Speech: this script can be personalised and localised by adding in details regarding your local CWA branch and its achievements. This will make the speech much more interesting and relevant to your listeners.
Speech: CWA Awareness Day 2011
(approximately three to five minutes)
Good morning / afternoon, and thank you for joining us here today to celebrate the second annual CWA Awareness Day. (Acknowledge any VIP audience members).
The CWA has never been an organisation to spend time talking about its achievements – our history has been one of ‘just getting on with the job’.
CWA Awareness Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of the organisation and its members over the past 12 months, as well as the contribution the CWA has made to NSW since the organisation was formed almost 90 years ago. We are also looking to the future and encouraging women to join us so we can continue our work.
First let’s take a step back to the beginnings of the CWA. The CWA of NSW was formed in 1922 out of concern for women living on the land, particularly in isolated areas.
The first President of the Association, Mrs Grace Munro, believed passionately that a better life for country women could be provided through women, for women, by women.
At the time country women were fighting isolation, an appalling lack of health facilities and the constraints of a male dominated society. The Association was built by women who had to watch helplessly as their children died from minor illnesses. These women realised they had nowhere to turn but to themselves - and the results were staggering.
Within a year of discussions starting, the Association was a unified, resourceful group that was going from strength to strength. The members worked tirelessly to set up baby health care centres, fund bush nurses, build and staff maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes, seaside and mountain holiday cottages - and much more.
The women who formed and ran the CWA in the early days are an inspiration to us all. They rolled up their sleeves and, in difficult circumstances, built a better life for women and families. They were courageous and showed great vision.
Nowadays the needs of our community are different but many traditions and procedures of the Association remain constant. The framework has been enduring and the objectives of the Association still reflect the desire to serve and a readiness to adapt.
As a result the CWA’s impact on society has continued. Many of you might be surprised to know that the CWA was a leader in breaking down stigmas associated with the treatment of mental health in the 1950s, CWA women pioneered the concept of adult education in the early 60s by developing University Extension Kits for women and the CWA was an early provider of pre-school centres and child care in the 1970s when more and more women were returning to the workforce.
The role of the CWA now is often one of influencing Government and ensuring the voices of women and children are heard. Members of the NSW and ACT CWA have contributed to the debate over issues as diverse as compulsory seat belts in cars, the introduction of a scholarship scheme to train dentists for country areas and have breast prosthesis included in the Medicare Rebate Scheme.
Our aim is to improve the communities in which we live in and at a local level we have the power to do this in whichever way best suits the needs of our community.
Some of the current areas of focus for the CWA of NSW include:
· Request that the State and Federal Governments develop legislation to protect prime agricultural land from mining activities that could impact on agricultural food production and ground and surface water systems;
· Request for a Government policy to be explored to prevent the multinational buy up of rural, regional and urban areas;
· An urgent request to change Australian Donor Laws to ensure that an individual’s decision to be an organ donor stands;
· Call for the State Government to introduce legislation which will make communities safer in relation to alcohol fuelled violence;
In (Town) we have been proud to be able to (insert details of any fundraising or community support the CWA has provided locally).
The CWA also provides a support network for women that encourages and fosters growth, friendship and learning. In (town) we meet regularly (insert some details) and many of us have formed long and enduring friendships through our involvement in the CWA. (Add a personal example if relevant).
The CWA continues to play a significant role in the fabric of Australian life and we look forward to contributing over many years to come.
Thank you for joining us here today as we celebrate the second annual CWA Awareness Day with (details of your local event / activity here). (Finish with an appropriate call to action based on your event / activity – explain what you would like people to do to participate).
(Thank anyone who has contributed to the Day / event).
Thank you.
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