Youanmite Country Women’s Association branch celebrates 90 years of connection

“It’s a really nice and special feeling here,” she said of Youanmite Hall, which has hosted the branch since its inception.

Secretary Alison Field spoke about the history of the branch, which gained 49 members in its first year and has hosted a range of events, from concerts and dances to skit shows.

Multiple members recalled how the children from Youanmite Primary School used to come by the hall for afternoon tea before it closed in 2000, some of whom went on to become members themselves.

Leading members of the Youanmite branch performed a satirical scene poking fun at how their meetings used to run in the ’60s, with one member accidentally reading her recipe book instead of the minutes from the last meeting.

The CWA Moira Group jumped up on stage next to dance in colourful ponchos to Celebration by Kool & The Gang.

The event was also an opportunity to award long service badges to multiple members whose time with the CWA can be measured in decades.

The longest serving member in attendance was June Field, who has been a member for 78 years.

Ms Field has been so dedicated that she named her daughters, Carolyn, Wendy and Alison, after the CWA initials.

As part of the celebration, crafts and newspaper clippings were put on display, including an early copy of Women’s Weekly, which featured a photo of Ms Field and a photo from a kayaking adventure.

Ms Field has many fond memories of the CWA, especially the annual concerts.

“We had a lot of fun here doing silly things,” she said.

“I’ve seen so many people of so many ages come through.”