Acknowledging the long and rich history of the building it recently moved into in Wingewarra St, Dubbo, RDA Orana invited members of the Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW to join the team on Monday, December 1, to celebrate the building's 75th anniversary.

Now known as The Vault Orana, RDA Orana has revamped the historic building into a modern and vibrant co-working and event space, while still maintaining its unique character, heritage and charm.

More than 20 local CWA members, the RDA Orana team and The Vault Orana co-working tenants enjoyed morning tea to celebrate the passage of 75 years since the former CWA Hall was opened.

RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said it was a wonderful opportunity to honour the history of their new home, while showcasing the renovations with local CWA

members.

“It was wonderful to welcome so many CWA members to The Vault Orana this morning, marking the historic milestone for the building and to celebrate our new

regional headquarters,” Ms Campbell said.

“We enjoyed reminiscing about the building’s long-standing history, the significance of the CWA’s contribution to the Dubbo community and shared stories from past

events held in the hall – all over tea and scones, of course!”

Commissioned by the Dubbo Branch of the CWA, the building was officially opened on November 30, 1950, built through the extraordinary fundraising efforts in post-war Dubbo as a haven of rest and baby clinic for the women of Dubbo and the surrounding districts.

In 2015, the Halls were sold by the CWA with some proceeds from the sale donated to Macquarie Home Stay and Royal Flying Doctor Service Dubbo Base.

RDA Orana relocated to the Halls in November this year, transforming it into The Vault Orana - a vibrant new regional headquarters and space for coworking, meetings and

events.

CWA stalwart Ruth Shanks paid tribute to organisation members for their work in making the building a reality many decades ago.

"When it was decided that the Dubbo CWA branch required a home of their own, much work was done and continues to be done to maintain these rooms as a haven for all those requiring such help," she told those gathered.

"So members and friends, I commend you for a job well done. Go forth with pride in the past, enjoy the present and have faith in the future that others after you will continue to care for the community in the same dignified manner you have done for many years," she added.