Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to pay tribute to the incredible work of the Mudgee Evening Branch of the Country Women's Association. With 34 devoted members, this group works tirelessly for the community, including by raising funds for local charities. Their current focus is on raising $38,000 to furnish two rooms at Macquarie Home Stay in Dubbo, which provides affordable accommodation for patients receiving treatment at Dubbo's hospital. Recently, the group raised more than $8,000 at the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days by serving baked goods, sandwiches, soups, tea and coffee at their marquee stand in the pavilion, and I really enjoyed catching up with the team at this year's field days.

I offer special thanks to Annie Johnston who organised this successful event, and to Mudgee's Family First Credit Union, who covered the $1,000 rental cost for the space in the pavilion, I commend the executive team: president Elizabeth McCrea, vice president Lynn Halpin, secretary Barbara Hale, and Treasurer Nancy Strauss. Their work is supported by cultural officer Sue Le Bas, agriculture and environment officer Katie Dobson, international officer Sue Munns, land cookery officer Lynn Halpin, handicraft officer Melinda Leach, publicity officer Jaclyn Harvey, and catering officer and property manager Annie Johnston. I give special mention also to young members Eliza and Mia Halpin, who ran pre-ordered lunches to other stallholders. Well done to all the members of the CWA Mudgee Evening Branch for their hard work and dedication to making our communities and our world a better place.