General News
3 May, 2025
Gilgandra Evening Branch Country Women's Association April News
Gilgandra Evening Branch Country Women's Association (CWA) monthly meeting was held at the CWA Rooms on Wednesday, April 16.
President Jess Reed chaired the meeting and welcomed members and visitors. The CWA Motto was recited and the Australian National Anthem was sung.
In general business, members were advised that at April's state conference in Wagga (April 18-23), there were over 50 motions up for discussion ranging from health and agricultural/environment to education. Two very important motions were red fire ants and a ban on the live sheep trade.
At the Sydney Royal Easter Show, there were 95 jars of Jams, pickles, and chutney plus two large fruit cakes collected by the CWA members and delivered to the CWA Kiosk at the show. Gilgandra's CWA stall will be at the Gilgandra Show Kiosk on the main sy of the Gilgandra Show in May.
A discussion was held regarding what food would be organised. It was then decided that scones, slices, and cakes would be served for morning tea. Also up for discussion replacing the old CWA Market banners for new ones.
Agricultural/Environment Report
Red Fire Ants: Red fire ants are native to South America and have been imported to Australia where they pose a serious threat as an invasive species. They are risks to the environment as they eat and destroy native flora. They are capable of damaging agricultural industry as crop pests making them an economical concern. Finally, they are also hazardous to human health due to their painful, venomous sting. More than 95 per cent of Australia is suitable for an infestation of fire ants due to their adaptability as insects. If left unchecked they will spread across almost all of the country. This could become a dire situation if action is not taken.
International Report
South Korea is experiencing their worst ever fires in Sancheong Country and Uiseong County, located in the central and southern regions of the country. These wildfires have been driven by dry weather and strong winds. Tragically, 20 people have died as a consequence of these terrible blazes. In addition to loss of life, more than 200 structures have been destroyed and thus, the fires are causing unprecedented damage. So far, 2700 people have been forced to evacuate and 500 inmates from the jail were rescued. 4600 firefighters and personnel have helped in the ongoing efforts to distinguish the fires.
Cultural Report
The Cultural officer would like the members to support local events that are happening in Gilgandra within the next few weeks, the film festival, the show, and CWA Markets.
Land Cookery Report
Gilgandra CWA Members enjoyed a great result at the recent Macquarie Group Land Cookery competition.
Jess Reed: third place Coffee Sponge Cake.
Rebekah Makila: third place Tomato Jam, Chocolate Butter Cake; second place Gluten free Magic Bean Cake, Peppermint slice, and Apple and Cranberry Chutney; first place Pineapple and Onion Relish.
Amelia Makila: first place using a Packet Cake Mix under 12-years-old.
Publicity Report
A wonderful day was enjoyed at the CWA Rooms themed to 'Frock the Outback'.
2025 will be the final year for the WAGGA Daily Advertising judging of the publicity portfolio book, and the electronic version.
Next year it will be organised by the CWA of NSW Publicity Forum. This information is listed in this month's CWA Journal.
The publicity report was published in The Gilgandra Weekly, Dubbo Photo News, and The Country Woman Journal (CWA).
It was a wonderful and interesting meeting overall followed by supper.
