Club Cowra was the venue chosen by the Inner Wheel Club of Cowra for their 64th changeover.

"It was a happy, fun day of friendship. Venue was welcoming, enjoyed the food and service was outstanding," said a guest.

Candles that shone in changing lights decorated the tables, and wrapped jams from Cowra Craft shop were presented to the Cowra mayor Cr Ruth Fagan and Cr Nikki Kiss OAM.

They were welcomed by MC Beverley Bundy as were Inner Wheel members from Bathurst, Blayney and Orange to join Cowra members and husbands.

The special guest was Country University Centre (CUC) Manager Stephen Kilner and a Board Director Sylvia White.

Stephen spoke of the vision of CUC ' to empower regional people by building highly-connected learning communities and opportunities for a vibrant and prosperous future'.

Students can live in their community while finding time to use the facility 's computers etc to study on- line.

The Flame of Friendship was lit by Cowra member Madeleine Rankin.

Bathurst member Lesley Carter made the Toast to International Inner Wheel on its Centenary year.

The International Theme for 2024-2025 is Heartbeat of Humanity - Every Beat counts, Every Action Matters.

President Christine Murphy presented the annual M and M Award to Christine Parker for ' her outstanding service and friendship'.

President Christine Murphy then presented her annual report, thanking all Cowra members for their commitment, their enthusiasm and their friendship.

Highlights of the year were hosting Cowra Council's official Australia Day Morning Tea, catering organised by Mandy Howard for the Red Radials Fly IN week to Cowra and a Luncheon to send a generous donation to the Timor Learning Centre in DILI, East Timor.

Funds had been donated to local Cowra schools and charities, as well as the Cowra Eisteddfod. With family and friends' sponsorship Cowra members had walked to raise funds for the Inner Wheel Australia Project CORD BLOOD RESEARCH to give a child A SECOND CHANCE OF LIFE.

Christine Murphy was inducted again as the President for 2024-25 by Vice President Christine Parker.

The Flame of Friendship was extinguished by Cowra member Peggy Chivers and a Vote of Thanks made to all present and also to the Manager and Staff of Club Cowra in appreciation of their cooperation and expertise.

If any women in Cowra wants to make friends and make a difference email to iiw.au.cowra@gmail.com Meetings are held third Monday of each month at Club Cowra (Services Club ).

The next meeting is Monday August 19 at 11am.