APRIL 2019 VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3

Country WomanVictorian

All Women, All Ages, All Places

Linking hands in friendship

QUILTS FOR ORPHANS EXHIBITION

Saturday 27th April from 9.30am-4.00pm

at

48 Hunter Rd, Wandin North

Wanallock and Wandin Branches

are hosting a

Quilts for Sale Refreshments available

Enquiries: Annette Stone : 0407 648 618

Celebrate Autumn, bring your family and friends, enjoy the company of quilters and country women

“Quilts for Orphans” started when one woman, following a battle with cancer, sought to reach out to those in need. Now, quilts are sent worldwide. Exhibition sales are a means of raising money to purchase batting and supplies to make quilts for those in need, here and abroad. Quilts for Orphans now includes many ladies who gather to enjoy the comradery and friendship of sewing fabric hugs for this cause.

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF VIC INC.

EASTERN GOULBURN VALLEY GROUP 2019 CREATIVE ARTS EXHIBITION

Thursday 11th April 2pm to 8pm

Light supper available

Friday, 12th April 10am—4pm

at

St Georges Road Primary School Stadium John Street, Shepparton (off St. Georges Road) Presentations 11am on Friday

Light lunch, Morning & Afternoon Tea

Devonshire Tea

Admission $5.00 Phone 0409182451 for more details

The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc.

Head Office Contacts & StaffTelephone: 03 9827 8971Facsimile: 03 9826 1710Web: cwaofvic.org.au

Office Administrator: Robyn SmithEmail: cwaadmin@cwaofvic.org.au

Executive Director: Lynne JordanEmail: execdirector@cwaofvic.org.au

Membership Administrator: Email: membership@cwaofvic.org.au

Accountant: Email: accountant@cwaofvic.org.au

Bookkeeper: Email: finance@cwaofvic.org.au

Reception: Email: reception@cwaofvic.org.au

Magazine: Email: cwamagazine@cwaofvic.org.au

CWA of Vic Umina Bed and Breakfast Contacts Reception: Mandy Darmody, Juliet LockwoodTelephone 03 9824 0239Email: bandb@cwaofvic.org.au

SENIOR STATE OFFICE BEARERS 2018/2019State President: Lynette Harris OAMDeputy State President: Marion DewarState Treasurer: Janette O’KeefeHonorary Solicitor: King & Wood MallesonsMembers of Honour: Betty Burgess OAM, Carol Clay, Kaye Kyle, Noela MacLeod AO, Helen Wall OAM, Dorothy Ward OAM

State Vice President: Pam MawsonState Vice President: Jenny NolaState Vice President: Heather ScottState Vice President: Beverley Wall OAM

Chairman ACWW/International/Community Support Committee: Faye Glover Chairman Agriculture & Environment: Margaret WoodChairman Catering: Lyn FlemingChairman Club: Mary GrantChairman Creative Arts: Anne DuVéChairman Membership: Peg HigginbottomChairman Magazine/Communications: Lorraine ZimmermanChairman Performing Arts: Helen ChristieChairman Social Issues: Viviane Chemali

AFFILIATED SOCIETIESThe Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWAA)Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW)

Patron: The Honourable Linda Dessau AC Governor of Victoria

A.0004857F

3 Lansell Road, Toorak, Victoria, 3142

2019 DETERMINATIONSTheme 2019: Linking Hands in Friendship

State Project: Disaster Assistance

Product/Resource: Sustainable Seafood

Country of Study: Iceland

Social Issues Focus: Social Isolation

Thanksgiving Fund: Batten Disease

COVERFront cover: Australian War Memorial. Accession number 051633. Melbourne, Vic. 1943-05-12. Mrs C Lawrence, a voluntary worker at the Country Women’s Association netting workshops at Flinders Lane, working on an aerial supply net. These nets are of a special heavy material to withstand the rigours of being dropped with supplies from aircraft.

MARCH 2019 VOLUME 65 NUMBER 2

Country WomanVictorian

All Women, All Ages, All Places

Linking hands in friendship

Page4 State President5 From the Editor5 Agriculture and Environment5 Catering6 ACWW7 Creative Arts7 Club8 Membership9 Magazine and Communications9 Book Review10 Performing Arts10 Reflections11 72 Years of Creswick Woollen Mills12 Incoming Group Presidents13 Young Person Communication Project14 Association Member Awards On Australia Day 201915 The Spurtle Search15 Recipe16 Her Story18 Telstra Update19 Garden Notes20 Book Competition21 Puzzles22 Anzac Biscuit Recipes23 Sustainable Seafood Quiz24 Welcome New Members24 2019 Calendar of Events24 Welcome Junior Members25 Special Branch Birthdays26 Branch and Group30 Their Memory Lives On 31 Puzzle Answers

CONTENTSVictorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

4 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

State President

Lynette HarrisState President

Once again it gives me great pleasure to write my magazine report for April.

