The Beaudesert Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA) celebrated their 97th anniversary on May 27 with a light morning tea held on the same day as their first AGM meeting in 1927.
Queensland CWA is a community of women who work together to improve the lives of Queensland families living in regional, rural and remote areas through fundraising and offering support to the local community.
Members gathered to share some warm tea and homemade scones with special guests Michael and Jenny Enright attending the event as Michael’s great grandmother, Catherine Enright, was the originating CWA president back in 1927.
“There’s a lot to tell about Catherine Enright, she must’ve been an amazing woman – a women of action,” Michael said.
Beaudesert CWA President Linda Lynch shared a few thoughtful words alongside Bernie Grodecki about the history of CWA and their time being part of it.
“The atmosphere here is so fresh – we all just get along,” Linda said.
“I didn’t know how to do much but now I know a little bit of everything – it’s just the ladies being able to get out and share what they have in common.”
The group of women have done a lot for the local community including donating handmade items such as bags, socks, blankets, mittens, fiddle mats, dude dolls, worry worms, and more to Beaudesert State Primary School, Beaudesert Hospital, Mater Hospital, Library, and many more to name.
“They all seem like small things but sometimes it’s the small things that make the difference,” Bernie said.
Some members that joined the celebration was Dinah Buchanan who has been part of CWA for 74 years, starting as a junior.
“My mother was in it – life was good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Dinah said.
Their oldest member Grace Booth at 85 years young still enjoys doing anything she can get her hands on and is truly a volunteer at heart.
“I came into CWA and the people were lovely. I said, ‘here’s home’,” Grace said.
“Grace was the best volunteer, always a smile on her face. I’ve been trying to put her in for an award, I think she deserves it,” Bernie said.
Beaudesert CWA are expecting to craft a time capsule filled with original CWA antiques for future members to have a piece of history to remember them by.
