Country Women’s Association of NSW 86th Annual General Meeting 5-8 May 2008, Tweed HeadsDay by Day "Caring and Sharing"
Sunday
Sunday evening an Ecumenical Service was held with the Border Council of Churches conducting the service. The leaders were Rev. Sue Woodstock, Rev. Erin Parry, and Rev. Kevin Bourke of the Anglican Church, with Chaplain Lorraine McCrae, and Rev. Brian Whitlock of the Uniting Church and Father John Darbyshire, of the Catholic Church. All took part in the service.
The State Choir sang "I will shout! Sing Praise", and "They'll know we are Christians" as responses to the seven readings. Father Darbyshire gave the Homily. The choir sang Pacem Blessing, based on Bach's Air on the G string. It was very beautifully done. Final blessings were made by the Ministers. It was a wonderful start to our Conference. Mrs. Marie de la Torre and the choir are congratulated on a lovely performance. The offertory raised $2765 which will be used for Tweed Coast Christian Education. Monday
On Monday morning the Official Opening was performed by Mr. David Ward, Master of Earl Page College. The State Choir sang "Funiculi, Funicula", "You Raise Me Up" and "Internet Boogie". Guest Speaker Ms Ronni Khan, OzHarvest, gave an inspiring address about commencing this project based on a program she had seen operating in the USA. Restaurants, function centres and food outlets are contacted asking that left over food be donated for distribution to the needy in Sydney. The project has attracted some influential people and is expanding rapidly. Plans are to get this scheme working in rural areas as well.
The State President's report outlined the activities of our Association and her experiences while travelling to Branch and Group functions in the past year.
The afternoon session dealt with the First General Meeting, a presentation by Mr. Brett Riley, Telstra Country Wide East Region, and agenda items. The State Handicraft and Cultural Committee Meetings were held with presentations to winners. Details are elsewhere in this journal. Tuesday
Tuesday morning started with confirmed nominations of Group Representatives and Executive Committee. The State Hon. Secretary and State Hon. Treasurer's reports were presented. A presentation was made to Conference by Mr. Brendan Ryan, Macquarie Equities Limited, detailing the spread of CWA investments. He answered questions from the floor.
In the afternoon guest speaker, Ms. Tracey Knowland, winner of the Rural Women's Award spoke of her efforts on the land.
State International Officer, Mrs. Pat Irving, delivered her final report, stating that she was pleased that the study of Malta had generated so much interest, and also of the ACWW Triennial Conference held in Finland. She was presented with a gift from Mrs. Roberts on behalf of members.
State Agricultural and Environmental Officer, Mrs. Tanya Cameron, also presented her final report, and announced the winners in the Recycled Article Competition. She was also given a gift by the State President on behalf of members.
In the evening Mr. John Dwyer, The Land Newspaper, presented Cookery Awards and a special award in memory of Donna Latter was made by her husband and daughter.
The State International Meeting followed, the State Choir sang the Mexican Anthem in English and Mrs. Marie de la Torre sang it in Spanish. Her Excellency Martha Ortiz de Rosas, Ambassador of Mexico, said it was the first time she had heard her country's anthem sung in English. Her Excellency gave a wonderful talk and slide presentation on Mexico. The Hon. Consul for Mexico was also in the audience. Mr. David Ward, Master of Earl Page College, spoke of the long association with CWA through the yearly Country of Study schools and announced that four scholarships were given by the College.
Mrs. Ruth Shanks, South Pacific Area President, ACWW, spoke of her first meeting in London with other area Presidents, and encouraged CWA to raise their giving to Coins (Pennies) for Friendship. She suggested members take, say, $5 for initial ingredients, make and sell the item for a profit, and continue on accumulating money to be given in by September for this purpose.
East Timor is now part of ACWW. There are problems with getting Island women to and from Perth for Conference and $7000 was taken from the International Fund to assist them to attend.
The International Book Trophy was presented by Mr. David Ward. Winners are listed in this journal.
Mrs. Jenny Mitchell, past Deputy World Leader ACWW, spoke of a proposed exchange of one member to the USA for a month, with an American to come to Australia. Mrs. Lyn Braico of Hornsby & District Branch was chosen and will depart in June. Wednesday
On Wednesday morning, agenda items were dealt with. Mr. Martin Peck and Ms. Yvonne von Hartel presented plans for the Development Application for the Potts Point site with a proposed 9 storeys plus 2 basement levels for parking. 52 residential apartments plus the State President's apartments are proposed.
The afternoon was free for members to take tours, or just relax, before the Conference Dinner. The Conference Room was transformed into a festive venue with balloons and cactus plants. This was a sell-out affair, the food was excellent and entertainment very good. A bush balladeer had guests "in stitches" with his very witty presentation of poems effortlessly delivered. Many guests went home with bottles of wine etc. won as lucky door prizes. It was a wonderful night and a chance to catch up with old friends. Thursday
On Thursday morning the ballot results were announced. Further Special General Meeting was held, then back to the agenda.
The Garry Essay competition had 14 entries with the winner being Mrs. Ruth Fox of Mullumbimby. The judge was impressed with all entries and members' ideas on how they could help stave off climate change.
The Wagga Daily Advertiser Award was presented by Wayne Geal, CEO, Riverina Media Group.
The Past State Presidents' Award presentation was made by Mrs. Audrey Hardman OAM, who said what a difficult job she and Mrs. Muriel Commens had to choose the winners. She said she was amazed at the level of commitment Branches had in their communities.
Mrs. Joy Press reported on the Show Catering Committee Tearoom operations at the Sydney Showground, and presented a cheque for the net profits of $78,725 to the Association.
Guest Speaker, Ms Carolyn Hauff, addressed "Schooling today's generation - what a challenge!" and had members engrossed in her talk, A copy of her address is now available on the website.
After Ms Hauff's presentation, we went back to the agenda, then had a luncheon adjournment.
The afternoon session had Dr. Melissa Gabriel, Centre for Children's Cancer & Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, address Conference, where she gave an update on Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Research. A cheque for $29,360 was presented to Dr. Gabriel as money raised during the year for our Medical Project.
Agenda items were dealt with, with the following Motions of Urgency passed. Holbrook Branch moved that the CWA of NSW donate $25,000 from the International Fund to provide immediate aid to victims of Burma's cyclone. Mrs. Jenny Mitchell suggested that this money be given to Doctors without Borders, as they would provide medical aid without delays. This was carried.
Wallendbeen Branch moved that CWA of NSW strongly oppose the proposed privatisation of the NSW power industry, and was carried.
All Agenda items were carried Resolution 13. (See the list on pages 12 and 13 of this journal).
A collection plate had been placed for contributions to Coins for Friendship, which resulted in $400 being donated.
Broken Hill is the venue for 2009 from 4th to 7th May. Enquiries to 08 8080 3560. The 2010 Conference will trial of a 4 day weekend Conference, with the venue to be announced later.
Group Presidents were presented on stage with the State President's best wishes for the coming year.
Votes of thanks were given by Executive members, and gifts presented to all who had participated in the organising of the Conference.
Mrs. Roberts declared the 2008 State Conference closed at 3.15 pm. |
