General News
3 April, 2025
Toora CWA gets ready to celebrate centenary
The Tooraweenah Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is gearing up to celebrate its centenary next month with a special event to be held on Saturday, April 12.
Inaugurated on ANZAC Day 1925, the Tooraweenah CWA has achieved much in the 100 years since.
The branch’s achievements over time and the very special ladies whose hard work and commitment founded the branch — and those who followed them over the decades — will be honoured at the celebration, which will take place in the CWA Rooms and grounds.
How the branch formed
“The Tooraweenah [CWA] branch had an interesting beginning,” branch secretary Jill Blackman told The Gilgandra Weekly.
Some nine months before the inauguration of the branch, local women were so determined to join the newly established statewide CWA of NSW movement, which formed in 1922, that they travelled a long distance to attend a conference.
“Gurtie Wylde drove Mary Buchanan in ‘horse and buggy’ to Moree to attend the second CWA of NSW Conference, on June 6, 1924, prior to the setting up of the Tooraweenah Branch,” Mrs Blackman added.
The first scheduled meeting of the Tooraweenah CWA Branch was held in a disused butcher’s shop. Office bearers appointed at the meeting included Mrs C.W. Rohr as president, Mrs C. Chaseling as secretary, and Mrs J. M. Coulter as treasurer.
Records show that there were 47 Tooraweenah CWA Branch members in the founding year, all eager to establish Rest Rooms, support local activities and share a common interest, Mrs Blackman said. This high membership was maintained for a further two years with 48 members in 1926 and 44 in 1927.
Achievements celebrated
The achievements of the Tooraweenah CWA Branch over the decades are many and varied, and its fundraising efforts supported the local school, agricultural show and other activities like the local “endurance ride”.
“There is a lot to celebrate about our branch, from establishing our Rest Rooms; supporting the war effort; teaching cooking, embroidery and craft,” Mrs Blackman said.
“Arranging countless fundraisers including Blue and Gold Balls, Wool and Art Exhibitions, Concerts, International Days, Picnics, Fancy Dress Frolics and Music Hall Concerts to name but a few,” she elaborated.
“On the occasion of our Silver Jubilee, Mr Arthur Butler donated an avenue of blue and gold trees, Jacarandas and Silky Oaks, to commemorate the occasion,” Mrs Blackman added.
Centenary celebration
Tooraweenah CWA Branch president Cathryn Waller extends a warm invitation to past and present members, supporters, and anyone from the community and surrounds who may like to learn about the branch’s 100-year history, to attend the centenary celebration next month.
It will be a very special occasion, Mrs Blackman said.
“Our day of celebration is a free event, with a party to acknowledge our founder, Mrs Mary Buchanan, and [other] founders Mesdames Armytage, Buckley, Chaseling, Coulter, Fyfe, Kilgour, Manusu, McWhirter, Mills, Rohr, Singer and Trethowen, and all those who supported us through the century,” she explained.
A history of memories and photographs from across the years is currently being compiled for the event, and there will also be photographs and displays, as well as recipes from the past to taste-test.
A long rolling brunch, with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, can be enjoyed throughout the day.
A plaque unveiling and a centenary cake cutting will take place after lunch, and the day will culminate with the launch of a special Memories Book.
“This is one big 100-year celebration you can’t afford to miss,” Mrs Blackman concluded.
