were a number of green and blue star awards.
That means that the entry received at least 95 per cent in judging, that the comments did not mention anything negative, and that it passed one final inspection by the panel of judges.
This year, 10 were awarded – the maximum that can be handed out by judges. Zena Provan from the Pooter Branch of the Goulburn Valley West Group received one of the awards for her felted, eco-dyed and embroidered rocks.
Those 10 were among 1560 entries, more than ever before. Encouragingly, many were first-time participants; organisers are hoping that’s a positive sign for bigger and better things in years to come.
The entries were judged by CWA-trained and accredited judges from across the state.
CWA Creative Arts Committee chairperson Heather Scott was emphatic in thanking the volunteers and local members who made the event happen, particularly Kyabram’s own Doreen Napier.
“Doreen has worked tirelessly to make this happen as soon as it was confirmed in Kyabram. Every time I called her, she had a new sponsor or new development, she has been wonderful,” she said.
All 60 volunteers will be putting their feet up for a cuppa and a well earned break this week after an incredible effort.
“We go home exhausted, but we love it,” Ms Scott said.
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