SA Country Women’s Association members unite for Murray Bridge branch’s 80th birthday
CWA representatives from around South Australia have come together for a lunch to celebrate the impressive milestone.
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The Murray Bridge branch of the SA Country Women’s Association has celebrated 80 years of service with a lunch for its members and those of other branches at the 1924 River Tavern.
SACWA representatives from as far afield as Loxton, Mount Pleasant and Tea Tree Gully were treated to a typically striking Murray Bridge view of the river, with 1924’s wall of windows right alongside the water.
But, of course, the views were a bonus, as the attendees were there to show support for their fellow branch’s milestone – 80 years of serving the community.
Carol Beswick, president of the Loxton District branch of the SACWA, was one such attendee.
“Today’s absolutely wonderful,” Ms Beswick said.
“Hopefully, we can get another 80 years – it’s a fantastic association.”
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Christine Koerber, state secretary of the SACWA and a member of the Dequetteville branch in Kent Town, expressed her delight to attend the birthday party in Murray Bridge.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a very important branch for an important birthday and a chance to catch up with members past and present,” Ms Koerber said.
Avis Tolcher, president of the Murray Bridge branch of the SACWA, spoke with pride about her club’s birthday lunch.
“It’s quite an achievement for any organisation to last for 80 years, and it’s lovely to welcome other branches here too, as it’s such a special occasion – the SCWA has tremendous fellowship,” she said.
Ms Telcher organised the well-attended luncheon, and although she joked that she was “feeling exhausted” after doing so, she expressed how much her club does for the local community.
“We have fortnightly craft lessons, we raise money for local groups that need assistance, and we embrace the Sundowners at the hospital, and the local CFS brigade,” she said.
One of the men who was at the 80th birthday lunch to support the longstanding – and outstanding – work of the SACWA was Ms Tolcher’s husband David.
As a lieutenant in the Mount Barker CFS, Mr Tolcher has benefitted first-hand from the invaluable support from the SACWA and sang its praises.
“All around SA and Australia, you’ll find that in different country regions the CWA steps up in times of need and provides meals and support to the communities and firefighters any time when there’s a national emergency,” he said.
“The federal government has chosen the CWA to distribute federal funds because the CWA is community based, and being embedded in the community, they know which family is hurting.”
“Avis understands my commitment as a firefighter to community services, as I understand her desire to help the community, and my role is to support her in her service.”
- More information on the Murray Bridge SACWA: Call Maureen Kennett on 0429 346 460 or Avis Tolcher on 0409 346 460 or email Avis at avistolcher@gmail.com.
