The Catering Committee's main aim is to raise money at our most important event which is catering at the Royal Melbourne Show. We have a committee of between 21 to 28 ladies who work on a volunteer basis for the duration of the Show.
The Country Women's Association of Victoria commenced their relationship with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria in 1936 with a small tea rooms open only to CWA members wearing their badge. This relationship with the RAS has progressed steadily over the years since 1936.
From 1939 to 1946 however saw the Showgrounds handed over to the RAAF for the duration of the Second World War.
In 1946 the CWA Tea Rooms were extended to non-members so long as they were accompanied by a member.
In 1950 we opened to the public.
In 1972 we first opened for breakfast and had seventeen customers.
We now run what would probably be the largest catering outlet, operated on the Show Grounds during the show.
Our team starts at around 6.00 am to prepare breakfast quite often customers are waiting when we arrive and are quite happy to sit while we fire up the stoves etc. and get eggs and bacon cooked and the toaster rolling. The day helpers start arriving around 9.30 am and start washing the mountain of pots and pans, and peeling the vegies an making the sandwiches etc. etc.
We now serve an evening meal and close later than at previous shows.
SHOW AWARDS:
1996, 1997, 2003 & 2005 - 1st place for the "Best Fixed Catering Outlet" other than a restaurant.
The catering supports the many causes of the Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc.
As most people are aware we also have morning and afternoon tea and our scones are always in great demand. As well as our committee, we have ladies who come during the day to help with all the food preparation. There is an endless queue of people looking forward to consuming our reasonably priced delicious meals and afternoon teas.
In recognition of 60 years of commitment to the Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc, the Catering Committee a Past Graduate Scholarship is awarded, the applicants must be a resident of Victoria. The awardees must undertake the course at William Angliss Institute of TAFE, or an other suitable College offering a Diploma in Food Technology. Applications close on 1st March each year. Application forms are available from CWA Head Office on 03 9827 8971.
