By Dongyun Kwon
The Tarrawarra Country Women’s Association (CWA) had its 17th birthday party at the Healesville Community Link after their regular meeting on Wednesday 7 August.
The ladies shared lunch and a special birthday cake made by one of the members to celebrate.
Tarrawarra CWA vice president Helen Calvert said the Tarrawarra CWA first began as the Healesville Night Chicks in 2007.
“I don’t know about the history of the branch for sure but what I know is that it was originally a night branch because the original members were still working then,” she said.
“When it became a day branch, there were perhaps more people coming from Yarra Glen, so that’s why they changed the name to Tarrawarra.
“We now have a healthy membership with over 20 women.”
The Country Women’s Association of Victoria aims to connect women in the community, and the Tarrawarra branch works to influence change and support vulnerable women, children and families.
The branch has a strong social focus on sharing fun and friendship as it creates connections and makes a difference.
Ms Calvert said the branch engages not only in community activities but also in social activities.
“On the community service side, we are one of the teams that cooks for Dinner at Darron’s, the HICCI’s community meal, once every six weeks,” she said.
“We also work with Le Pine to put on the Healesville Biggest Morning Tea to raise money for breast cancer.
“We do some social things. We have a book club once a month, morning tea and lunch.”
The Tarrawarra CWA also does Bunnings Barbecues and catering to raise funds which go to either the CWA association for its charitable directions or the local community.
The branch supports scholarships for high school girls, Tamminya House women’s refuge, Benwerren and HICCI including Christmas hampers.
The ladies do knitting and crafts to send to either HICCI or CWA association to distribute to people in need.
The branch meets alternately in Healesville and Yarra Glen at 11am on the first Wednesday of every month.
At the meetings, the members not only organise their community activities and fund-raising but also listen to interesting speakers, sometimes exercise and always enjoy each other’s company for lunch.
Anyone wishing to join the Tarrawarra CWA is welcome to contact the president Anne Faulks on 0408 903 925.
