CWA stalwart takes on state role

But it’s her after hours achievements within the CWA that have locals talking.

On Thursday, May 11, at the CWA NSW State Conference in Bathurst, Penny took on one of three vice-president roles.

“Penny is a dedicated and committed member of the CWA. When she put her hand up for the state vice-president role we encouraged her greatly,” Murray Hut Branch president Nola Pinnuck said.

And for the uninitiated, the CWA is far more than tea and scones.

According to Penny, she joined the CWA back in 2009 because of its fellowship, good governance and strong advocacy on issues that matter to women and children in rural areas.

“The CWA advocates at a very high level, it’s quiet and firm and has a history of continued support and achieving great things for rural communities,” Penny said.

Current issues of importance include a need for a regional university network and the establishment of new centres, a need for affordable housing, improvements to maternity services in the bush and action to address the current crisis in primary medical services.

“The CWA is the largest women’s organisation in Australia. You find people similar to yourself and you identify with each other. I’ve found my tribe,” Penny said.

She believes it is the good organisation of a diverse group of women that has kept the movement going for so long.

“There are more than 8000 members attending 300 branches throughout the state,” Penny said.

“Each branch is part of a group of branches and Murray Hut Branch, which includes the Finley and Tocumwal area, is part of Sturt Group.”

After holding the position of secretary and treasurer at a branch level and president of the Sturt Group, Penny will now shift her focus to a more statewide view.

“Her role as vice-president of CWA NSW is to assist and support the president and given how super-efficient Penny is, the organisation is in extremely capable hands,” Nola said.