What a roller coaster ride this has been for the last few months, celebrating 90 years, working with the new constitution and organising the

ACWW 29th Triennial Conference.The board has been busy with

overseeing policies and procedures. Thanks go to Heather Scott for coordinating the many hours of work putting together papers for board members to read and discuss and also to State Council members for their input and interesting discussions that have taken place during workshops.

The ACWW Conference has begun. Thank you to the committee and all those who have helped and supported throughout

the last six years, especially the last few months when it was all hands on deck. The workload has been enormous but I am sure it has given great satisfaction to all who have had an input.

Reports of speakers and information of resolutions will be available at a later date. One of the memorable parts of the conference was watching our wonderful Juniors who attended the opening ceremony. Theolderonescarriedtheflagsandthelittleoneswalkedaheadoftheflags,allproudlywearing their green and gold t-shirts.

The building renovations at Umina are now well on the way to being completed. The access ramp near the State President’s Officewillmakeitsomucheasier,notjustforthosewhofinditdifficulttomanagestairs but it will also be a breeze loading and unloadinggoodsinandoutofHeadOffice.

Rooms 25 and 26 are almost complete as well as rooms 1 and 5. It will certainly give the bed and breakfast a facelift. I must reiterate that all money for these renovations has been donations and bequests only. I would like to thank all those who have supported this project.

In addition, the Creative Arts Library has been installed opposite the volunteer room with donated money. This will be such an asset, with ample room to house all the craft books.

StateOfficeBearerroundshavefinishedand I would like to thank groups who have made me welcome. The friendship shown is amazing, and lunches and dinners have been provided in true Association style. I have had the chance to meet so many women from all walks of life, some I have known for many years and others newly met.

Easter is once again upon us so I wish you all a very safe and happy Easter.

“Easter is the only time of the year when it’s perfectly safe to put all your eggs in the one basket.”

2018/2019MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

NEW MEMBERS ONLY (1 April to 30 September)

– $39.50 all inclusive

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP (1 April to 30 September) – $10

The new access ramp.

Building the ensuite in room 25 at Umina.

Room 25 ensuite tiling.

Notice is hereby given that the 91st Annual General Meeting of The Country

Women’s Association of Victoria Incorporated will be held at 10.00am on Friday, 31 May 2019 at the Williamstown

Town Hall, 104 Ferguson St, Williamstown.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

5Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

From the EditorI'm very excited about this issue of Victorian Country Woman.Afterfindingsome wonderful Second World War photographs of women making nets at the CWA of Victoria netting workshop at Flinders Lane, I contacted Member of Honour Noela MacLeod AO, our archivist, to see if she could write an article about the involvement of CWA of Vic. in the voluntary scheme for making camouflagenetsforthewareffort.IthinkyouwillfindNoela'sarticle,andthe accompanying photographs, very interesting and timely, as we celebrate Anzac Day on 25 April.

Joely TaylorMagazine Editor

Deadline for articles for the JUNE 2019 magazine is

FRIDAY, 26 APRIL 2019

Missing and non-delivery of magazinesI have received a number of emails related to missing magazines over the past few months. For privacy reasons I do not have access to members’ personal details. Please send enquiries related to missing and non-delivery of magazines to the Membership Administrator. Her email address is membership@cwaofvic.org.au.

Hello everyone, I hope you have all come through the hot weather.

It has been a year of diversity: terribledroughtandthenawfulfloodsinQueensland. One wonders what is going to happen next.

Our thoughts go out to the people who have lost so much. If you live on the land it is either a high or low; you can only try to keep your chin up and remember there are people out there thinking of you.

In Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation has a grants program called ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ where you can put in an online application for money for an event in your community. This is to help farmers and the community have an outlet for a bit of downtime. The website is at www.lookoverthefarmgate.org.au. If you would like to hold an event in your community it is worthwhile putting in an application.

Our committee has been working on various things and is always busy so if you would like us to look into anything please let us know.

