Country women ‘down under’ Print E-mail
Written by Betty Pascoe, 2005   

Rural life in Australia is very different from the UK - for a start, the distances between neighbours and extended families can be huge. Betty Pascoe, who lives in Western Australia, finds out about the role of the Country Women's Association. 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the Australian outback where your nearest neighbour could be 50 or 100 kilometres away? How do women cope with such isolation? What do they do for companionship? In most cases, the Country Women's Association (CWA) is the answer.

Western Australia, where I have lived for 27 years, is the country's largest state with a land area of 2,527,633 square kilometres (975,920 square miles). The British Isles could fit into the state 19 times, yet its population is only around 1.2 million. The most densely populated areas are along the coast, so vast, sparsely populated areas are normal inland.

The state is 2,400km in length, which means there are wide variations in climate, from the tropical north down to the cool, temperate south. The state capital, Perth, is situated towards the south and enjoys an average eight hours of sunshine per day and even in the coldest winter, the temperature rarely falls below 5ºC.

However, for the country people further inland, the variations in temperature can be much more pronounced. Drought is often a problem there and in the hot summer weather, bush fires may cause extensive losses in vegetation, fencing, buildings and livestock.

There are also widely differing landscapes and industries - forest industries and vineyards in the south, wheat growing and gold mining in the central areas, shipbuilding on the coast, iron ore mining and offshore gas in the north west, and huge but isolated cattle stations in the far north.

The CWA in Western Australia has 189 branches, each one autonomous and free to conduct fundraising activities and hobby groups that fulfil the needs of their area and make the best use of their members' talents.

Margaret Sullivan, State President of CWA explains that, like the WI, the Country Women's Association is non-party-political. "Since 1924, for 80 years, our members have worked together to help all people, especially those in country areas. We work to promote community effort, courtesy, co-operation and the wise use of resources in the hope that our communities will be sustained."

Although there are thriving branches in most major towns, it is in the rural areas where the benefits of CWA membership are most obvious. As well as providing fellowship, the branches encourage members to play an active role in local affairs.

Community services are of prime importance and ongoing activities include making temporary prostheses for cancer patients, special tiny garments for premature babies, warm clothing and comforters for people in nursing homes, and operation dolls and comfort teddies for use in hospitals and ambulances.

Fundraising for local hospitals and charities is an important aspect of all branch activities. One group in the country east of Perth has a large cemetery nearby: here members supplement their fundraising in a most unusual way - by catering for funeral gatherings.

Some branches may spread their activities even further afield, making blankets and knitted clothing for lepers in India, refugees or for the needy anywhere in the world. In times of crisis, branches provide refreshments for fire fighters, police and other emergency workers.

And for fun

Members are encouraged to enjoy hobby activities and the variety of pastimes they get involved in is surprising. Sometimes the choice is determined by location, with a coastal group participating in lifesaving on local beaches or taking up windsurfing.

Further inland in an agricultural area, the local members may be expert at spinning wool from local sheep, sewing patchwork quilts, making jams, pickles and cakes, or organising entertainment for disadvantaged children. In the far north, with its tropical climate, popular activities include evening barbecues, making straw sunhats, playing indoor cricket or bowls, or simply conventional handcrafts.

CWA members meet in a wide variety of places, from their own homes to local community halls, out in the open air, in the air-conditioned comfort of the local school, or in accommodation owned by the organisation. Some branches may meet only once in a year, but this does not mean the group is inactive. There are branches that maintain contact by letter, by radio and, since the advent of computers, via the Internet and email.

No matter how remote a member's home may be, she is provided with companionship, friendship and opportunities for self-expression. One young branch secretary, asked what she enjoyed most about being a member, said: "I suppose the friendships are probably the biggest attraction, but being able to help other people is definitely the most rewarding aspect."

In the larger communities, branches with higher membership can organise stage entertainments and CWA has some of the finest female choirs in the state. A special Cultural Committee has been created to provide support and advice for branches wishing to explore these avenues.

Those in need

There is a wide range of services which are available through CWA for people in need. The Lady Mitchell Emergency Housekeeper Scheme provides assistance for rural families where care is needed either through ill health, pregnancy or other urgent situations. There is also the Sir James Mitchell Education and Welfare Fund which provides financial aid in cases of emergency or distress. This fund also provides bursaries for education purposes.

The CWA Rural Information Service is responsible for the monitoring and updating of data on a wide range of subjects so that people in rural areas are kept informed of the latest developments or services available in health, education, care for the elderly or any subject which will support the community's wellbeing.

On a state level, CWA's Social Issues Fact Finding Team (SIFFT) collects and collates members' views on topics of social importance. The ad hoc committee submits its results either directly to the Australian Government or to other working groups, providing essential information on women's views and local conditions. Subjects have included cloning, rural banking and financial services, drug abuse, ethical practices in care of the elderly, National Mental Health Strategy and other major issues.

A place to stay

Emergency accommodation can be provided for members and non-members who are temporarily homeless due to a family emergency. However, accommodation is also provided for leisure purposes, too. At Perth's head office, excellent single, double and family rooms are available at remarkably low cost for both members and the general public. The cost even includes a tasty continental breakfast in the dining room. The accommodation is particularly popular with members visiting the capital from the more remote areas of the state.

In addition, holiday units and cottages are located at six popular coastal resorts. The holiday homes are equipped with hot water, washing machines, electric or gas stoves, blankets and all kitchen requirements - virtually a home away from home. For a small charge linen can also be provided at most homes.

Like women's organisations in many countries, CWA provides support, help and encouragement and good fellowship to all its members. Membership is open to all women over 16 years of age. Their motto aptly sums up CWA's aims: Honour to God, loyalty to the throne, service to the country, through country women, for country women, by country women.
 
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