Information about the Annual General Meeting

Download the resolutions passed here

Download the competition results here

Download the Sefton and Associates presentation here

The conference agenda can be downloaded here

Day by Day

Friday Morning

An Ecumenical Service was held prior to the Official Opening. It was conducted by the Port Macquarie Christian Ministers Association, led by Reverend Rosalind Bond of the Port Macquarie Uniting Church and supported by Pastor Carl Moses, Coastside Church, and Pastor Keith Henderson, Baptist Church. Members were extremely generous and donated over $3,200 to the offertory.

The swirl of bagpipes heralding the dignitaries' procession for the Opening Ceremony was an appropriate introduction to the 88th Annual Conference held in Port Macquarie from the 14th to 17th May.

Following the National Anthem, CWA Anthem and Motto, State President, Mrs Margaret Roberts, extended a warm welcome to the Conference "Shaping Our Future".

A delightful "Uncle Bill", alias Mr. William O'Brien, Aboriginal Elder of the Birpai People, welcomed delegates and visitors to the area with his traditional address. Another welcome was extended to all by the Administrator of the Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Mr Garry Payne, AM, ahead of the Official Opening performed by Mrs Ruth Shanks, AM, South Pacific Area President, Associated Country Women of the World.

Keynote speaker, Ms Noeline Brown, Ambassador for Ageing, gave members some useful advice on keeping happy, active, mentally alert and contributing to local communities. Her amusing anecdotes were well received by the audience.

Once again the State Choir (accompanied by Mrs Llewella Evans and conducted by Mrs Marie De La Torre) entertained with their renditions of an ABBA medley and the very beautiful "Hallelujah".

Friday Afternoon

Members enjoyed an afternoon of local tours or workshops, or free time.

Friday Evening

The State Cultural Awards ceremony was held with presentations by Mr Ian Burgess, Scott & Broad Pty. Ltd.

Following the State Cultural Awards was the State International Meeting, hosted by State International Officer, Mrs Margaret Brown. The guest speaker, Mrs. Ruth Shanks, AM, South Pacific Area President, ACWW, spoke of the ongoing work in the island countries and Papua New Guinea.

Mr Iain Steele, Scottish Development International, gave a lively speech (plus a video of him up a ladder!) entitled "What does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?"

The International Book Trophy was presented by Ms Andrea Gledhill, Head, Earl Page College.

Saturday

Saturday saw the start of the business sessions which included:

Confirmation of the Minutes of the 2009 Annual General Meeting

The First Special General Meeting

The introduction of nominees for State Office Bearer positions

The State Hon. Secretary's report

State Hon. Treasurer's report, including the presentation of the Audited Financial Report and the appointment of the auditor, Mr Rodney Grosvenor. The Treasurer also recommended the 2010/11 membership fee be increased by CPI of 2.9%, making $30 (including GST), plus conference fees $2.20, and Triennial Special Purposes Fund donation of $0.50, making a total of $32.70. This recommendation was carried by members

Debate and decisions on the motions presented on the Agenda.

Mr Brendan Ryan, Macquarie Private Wealth, gave a presentation on the performance of the CWA investment portfolio and a breakdown of the Association's investments.

Mr Martin Dures of Telstra Country Wide also gave an interesting and entertaining presentation.

Sunday

The business sessions continued with:

Debate and decisions on the Agenda

The State International Officer's Report

The State Agricultural and Environmental Officer's Report, including the announcement of the Moore Agricultural/Environmental Award and peckvonhartel (pvh) Recycled Article Competition

The State Hon. Editor's Report and presentation of Garry Prize Essay winner. Thirty-three entries were received and the winner was Jennifer Sholl, Armidale Branch, Northern Tablelands Group.

The guest speaker for the day was Mrs Christine Weston, NSW Woman of the Year. Mrs Weston was the founder of the "rentafarmhouse" project in Cumnock whereby farmhouses were offered to rent for $1.00 per week. Applications were received from worldwide and a number of families chosen. In 18 months school numbers increased from 34 to 60, saving the school bus run. Mrs Weston is also involved with the "animals on bikes" tourist initiative where displays were erected alongside the roads to gain publicity for the towns.

Sunday Evening

"The Land" Cookery Awards were presented by Ms Katana Smith of "The Land" newspaper.

The State Handicraft Committee Awards were also presented by Ms Smith.

Monday

The meeting opened with the announcement of the elections and members congratulated the new State President Mrs Elaine Armstrong, and Vice Presidents Miss Kit Bright, Mrs Jocelyn Cameron, Mrs Yvonne Scarrabelotti and Mrs Robyn Wright.

The business session then continued with a return to the agenda including debate and decisions on the motions of urgency accepted by members.

A cheque for $36,400 was presented for Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Research which has been the CWA's Medical Research Fund for the past three years.

The Show Catering Committee Chairman, Mrs Joy Press, presented a cheque to the Association for $85,600 being the surplus from the 2009 Easter Show.

Announcements and presentations were made to the winners of the Wagga Daily Advertiser and the Past State Presidents' Award.

Susan Sims from Sefton & Associates gave members an update on the CWA Awareness Day to be held on 8th September. Sefton & Associates are handling the communications plan which will include state-wide media coverage and publicity. Regular updates and information will be published in the Journal.

The 2011 Annual State Conference will be held in Nowra, at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. A presentation on the venue and the surrounding areas was provided to members.

Accommodation bookings should be directed to 1300 662 808.

Members voted to return the State Conference to mid week but with changes as necessary.

The conference concluded with question time and the presentation of gifts and votes of thanks.

Monday Evening

The Conference Dinner was held in the Auditorium, with excellent entertainment provided by the Black Magic Band, The Balance Duo, and bush poet Claire Reynolds from Gloucester who recited hilarious poems. A great night concluded the Conference.