Soroptimist Cootamundra recently celebrated 35 years at a dinner at Cootamundra Ex-Services & Citizen's Memorial Club.
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The club was chartered on August 25, 1984.
The evening celebrated the achievements of inspirational women from our region. The four guest speakers entertained the guests with humour and passion.
Emma Godsall from Young, who is only 20 years of age, has achieved so much in a very short space of time. She is a fully qualified metal fabricator, completing her apprenticeship last year and showed passion for her chosen profession. She was awarded Student of the Year for Southern NSW in the category of "Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science". She is also the current Young Showgirl.
Well known member of the Cootamundra community, Jenny Roberts OAM, works tirelessly with local dramatics group, CADAS Kids. She spoke of the inspirational people in her life before WWII, her mother and grandparents and after the war her father. During her childhood, she moved to 5 schools and 10 homes and one of her favourite sayings that she has lived by was "stand up straight, put a smile on your face and remember you will get out of the community what you put into it." Jenny has received the Australia Day Award OAM for her services to youth and community, has had a train named after her 8212, CADAS Life Membership, the NSW Premiers Award and Centenary Medal.
Jennifer Fowler currently works in Wagga Wagga for the Australian Red Cross as the Learner Driver Mentor, Community Programs Officer. She works with assisting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in breaking down the barriers in gaining a driver's licence. Jennifer also mentors young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are connected with the justice system. Jennifer's passion for her clients was was very evident and the barriers and challenges they face was an eyeopener to the audience.
The final speaker for the evening was Paul Braybrooks. Paul spoke of his mother Monica Braybrooks, who was a well known member of the Cootamundra community, having immigrated from England in the 1980's. Monica did not speak much to her family of what she did during the war, in fact was very evasive and fobbed off questions asked of her. When the secrets became known in the 1970's, she finally revealed that she had worked at Bletchley Park, where the Enigma Machine had decoded German military secrets throughout the war. At the end of the war those involved were sworn to secrecy to never divulge their knowledge of this machine and its capabilities.
Many former members of Soroptimist Cootamundra attended as well as members from the clubs of Goulburn, Griffith and Canberra. After a delicious meal, 35 cupcakes were served with coffee and tea.