In late February I went on Group Conference rounds toLoddonValleyandMurrayValley.Cohunawasmyfirstconference. It is such a lovely location, with a lovely lot of members at the conference who are all so busy helping the community and their branches. Keep up the great work girls.

The next day was Swan Hill and another great crowd. Amongst their other community efforts is Daffodil Day, where members walk for miles to sell daffodils for such a worthy cause. Well done girls. Everyone should realise that if we didn’t do all this volunteer work there would be a big gap, and whowouldfillit?Soremembermembers,youdoagreatjobin all you do.

Please keep an eye on your neighbours wherever you are as you may be able to help in a time of need.

Till next time.

Margaret WoodAgriculture & Environment Committee Chairman

Agriculture and Environment

The Catering Committee has been busy with early paperwork for the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show. This will be held from Friday to Sunday, 19–21 July, at the Bendigo Showgrounds. I would be pleased to hear from members who are close by and able to assist with a shift on the stall during this time. Our menu will again include warming lamb dishes, including homemade lamb, vegetable soup and lamb pies. Perhaps you are not able to attend but could provide some prepared

soup for this event.Again, the Victoria Racing Club has asked CWA of

Victoria to provide 6,000 homebaked Anzac biscuits for the Anzac Day Raceday meeting at Flemington. These will be packaged into packets of two for racegoers.

The major event for the year is the Royal Melbourne Show. Have you considered assisting for at least one day at theShowCafeteriabetween21Septemberand1October?Orhaveyouconsideredthedaysbothbeforeandafter?These also require volunteer members to assist with both BUMP IN and BUMP OUT. Mark these dates in your diary NOW please.

If this is not possible, donations of knitted goods – baby wear, knee rugs, tea cosies and other smaller items such as scarves and beanies – for sale on the stall – would be appreciated. I am grateful for one group that considered this request, and at their February Group Conference had ‘tea cosies’ as their conference competition. The entries were donated to the Show stall. Thank you. Other donated goods that are very popular for sale are rich fruit cakes and jars of preserves. More details of the Royal Melbourne Show will appear in future magazines.

CATERING

Lyn FlemingCatering Committee Chairman

6 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

April 29 is Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Day and a chance to celebrate ACWW’s international network by planning a Women Walk the World event in your neighbourhood. The purpose is to raise awareness of ACWW’s work, promote the organisation and raise some funds. The funds are forwarded to London officeandusedtofurtherdevelopeducation, training and community development programs for rural women and their families. ACWW connects and

supports women and communities worldwide.Don’t forget to take a few photos of your walk, together

with a story, and send to both the Victorian Country Woman magazine and The Countrywoman magazine in London.

Excitement and anticipation are building as the 29th ACWW World Conference draws near. ACWW holds a World Conference every three years and CWA of Victoria is hosting the 2019 World Conference. Membership is nine million through 365 member societies in over 70 countries. You can check the days, hours, minutes and seconds to go on the ACWWwebsite.ThisismyfirstWorldConferenceandIamlooking forward to the experience.

Thank you letters:• M. McQualter OAM, Secretary to Moira Kelly AO, letter

of thanks for children’s toys at Christmas time.• Royal Women’s Hospital with thanks for the blankets,

jackets, beanies and booties. In 2018 they gifted 837 bundles. Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, and her husband Mr Anthony Howard AM QC spent an afternoon helping put together giftpackages.Shepassedonspecificthankstotheknittersand makers of the blankets and garments.

• Sue Dight, Chief Manager of Mission to Seafarers, sent a letter of heartfelt thanks for toiletries, socks and other itemswhichhelpedfilltheChristmasbagstothebrim.Sueexplained that many, many seafarers had been visiting the

Mission over summer and as they head off into the high seas they appreciate the woolly beanies (see email letter and photo attached).

• The CEO of St Mary’s House of Welcome sent two letters – two donation packs were delivered in December. The letters said, “With your generous contribution, you have helped us assist some of the most disadvantaged people in ourcommunity.”Thefirstpackwasfoodhamperitems,thesecond pack socks, underwear, children’s books and toys, coffee, etc. All to go toward Family Christmas gift packs for St Mary’s House of Welcome clients.

My sincere thanks to all members for your continued generous support to this Committee.

