GLADSTONE has long been a destination for lunch and a spot of shopping, but the locals know there’s so much more to the village. Gladstone boasts a progressive and dynamic local community which is uniting to establish a Country Women’s Association.
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“We’re lucky to live here,” says local Beth MacDonald. “There’s a culture of pitching in and getting things done. The local public school, our SES and Rural Fire Service, and the committees who run our op shop and monthly markets. Forming a CWA branch seems like a natural addition to our proactive and collaborative community.
Located centrally in the Macleay Valley, the Gladstone & Surrounds CWA is calling for women from neighbouring towns to come along and get involved.
“Freddo, Collombatti, Smithtown, Jerseyville, Hat Head, Kinchela, Belmore River and Crescent Head – everyone is welcome,” Amanda McDonnell said. “We’ve had so much interest, it’s great! I think I’m most impressed by the women around my age, 30s and 40s, who understand that it’s not simply about baking scones and knitting tea-cosies. They’re looking for something to join that will be social as well as having a social conscience.”
An information session will be held on Friday September 21 at the Heritage Hotel of Gladstone, 5.30pm for 6 o’clock. A second session will be held on the following Wednesday, to elect the branch committee.
“You don’t have to attend every meeting, it’s about connecting with your neighbours, learning new skills and having fun raising money for a variety of local, State and national causes,” Lesley McDonnell said. “I was a member of the CWA in Blacktown – it was a hoot!
The Gladstone & Surrounds CWA branch is looking to establish quickly to achieve some fun community focused events this summer including Community Christmas Carols and a New Year’s Eve celebration.
