Country Women’s Association of WA to launch book celebrating nine Mid West members and their community work

Nine women from the Mid West have been recognised for their voluntary community work for the Country Women’s Association of WA, in a publication celebrating the organisation’s 100-year anniversary. Celebrating 100 years uniting women and strengthening communities, CWA of WA is launching Women of Spirit, a publication comprised of 100 stories capturing the service and contributions of members across the State. Nine women from the Champion Bay and Walkaway branches are featured in the book and will be celebrated at a local book launch on Monday, March 11 at the RSL Hall. Walkaway CWA member Jean King began volunteering at the branch in 1956 and has led the way for other volunteers with great empathy, the book said. She was recognised for conveying warmth, compassion and loyalty in her approach to any situation she faced and has provided an outstanding service within the organisation across Australia and worldwide. Champion Bay CWA member and State president Heather Allen is recognised as the marching girl. She began her CWA membership in 1977 at the Yuna branch. The book said although Ms Allen never aspired to become the CWA of WA State president, when elected in 2016 she viewed it as a privilege and consistently met challenges and highlights with enthusiasm. Champion Bay CWA member Suzanne Collingwood first joined CWA in 2001 and is known for showcasing her talents. Ms Collingwood has said volunteering at CWA makes you a better person. The book said she has been a mover and shaker, a leader, calendar girl and poet, and was a shining example of the benefits of being a member. The third Champion Bay CWA member, Pamela Batten, joined the Yuna branch in 1970. The book tells the true tale of how Ms Batten produced drought-relieving pipelines for the region, and created calendars celebrating renewed blooms. “Pam has helped to revitalise the community she serves,” the book states. Former Mid West resident Helen Armstrong, who volunteered at the Mullewa branch in the 60s, is also mentioned. The other four women, who have now died, are recognised for paving the way for the women of today. These include the late Lilian Higgins (Yuna in the 30s), Rotha Meadowcroft (Mullewa in the 30s), Kate Clarkson (Dongara in the 30s) and Clarice Rudduck (Coorow in the 40s). The Mid West will host the regional launch of Women of Spirit due to the high percentage of women living and working in the region who each make up the story. CWA of WA aims to improve the welfare and conditions of life of people everywhere, especially those living in the country, to foster friendship and understanding and to encourage co-operation and community effort. A CWA of WA spokesperson said the launch was one of many events to celebrate the organisation’s centenary year across regional and metropolitan areas. A book launch will also be held at the Kings Park State Reception Centre on Friday, March 8.