CONTRIBUTED CWA/SONIA GROEN
Our last meeting for 2024 had a Christmas theme where some members responded to the challenge of creating a Christmas cake from a packet cake mix. The cakes were put on display to be judged by local cooks. The creativity and originality of the cooks could be seen from the variety of frostings and christmassy flourishes on top of the cakes. The winners of the 2024 branch raffle were Paul Porta from Sydney, who won a woollen rug knitted by Barbie Carne, and Deb Hamilton who won a free flight for two, donated by Fly OZ, Cowra.
Guests packed Club Cowra for the annual Australia Day Luncheon which was co-hosted by Cowra Council and Cowra Evening CWA branch. President Ros Ryan welcomed the attendees and introduced the official guests - Australia Day Ambassador, Ben Farinazzo and his mother; Mayor Paul Smith; Cowra Councillors, and Ros Whiley and her husband.
Ros is the daughter of the late Dr Warren Whiley, and she presented the Whiley Memorial Award for contribution to arts, culture, and community to Richard Neate, Treasurer of the Cowra Eisteddfod and the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society.
The Mayor introduced the Australia Day nominees and the awardees present which included Citizen of the Year, Lusi Austin. Ben gave an inspiring speech about the challenges in his life and how he overcame them. The Mayor thanked Ben with the gift of a book about Cowra.
The staff at Club Cowra did an amazing job to make this occasion so memorable and we had lamingtons and pavlovas for dessert.
Our branch recently held a fund-raising dinner for 90 guests in the gardens of historic Hart House. Owners Shane and Andrew were our most considerate hosts. They made the grounds and kitchen available to Rowena Casey and her team to prepare the food and set up tables. The result was a joyous, relaxed and fun evening.
Our members, plus one daughter, served the hungry hordes at the recent sausage sizzle at Bunnings, with husbands of members manning the barbecue We also had a cake, sweets, and preserves stall. Both fundraisers were very successful thanks to organisers, Rowena Casey and Ros Ryan.
On Wednesday, the 19th of March (not the 12th), our branch will be hosting a Festival of International Understanding Dinner at Club Cowra in lieu of the usual monthly meeting. An ensemble of Bollywood dancers will perform at this dinner. Tickets can be obtained from Club Cowra, cost being $30 per person. This event is open to any interested member of the public to attend, tickets to be purchased by Friday 14th of March.