DonationsI’m happy to share with you that at the February Committee meeting funds raised in 2018 were distributed. $1,000 to SouthPacificArea(SPA)ProjectsFund,tobeforwardedtoSPA President Gail Commens. The remainder to the CWA of Victoria Inc. and to our Emergency fund.

Thank you to the following for donations:Group: Eastern Foothills, Kiewa District, Loddon Valley, West Gippsland, Yarra Valley.

Branches: Allansford, Bealiba, Beechworth, Bena, Cobden, Dingwall, Euroa Forlonge, Grantville, Heywood, Mortlake, Myrtleford, Nathalia Nightwatch, Niddrie, Rosebud, Rosebud East, South Morang Night Owls, Warrnambool, Whittlesea Jumbunna, Whittlesea Jumbunna Night, Whorouly, Yarra, Yarram, Youanmite.Friends of CWA: Dorothy Christian, Friends of Hopetoun branch, Mrs. C. Sacco, Friends of Myrtleford branch, Bronwyn Perry, Myrtleford ×3.

Future Packing/Meeting Dates: 15 March, 15 April *Note this is a Monday to work around the busy month, 17 May.

Items now in short supply: Individual toothbrushes, individual tooth paste, individual soap.

ACWW

Faye GloverACCW/International/Community Support Committee Chairman

INTERNATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT COMMITTEE

Dear Faye,

Thank you so much for your letter.The Seafarers have been visiting us in droves over

the summer period and as they head off into the high seas they do appreciate the woolly beanies.

The toiletries, socks and other items made the Christmas bags very full to bulging.

I have attached a photo here of the bags that were distributed, and one of a happy seafarer, if you require them for your newsletter.

Thank your for the support of the CWA of the Mission, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Please let me know if any of your members would like a tour at any time.

Sue DightChief Manager

Mission to Seafarers Victoria Inc.A seafarer after receiving his Christmas bag.

Christmas bags full of toiletries, socks and other items for the Mission to Seafarers.

7Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

GROUP HOME INDUSTRIES THEME ‘FLAVOURS OF AUSTRALIA’Judges will be looking for native/Indigenousflavoursin your baking and preserves (e.g. wattle seeds, lemon myrtle, pepper

berry, bush tomato, saltbush).Google ‘bush foods’. A great book

is Wild Food Plants of Australia by Tim Law, published by Angus and Robertson.

VICTORIAN QUILTERS SHOWCASETHURSDAY 25 JULY TO SUNDAY 28 JULY. At Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Bank (Jeff’s Shed).

Victorian Quilters Inc. Australia annual quilt show. This is a members only exhibition held in July in conjunction with the Melbourne Quilt andCraftShow.Youcanfindinformationat www.victorianquilters.org.

Membershipbenefits:meetotherquilters, with quarterly gatherings held across Victoria. Quarterly Vic Quilter magazine, with news, dates and photos for Australian quilters. Enter up to

Creative Arts

Anne DuVéCreative Arts Committee Chairman

three quilts in the annual members only showcase exhibition in Melbourne. Take part in members challenges.

GROUP EXHIBITIONS IN APRILEastern Goulburn Valley: Thurs. 11 April 2pm – 8pm & Fri. 12 April 10am – 4pm, St Georges Rd. Primary School Stadium, John St., Shepparton.

Mornington Peninsula Group: Sat. 27 April 10–4pm & Sun. 28 April 10–3pm at Peninsula Community Theatre, Cnr. Wilson Rd & Nepean Hwy, Mornington

GROUP EXHIBITIONS IN MAYGippsland Hills: Fri. 3 May 10am – 4.30pm & Sat. 4 May 10am–3pm at Inverloch Community Hub, 16 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch.

Diamond Valley: Sat. 4 May 6–8pm & Sun. 5 May 10am – 3pm at St Martin of Tours Community Centre, Silk Street, Rosanna

Polwarth: Fri. 17 & Sat. 18 May at St John’s Hall, 17 Hesse St, Colac

A selection of biscuits and muffins made for our theme ‘Flavours of Australia’ presented at home industries judges training.

Guest speaker from Victorian Quilters Linda Steele. Quote from Linda, “If you have finished a quilt you are a winner”.

Guest speaker Caroline Gray from ‘A bit of jam and pickle’ with her pickled red cabbage kimchi.

The renovations at Umina are now complete and now the fun part – to redecorate the rooms that contain the new ensuites.

The colour palettes chosen are the ones Karen Jackson presented at September State Council. The pink and blue tones are the colours recommended by the committee and have been adopted by the board.

