When Anne Hamdorf joined the Country Women’s Association (CWA) in the Northern Territory more than 35 years ago she had no idea how many women around Australia she would help.
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“It’s more than just baking and sewing,” the secretary/treasurer of the Eden branch of the CWA said.
“We are a nationally recognised voice for women and children’s issues in rural and regional Australia.”
Ms Hamdorf has been a strong advocate for women’s rights for many years and during her time in the Northern Territory she was an influential part of a team or CWA members who worked to resolved issues that affected women, children and men in remote areas.
One of the projects she is most proud of is the setting up of a Hostel for pregnant women. The women would stay there when they were six weeks away from their due date, allowing them to spend some time closer to town with other mums.
“The beauty of CWA is that you can be involved in everything or as little as you want to be. You meet people from all walks of life and great friendships can be made,” she said.
Ms Hamdorf as well as fellow Eden CWA members Sharyn Nammensma, president, and Patti hand, vice-president are now worried that due to lack of numbers the Eden branch of the CWA will have to fold.
After forming in 1963 the Eden CWA has helped countless local families, dozens of individual students and offered ongoing support to the local schools.
With a continuously aging membership base and only a handful of active members Ms Hamdorf, Ms Nammensma and Ms Hand are calling on the younger generation of women in the area to consider joining and making a difference in the local community.
“We want fresh ideas and people who will mix things up,” Ms Hand said. “We welcome young mums, they can bring their children, and we are willing to adapt and change to ensure it’s enjoyable for all members.
“We understand times have changed, women are working now and doing what was traditionally considered men’s work so we are will to change too we just need members to make it happen.”
The Eden CWA meets on the second Friday of the month at the CWA Hall on Imlay Street but Ms Hand said they would be willing to change their meeting time to better suit new members.
The next meeting is on this Friday, February 10 at 10.30am where Jill Rolfe, a folk artist will be doing a demonstration. All are welcome.
