The largest women’s organisation in Australia, since 1922 the CWA has been working to improve the living conditions and welfare of women and families.

Held this year at Mingara Recreation Club in Tumbi Umbi on the New South Wales Central Coast, the conference brings members together to debate and discuss the organisation’s policy via a list of motions proposed by branches throughout the state.

Close to 800 delegates, members, observers and visitors have descended on the Central Coast for the conference, which wraps up on Thursday, 25 th May. The conference was officially opened on Monday May 22 by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of NSW, accompanied by Mrs Linda Hurley, who also delivered the keynote speech.

CWA of NSW President, Annette Turner, said it was a wonderful opportunity to bring members together to discuss and debate a range of issues via the proposed motions.

“We are a growing, passionate, committed and diverse group of women, and this will be seen clearly as we debate each motion. You only have to read through the list of proposed motions to see how much more there is to the CWA than tea and scones.

“There are too many to list individually but this year important and highly topical issues are included such as gambling and online gambling, marriage equality, women’s health, foreign land ownership, access to blood donations and coal seam gas.

“We are delighted to be visiting the Central Coast this year and really looking forward to also taking some time out of the busy conference schedule to enjoy its beautiful surrounds,” said Annette.

Conference speakers include Mrs Linda Hurley; The Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Southern NSW; Ms Dorothy Coombe, National President, Country Women’s Association of Australia; Mrs Sandra Ireson, 2017 Winner NSW-ACT RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and Mr Nick Arena, 2016 NSW Farmer of the Year.

The conference will conclude with a Gala Dinner on Thursday May 25.