Maintenance on our building is a continual work in progress but now that

the2018StateProjectdonationsarefinallyreconciled,thecommittee and the board will decide where to best use this money on future upgrades at Umina.

Bookings for our high teas are very pleasing and have been made as far in the future as August, so if you are planning to come to one I suggest you get a booking in. Please note there is no high tea for April as the date clashes with the ACWW World Conference.

The Club Committee is responsible for providing meals at State Council. Because many of the Club Committee members are attending State Council, I am seeking members, who are

Mary GrantClub Committee Chairman

C L U Bnot involved in State Council to help Marilyn Mackie in the kitchen on the Wednesday and Thursday of State Council. This involves preparation for Wednesday night dinner and the cooking of this. Lunches are also provided for Wednesday and Thursday. Please email me if you would like to help at littlemg79@gmail.com. The next State Council is 26 –27 June.

At any event we always need a workforce in the kitchen, in the dining room and in the scullery. If you would like to help, please let me know.

I have mentioned previously that we have been trying to findwaystouseUmina’s facilities as well as increase the use of the bed and breakfast. Planning and costing has been done to offer weekend retreats, over the year, featuring particular creative arts mediums.

AtourfirstretreatweareofferingatwodayMasterclassinGoldwork on 25–26 May. This is planned as an all-inclusive deal – accommodation, meals, tutor fee and kit – and it will be aimed at the wider community rather than just our members.

Planning for one day workshops covering knitting and crocheting are also on the horizon.

See you at Umina!

8 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

The CWA of Victoria brand is well recognised throughout Australia and with it comes a certain gravitas. If you mention you are a member, it is amazing what sorts of questions will follow! This brand is the culmination of many generations of women working hard in their communities to raise money, forge new friendships, foster fun and preserve the traditions of the many arts and crafts we see at our creative arts

shows around the state.I feel a personal connection to the women who came

before us and I feel we owe them a duty of care with the brand they contributed to. As chair of the Membership Committee I am thrilled to see new branches forming, especially the growth in night and city branches, which are attracting women who could not otherwise attend meetings.

I am also keen to hear from Junior Members.My granddaughter Maggie was joined up to the

Association by her mother in our 90th birthday year and this marked the 6th generation in my family to be part of the Association. What a wonderful tradition, and I know my great-grandmother, who was a founding member of the Elmhurst branch in 1936, would be proud. I suspect she would also be amazed by how easily we can all connect and share our branch news via social media and the web!

My branch, the Kyneton Twilighters, has a number of new members and it is great to see new ideas and energy that comes with new friends. I am alwaysinterestedtofindoutwhytheyjoinedandtheirconnection with the Association. Kyneton Twilighters PresidentSarahMcAdieisafifth-generationmember.

No matter where we live or what sort of branch we have, I think we all share the same themes of wanting to make new friendships, wanting to learn how to be a great cook, wanting to connect with craft, and wanting to help the community in which we live.

Technology may have changed, but these themes remainpasseddowntousfromtheveryfirstmembers.The retiring State President’s address from 50 years ago, printed in the Country Crafts magazine, demonstrates these themes were strong even in the 1960s. We honour their legacy by growing our membership and showing the women of the state that CWA of Victoria is a great organisation.

As well as being a strong lobby group, a fundraising powerhouse and the custodians of Umina, we connect with our international friends through ACWW.

All of us are ambassadors. Congratulations to both our new members and branches.

Good luck to you all as we focus on growing our membership and thank you to everyone who contributed to the stand at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Peg HigginbottomMembership Committee Chairman

MEMBERSHIP

Kyneton Twilighters President Sarah McAdie with her eldest child Edward at the Association stall at ‘This Farm needs a Farmer’ field day.

Country Crafts, July 1969, p. 13

9Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

Thank you to all members who have entered the State Literature Competition. Your entries are currently being judged and the winner of the Emilie Wilson Literature Award will be announced at the 2019 State Conference.

It would be appreciated by me, the Editorandthefinancestaffifall payments for advertisements; e.g., group exhibitions, branch special occasions, etc. are made at the timetheyaresubmittedtosavethefinancedepartment issuing an invoice. The payment chequeshouldbeaccompaniedbyanOfficialPayment Docket (OPD) on which should be

MAGAZINE AND COMMUNICATIONS

Lorraine ZimmermanMagazine & Communications Committee Chairman

written the details relating to the payment. A quarter page black and white advertisement is $25 while a quarter page coloured advertisement costs $30. Payment on submission is also required for ‘Their Memory Lives On’ contributions with all contributions over 50 words incurring a fee of $10.

