ADJOURNMENT
Mr GEE (Calare) (16:44): Today I wish to pay tribute to the Country Women's Association and the incredible women who make it such a vital, impactful and indispensable organisation across the Central West, my state of New South Wales and our nation. For more than a century, the CWA has stood strong, supporting country women and their families and advocating for country communities.
It's a mighty organisation, and it gets things done. Its members don't seek recognition. They don't wait to be asked.
They just roll up their sleeves and get on with it. Over the years, I've had the privilege of spending time with many branches right across the Central West, and I've seen firsthand the difference they make. Last weekend, I was honoured to attend the 100th birthday of the Rylstone branch of the CWA.
That's an extraordinary milestone for any organisation but especially for a volunteer group that's dealt with everything from droughts and floods to bushfires and plagues. I'd like to recognise and thank its members: Robin Johnston, Margaret Baxter, Roslyn Jeffrey, Margaret Jose, Margaret Skropeta, Jenny Gregory, Lisa Norris, Carolyn Norris, Helen Marsonet, Debbie Johnston, Leigh-Anne Thorne, Tracy Evans and Rachel Mann.
The Rylstone branch continues to serve its community with the same determination that inspired its founding members all those years ago. One of its signature projects was the establishment of a baby health clinic, a lifeline for new mums at a time when medical services were scarce. At the celebration, I also had the chance to catch up with members of the Grattai CWA branch.
The Grattai branch is also an extraordinarily vibrant branch, and I always enjoy spending time with its members. The branch has a long, proud tradition of supporting country communities. I'd like to recognise and thank its members: President Leianne Milsom, Treasurer Debbie Jordan, Secretary Lyn Hicks, Marian Cowell, Elizabeth Croake, Janet de Rooy, Diana Devereux, Carol Garment, Barbara Gow, Margaret Griffiths, Margaret Hawkins, Margaret Hoffman, Kaye Holding, Leanne McKenzie, Sharon Meader, Anne Murphy, Mandy Nixon, Wendy Norris, Alison Primmer, Jessica Salter, Audrey Taylor, Lorna Shapland, Anne Shearman, Fay Wells, Ellen Wilson, Nicole Wilson and Diane Winter.
The Grattai branch of the CWA epitomises that kind of neighbourly spirit that defines country Australia, as does the Ilford-Running Stream branch of the CWA. I attended its centenary last year, and I spent a lot of time with its members during the Black Summer bushfires that devastated the area. Whether it's supporting firies or families during tough times, the CWA is always there when we need them.
I also wish to recognise the wonderful Ilford-Running Stream branch members: Diane Groves, Kim Heckenberg, Louise Press, Daryl Clapham, Nancy Strauss, Fay Moore, Lynne Robb, Emma Gogolewski, Kate Gogolewski, Kay Heckenberg, Toni Dennington, Tracey Pleffer, Cheryl Farrugia, Vicki Vasallo, Alice Dryburgh and Jenny Nott. The Borenore CWA recently celebrated the opening of their brand-new amenities block at the Borenore Memorial Hall.
I had the honour of helping to cut the ribbon at the event. It might sound like a small thing, but, for a community hall that's hosted countless gatherings, meetings and fundraisers, these upgrades are vital. Our CWA branches and our country halls bring people together.
The opening coincided with the branch's annual soup day fundraiser, which was made complete by Dawn's famous apple slice. I'd also like to recognise the members of the Borenore CWA: Lyn Atkins, Ros Brander, Dawn Davis, Maggie de Rooy, Ann Druhan, Petah Duffy, Alice Hazelton, Kate Hazelton, Marie Henry, Bev Holland, Michelle Holland, Cathy Johns, Christine Lawford, Susan Low, Sue Parish, life member Merle Parrish, SallyAnn Priest, Kerrie Stent and Krystiina Tighe.
The CWA is always there to advocate for country people. From line markings on roads to children's health, better radiotherapy for our region, a 24-hour rescue helicopter and the Charles Sturt University medical school, the CWA has fiercely fought for country communities. I've been involved in politics for a decade and a half, and I can tell you that one of the ironclad rules of country politics is that you don't mess with the CWA.
If you're a government and the CWA is making a request of you, my advice is to answer that call, because the CWA doesn't give up and it doesn't take a backward step. As advocates for country communities, the CWA and its members are unsurpassed. We acknowledge and thank all members of the CWA for the wonderful work they do.