Hume Group CWA members met recently at the Junee Ex-Services Club for the August Council Meeting. President Jenny Birtles, welcomed all to the meeting, acknowledging respect for the First Nations people. Three new members were welcomed.
In her report, Jenny outlined the many activities she had attended since March. Jenny was fortunate to attend a special Centenary celebration for CWA at Government House, the Blue and Gold Centenary Ball at Crookwell, Riverina CWA Centenary Lunch at Wagga and the very successful lunch at Illabo celebrating 100 years of CWA
in NSW and Hume Group. This day raised $1403 which was forwarded to the flood relief appeal. Jenny then thanked the women of Hume Group who have
supported her as President, during her three years. Well done Jenny!
Eurongilly were the recipient of several awards at the State Conference. These included a 1st and 3rd in junior photography, and a 3rd in a digital 
junior poster.
Jennifer Heard, also Eurongilly, won two places in the Handicraft section.
Bellarwi branch won third place for their Cultural Book, with President Margaret Smith awarded three places in the Cookery section.
During the morning members enjoyed two guest speakers. Karen Trethowan,
Road Safety Officer, firstly spoke of the inspirational work of the CWA members, mentioning some of the reforms , coming into effect, as a result of State CWA Conferences. Karen told the members two out of every three
fatalities occur on country roads. The most common are drivers being distracted, (mobile phones are often the cause) followed by fatigue, alcohol and speed. Karen also spoke of the importance of driver instruction with caravan drivers.
Carol Glasgow then delighted members with her talk about quilting. Carol spoke of how she challenges herself with various types of quilting, learning how to use colour and more recently landscapes. Carol showed many of the quilts she had made, outlining the various ways in achieving magnificent results. Carol commented she is always challenging herself with new techniques.
Helen, Agricultural and Environmental Officer, talked about the Banksia, named after Joseph Banks in 1770 when he collected many specimens. There are 103 species in Australia. Gail, South Pacific Area President outlined the changes to Associated Country Women of the World.
The Association will be now known
as Rural Women in Action, ACWW. From July all donations to ACWW will be to the unrestricted Rural Women in Action fund. Sadly more funds are needed for ACWW projects to continue.
Bellarwi and Eurongilly members spoke of the Bench seats they have been able to establish in West Wya- long and Junee, celebrating the 100 years of CWA in NSW.
The Hume Group AGM will be held in Cootamundra, 18th Oct, at the Cootamundra Ex-Services Club. Awareness week begins on Sunday 4th September-Saturday10th Septem- ber, which will highlight the critical need for improvements to maternity services and support in rural and re- regional NSW.
Patron Sue, presented a thoughtful quote, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”