In this year of remembrance of the centenary of Anzac, the conference was opened by Gail Commens, Immediate Past State International Officer, who spoke on role played by the CWA woman during war, all done on a voluntary basis.

Guest speaker, Chris Moloney, president of Junee Legacy, spoke on the support given to the partners and children of the Veterans and raising money for their needs.

Next year, 90 descendants will travel to France for the 100th anniversary and Junee branch needs to raise $5000.

Pastor Dale Skewes spoke of the compassion, courage and creativity of women and led members in the saying of the CWA prayer.

Mayor Neil Smith welcomed all to the Junee Shire and later entertained the conference with his original bush poetry and some favorite poems of other authors.

These were most entertaining and enjoyed by all present.

President Helen Sheridan reported on a wonderful year of fun and friendship while coming together for our meetings.

Fourteen members had represented Hume Group at the State Conference at Tamworth.

Sadly, Cootamundra Branch had closed, and hopefully in the New Year a new branch can be reformed.

Our thoughts are with the family of Cathy Smart. She was such a wonderful Hume Group treasurer and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was such a strong woman who had the most positive outlook and faith and was an inspiration to all.

Group representative Ellen Williams thanked all for being given the opportunity to represent Hume Group on executive. Members are encouraged to take on a role as an office bearer in their branch and at group level and take on the challenge of learning to fulfill their potential while having fun.

Sue Woodward brought forward a motion to stop the advertising of “Fast Cash” on and in all forms of media.

Many people accessing these loans were unaware of the extremely high interest rate charged and the other costs that are associated with gaining a loan.

“Easy to access very hard to repay”.

Gemma Marshall, Hume Group Land Cookery officer, was successful in gaining her judges badge and has been busy judging at the local shows and Land Cookery competitions.

Rhonda Widdows thanked the local newspapers for their support during the year publishing articles. It is very much appreciated. It is so important to let the public know what Hume Group of CWA is achieving.

The Hume Group enjoyed entertaining the representatives from the surrounding groups of CWA who visited for the conference.

Ellen Williams was elected pPresident and representative, with Rhonda Widdows secretary and publicity officer.

The treasurer will be elected at the November meeting. The other officers are Helen Sheridan, ag and environmental, Dr Susan Chamberlain, cultural, Ann Pratt, handicraft, Kathie Thompson, international and Gemma Marshall, cookery.

Junee Evening won two trophies for the best branch president’s report and the best branch attendance and Eurongilly won two trophies with the best branch reports for their cultural and ag and environment activities during the year.

Wallendbeen won two trophies for the increase in membership and their international book and Ungarie won three trophies for their international report, their floral arrangement and the school project book.

Bellarwi won two trophies for the best cultural book and the most money collected for Coins for Friendship.

Hume Group has nominated Rwanda for the country to study in 2017 and lyme disease for medical research.

Hume Group will next meet on Wednesday, November 25 in Temora and welcomes anyone interested in joining CWA to come along.