Dear Members,

I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends, as well as some time to relax as we welcome in 2010 and look forward to a happy, fruitful year of fellowship engaged in activities with the Country Women’s Association of Victoria.

The Theme for 2010 is ‘Vision, Leadership, Growth’. What a challenge this is for all members! Vision: A plan for the way ahead for the Branch, Group and State. A dream to recruit one or two new members in each Branch (thus giving ongoing security for the continuation of the Branch) and to nurture all members of the Association. Leadership: A chance to step up to a new level of commitment and to share the load among members. Growth: An opportunity for personal development. An expansion in all areas for Branches, Groups and the State will ensure the future of our Association. A vision for new members ensures continuing leadership possibilities and promotes growth in all areas.

Leadership Information Days are available statewide. While travelling about I see how these functions could aid in knowledge and self-development at a local level. I encourage Branches and Groups to consider holding a Day, which can be great fun, very informative and an important source for information sharing.

Many wonderful times have been spent attending functions and birthdays. Congratulations on the celebration of special birthdays, some nearly as old as the Country Women’s Association of Victoria itself. These events enable me to meet the members (who are the Association) and I find this very enjoyable. I recently had a lovely time of fellowship with members of Drouin South Branch on a magical summer day in the beautiful rolling hills of West Gippsland. Drouin South is part of Latrobe Central Group.

Speaking of Branch and Group functions, a reminder of protocol for the use of the ‘Royal Hymn’ – it should only be sung when the Queen, Her Representative or a member of the Royal Family is present.

A special day at 3 Lansell Road in December was the occasion West Gippsland Group members presented a quilt to Maddison. She was one of the four students who spoke at the 2008 State Conference at Melbourne Town Hall. Maddison was a pupil at Strathewen Primary School, destroyed in the February fires. Maddison suffered great personal trauma in the Black Saturday fires. Support has been ongoing from members.

Again the Murray River Marathon Team represented the Association in a very active manner. You have done yourselves proud. Congratulations to each and every one in the team, you have acquitted yourselves so well, a great effort.

Congratulations to Gwen Jensen (Mooroopna) together with Member of Honour Noela MacLeod on the success of the Junior Members’ Camp at 3 Lansell Road. This was a time of bonding among the Junior Members and I trust they will continue with their membership into adulthood after having had such a great time.

I have attended an 774 ABC Sunday Morning program (which was conducted at the Abbotsford Convent) with Allan Brough, speaking on the radio to promote our Association. Thank you MOH Noela for your assistance with scones and lamingtons sold on behalf of the Association.

February is Group Conference time. This is when a State Office Bearer visits. Remember that the State Office Bearer is your guest speaker. Please make her welcome. Members, speak to her personally if you have any concerns or perhaps some good news to tell. You, the members, are the most important part of the Association. I do hope many Branch members attend conferences (not only the delegates) to enjoy fellowship with fellow members.

Each Branch should have a copy of the current Rules and Objects (2006), the version which is current until after the 2010 Annual General Meeting of the Association. I remind members: (P19 No 28) that Branch funds should not to be used for gifts for State Office Bearers, guest speakers or auditors. At state level, for example, Guest speakers at State Conference are given a small handmade gift. The Branch Treasurer is the person who presents the financial statement at the Annual meeting. The books must be audited by an independent person.

As we begin 2010, may it be a year free from the tragedies 2009 presented. I wish everyone a happy, safe and peaceful year with fellowship enjoyed with fellow members.

                        Happiness is inward

And not outward

And so does not depend

On what we have

But on what we are (Henry Van Dyke)

In CWA friendship,

Helen Christie

State President