Following the National Anthem, the CWA Anthem and the motto, president Tina Billing welcomed members to the meeting..

Ardlethan Branch were very fortunate to receive a CWA Potts Point grant for a very much needed upgrade to their rooms.

Head Office has donated a grant of $5000 towards the ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) South Pacific Area President's travel fund.  

A second grant of $10,000 is to assist Island delegates to the 2017 ACWW ,South Pacific Area conference in New Zealand and $2000 was exchanged form the foreign coins collected and donated by members .The collection of foreign coins and all used stamps will continue this year.

CWA of NSW are forming a 100-year anniversary committee, of five members to assist in the planning of the State conference in 2022 and other celebratory events.

 Agricultural and Environment officer, Sue McDonald, spoke to the members about the importance of farm safety, stressing the dangerous fire situations, and the accidental loss of life in our state this year.

State President, Annette Turner, had also reported she has been working with issues relating to quad bike safety.

Cultural officer, Helen Sheridan, delighted members with her talk about the confusion in the English language. Many words have the same spelling, the same sound, but different meanings. Among the many examples Helen gave was one, "the soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert!!"

Junee member, Lola Cummins, was congratulated on her award, the Order of Australia medal, for her outstanding service to local government and to the community.

President Tina then challenged the members on International Women's Day to "Be Bold for Change" the theme for this year. To celebrate the fact that we are women , with an awareness of what we do, and to forge a better working world, more inclusive and gender equal. It is a time which calls for action accelerating gender parity.

CWA is the largest lobby group of women in Australia and the CWA motto is as relevant today as the day it was written.

The Emily Martin scholarship has been awarded to Grace Donaldson, who is completing her third year of nursing at university. Grace is the granddaughter of Alison Lehmann, member of Dirnaseer Branch.

Women Walk the World will be observed on April 29, and many groups of members will be walking to raise funds for ACWW, South Pacific Area and Australia.

Handicraft officer, Ann Pratt, was disappointed with the number of entries for handicraft day, with only a small number of branches entering. Those entered were of a high standard and awards were presented. The winner in the Branch with less than 16 members, was awarded to Dirnaseer branch, Junee Evening in second place. Eurongilly branch were placed first in the branch over 16 members, with Bellarwi second. The Champion entry was awarded to Patricia Herbert of Eurongilly.

Many members will be travelling to Tumbi Umbi in May for the  State Conference, which will be a very rewarding experience.