The past 12 months for Gilgandra CWA has been a positive whirlwind of activity, generosity, and community spirit — beginning the year with a focus on service — President Jess Reed announced at the group’s recent annual general meeting.

The AGM was held at the CWA Rooms on Warren Road with President Reed opening the meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 15.

Reed then extended a welcome to members and guests and invited all present to stand for the national anthem and to recite the CWA Motto.

Presenting her president’s report, Jess said that that past year featured community service ranging from catering for the Australia Day breakfast, staffing the Gilgandra Show kiosk, to providing home-cooked meals for Macquarie Home Stay guests.

“Our members continued the tradition of hospitality and care that defines the CWA, we shared casseroles, scones, grazing platters, always with a smile in support of our community, from the film festival to ‘The Piano's’ 40th Birthday,” Jess said.

“Sponsorship from IGA also enabled us to run the fun event ‘The Watermelon-eating Competition’ at the Under The Gums Weekend, with sticky smiles and laughter echoing across the street,” she added.

Gilgandra CWA also run a monthly market and assists the CWA Head Office financially as well as Macquarie Home Stay, Reed revealed.

“We also support our community in times of hardship, as well as our three schools, St Joseph's Catholic, Gilgandra Public, and Gilgandra High.

“We also contributed to causes close to our hearts, such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), with Gilgandra CWA one of many organisations recognised at the recent 2025 Orana Volunteer of the Year Awards,” she revealed.

The CWA, she added, is about making a positive contribution to our community.

“Together we continue to make a difference, in Gilgandra, in our Macquarie Group, and across NSW,” Reed said.

“Through it all, our members support one another,” she concluded.

Other highlights of the AGM, included celebrating long-service milestones, welcoming new members, and farewelling others with gratitude for their contribution.

Business of the meeting included confirming the 2024 AGM Minutes as circulated, the Treasurer’s Annual financial report, and election of a new committee.

“President Jess invited Lucy Irish — member of the Collie CWA Branch — to chair the election of office-bearers for 2025–2026,” a Club spokesperson said.

“Lucy declared all positions open for election with a subsequent vote,” they added.

Office-bearers for the year ahead are:

President: Jess Reed

Secretary: Julie Sawley

Treasurer: Rebekah Makila

Vice-President: Hilda Newstead

International: Helen Oats

Cultural: Madeline Foran

“The Land” cookery officer: Vivienne Gozzard

Handicraft: Emily Ashman

Publicity Officer: Hilda Newstead

“Chairperson Lucy Irish then declared the AGM complete,” the spokesperson said.

“Jess Reed took the chair, thanked Lucy, and presented her with a small gift of appreciation, with a wonderful, enjoyable meeting for all,” they concluded.