Yuna Country Women’s Association of WA celebrates 90th anniversary

Yuna’s Country Women’s Association of WA celebrated its 90th anniversary this month after almost a century of resilience, empowerment and service to the community. The service opened on September 19, 1932, and branch members celebrated the milestone with an afternoon tea on Monday at the Yuna Memorial Hall. “Yuna people love a party,” branch president Susanne Warr said. Over the nine decades the Yuna group has supported good causes, organised events and sold tasty treats such as scones and cakes. Last year it helped raise funds for a women’s refuge group in Geraldton and held a “Biscuit Bonanza”, distributing more than 5000 biscuits across Chapman Valley and Northampton after cyclone Seroja. The association has provided a sense of community and camaraderie to its many members. During COVID lockdowns in 2020, the group used WhatsApp to share advice, gardening tips, recipes and keep everyone in touch. “It’s great how everyone wants to be involved and put their hand up when there’s something to be done,” Ms Warr said. “They embrace friendship, love working within the community, sharing skills and learning from each other. “We are like one big extended family.” The group’s centre was damaged by cyclone Seroja last year and the CWA is taking the opportunity to thank the community which donated to help restore the building. “If we hadn’t have had these generous donations, we would not have been able to restore this area,” Ms Warr said. The Shire of Chapman Valley’s recently adopted 2022-23 budget included $10,000 to repair the damage caused by the cyclone.