Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

This Saturday, I'll be attending a dinner to celebrate the Queensland Country Women's Association in rural Esk in Somerset in my electorate. The dinner is one of many events celebrating 100 years of the CWA and their commitment to the Queensland community. While the Esk branch of the CWA is under the stewardship of Estelle Drynan, the West Moreton division has many CWA branches. The division is diligently organised by President Gaynor Barrett and Secretary Helen Johnston.

The CWA members have provided a helping hand for those in need. At CWA meetings, stories are shared over a cup of tea or coffee, a piece of cake or a homemade scone, and I suspect some members believe I turn up to the divisional AGM only for the amazing food. The CWA cooking classes and community meal assistance are legendary. The arts and craft programs are fantastic. Since 1990, the CWA has provided payments for Queensland women and families suffering from natural disasters or other crises. Locally, they provide emergency kits to people in need, in conjunction with Ipswich Hospital. Local CWA branches have provided care packs for victims fleeing domestic and family violence. It's disturbing to see so many women and children escaping with only the clothes on their backs. The CWA has made birthing kits for women in Papua New Guinea to create more hygienic labour environments. The CWA has remained a constant, staying relevant to modern times, and I congratulate them on 100 years of commitment to Queensland.

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