The Cranbourne branch of the Country Women’s Association celebrated its 80th birthday with Flinders MP Greg Hunt, Alice Needs, Eileen Denereaz, Helen Christie, City of Casey mayor Janet Halsall and Penny Orloff. 21139
By Kelly Yates
THE Cranbourne branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is celebrating its 80th birthday this week.
The celebrations kicked off at 11.30am on Tuesday, with an afternoon tea to mark the special occasion.
More than 170 guests attended the event at the Cranbourne Public Hall alongside other CWA branches, and organisations such as the local Rotary Club and the Cranbourne Fire Brigade.
The City of Casey mayor Janet Halsall and Flinders MP Greg Hunt were the guest speakers.
President of the Cranbourne branch of the CWA Alice Needs welcomed the guests and spoke about the history of the branch.
The Cranbourne branch was established on 20 August in 1928.
The CWA is the largest women’s organisation in Australia, with a total membership of 44,000 at its 1855 branches.
The organisation aims to improve the conditions for women and their families living in rural and remote Australia.
After guests nibbled on sandwiches, party pies and sausage rolls, the birthday cake was cut by two of the club’s oldest members, 93-year-old Jean Pillar and Nell Reynolds, 89.
Entertainer Brendan Scott performed for the guests, singing classic hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Mr Hunt said he was delighted to have been invited to attend the 80th birthday celebrations.
“My grandmother was an active member of her local CWA so I have first-hand knowledge of the wonderful work carried out by the organisation,” he said.
“These women are the backbone of our community and display an admirable dedication to the virtues of friendship and generosity as well as a commitment to making life better for those living in our rural communities.”
