FROM THE STATE PRESIDENT Dear Members, By the time you read this letter State Conference at Melbourne Town Hall will be over as this letter was written prior to Conference. As I do not have a crystal ball I cannot pre-empt any outcomes. I do hope all decisions will be fruitful for all areas of the Association. Harvest Fair was again successfully held in March. Many stalls – clowns – fun and food – a happy day at 3 Lansell Road for our Association. Many Groups had church services during May to recognise CWA Sunday. I participated in my own Echuca Group service in early May in my hometown of Rochester. A warm welcome was extended to all incoming Group Presidents who attended their first State Council soon after State Conference. A happy, bright and informative Leadership Course over two days was held in early May and members are starting to get to know one another. The Association welcomes all new and returning Group Presidents and wishes you well at all times. To those who have completed their term of office on State Council, thank you from the Association for your input, expertise and friendship. A big thank you to all who contributed to the Association State Conference appeal for blankets and cot blankets to be donated to VicRelief Foodbank. These will be used to help those in less fortunate circumstances. Ongoing donations are always welcome. My grateful thanks to all staff and state office bearers who worked so hard with preparation for State Conference. A busy time of preparation, but how wonderful to enjoy the Church service, Song in Costume, Public Speaking, Conference deliberations and, of course, meeting with friends of longstanding and making new ones. Victoria welcomed back the delegation from ACWW World Conference in Arkansas USA. No doubt they will have many wonderful stories of meeting with fellow ACWW members. Delegates will be speaking at the International Luncheon on 24 June at 3 Lansell Road and this should prove very interesting. I do hope you have already booked. Sister Branches have been updated, thanks to Membership Committee members. I know many happy times have been spent with fellow members. Phone calls, letters and photos also help to share the fellowship of Country Women’s Association. The biggest challenge faced by our Association is membership. This is the responsibility of every member, as this is the basis of our Association. Does your Branch welcome and nurture a new member? Do you have interesting meetings so a newcomer is looking forward to coming back again? Sometimes something different in a meeting is great for all members, even those who have been with the Association for many years. Congratulations to all Branches and Groups celebrating special achievements. Best wishes were extended from the Association to Traralgon for their 80th Birthday and Donvale on the occasions of its 65th Birthday recently. What significant milestones for their members! As I travel through the State it is wonderful to see green paddocks, a novelty in some areas. Rainfall has been more consistent but drought is far from over. I leave you with this little verse: ‘What are Friends?’ A talk when you are lonely A smile when you are glad A help when you are weary A hope when you are sad A hand when you need it A laugh when you are blue A guide when you are searching A joy all life through My love and best wishes to all, Helen Christie State President
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