I would like to extend a very warm ‘thank you’ to the Group Presidents and members of Central Murray, Moira and Eastern Goulburn Valley Groups for their hospitality, to both my husband and me, on our visit to their area of Victoria in February. We had a very enjoyable and relaxing time during our visit and managed to see parts of Victoria that are not on the usual travel routes.

GIPPSLAND HILLS GROUP 65th

Exhibition HANDICRAFTS, ART & HOME INDUSTRIES

3 and 4 May 2019 Inverloch Community Hub

16 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch Members’ exhibits, demonstrations, workshops

Open to the public Friday 10am-4.30pm and Saturday 10am-3.30pm Admission: Adults $3, children & school students free

Light lunches and morning and afternoon teas Enquiries: phone Heather 03 5662 2175

Great Australian CWA StoriesBill ‘Swampy’ Marsh

Review by Betty ThomasOuyen

A Christmas gift was an interesting book by Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh. Great Australian CWA Stories contains stories of CWA members across Australia. It gives a clear impression of the work CWA does. Every member can relate to these stories for we all try to uphold our Collect and Motto. I’m enjoying reading how other branches cope with adversity. Also there is quite a collection of recipes taken from The Coronation Cookery Book (1937) and the 21st Birthday Cookery Book of the CWA Tasmania (1957).

BOOK REVIEWIABC

\U"AlY\� Local Radio

Bill 'Swampy' Marsh

• Please send high-resolution photos (at least 2MB)• Ensure you attach your photos to your email rather than

embedding them in your email or document (which automatically reduces the resolution)

• If you need to send hard copy photos please have these professionallyprinted(Officeworks,HarveyNorman)because photos printed on home printers won’t scan well enough for printing in the magazine

• Photos of Children. Please note that due to privacy reasons we require the written permission of parents or legal guardians in order to reproduce photos of children. These forms are available from your Branch Secretary or email the Editor

• Photos and articles submitted to the magazine may be used for all CWA of Victoria communications outlets (e.g. magazine, website, and social media).

PHOTOGRAPHS

10 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

I trust members are enjoying the cooler temperatures of autumn afterunrelentingfiveweeksof temperatures of 40 degrees plus. Little or no rainfall made lifedifficultforall.Thecoolertemperatures mean more energy – energy to practise for Performing Arts Presents Saturday 20 July 2019 at Minerva Space, 116 Sturt Street, Ballarat. This building is part of the Ballarat Mechanics Institute at 117–119 Sturt Street. Centre

management are happy to welcome The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc., making every possible effort to ensure members’ time in Ballarat will be enjoyable and memorable.

Public Speaking (adjudicated) will commence the program of song, dance and drama to entertain all. Entries close Monday 3 June 2019 at 5pm, 3 Lansell Road, Toorak, Vic. 3142.

Members please support this event, either as a member of the audience, as a participant, or as both. This is part of the Association and to enable the festival to continue entries are needed, come entertain and enjoy. The Committee is working very hard on members’ behalf to make this a success, and I thank every member for input.

Public Speaking Topics Adjudicated1. Shopping today2. The way we were3. Whatisafriend?4. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t

take the country out of the girl5. My garden

Performer SectionSketch up to 10 minutes Duet in costume 4 minutesSong in costume (up to 14 members) 10 minutesLip synchronisation 5 minutesStand-up comedy solo 3 minutesHumorous reading 3 or more members 5 minutesHumorous reading solo – 5 minutesChoir – 2 contrasting songs 6 minutesSolo – 1 song in costume 5 minutesSolo song in costume 5 minutesMime, maximum 3 members 5 minutes

Each branch is allowed one entry per category to enable many branches to participate. Remember members, the Associationgivesusopportunitiesforfirsttimesformanythings, be it a new craft, a new recipe, or maybe this time, afirsttimeonstage.

Remember these words from Audrey Hepburn, “Nothing is impossible – the word itself says, I’m possible”.

PERFORMING ARTS

Helen ChristiePerforming ArtsCommittee Chairman

Setting out at a good pace the lone walker made their way down the road. It was still early, the sun was

still waking the birds, the sky was painted with the hues of another autumn morn, pinks and creams and the odd splashes of yellow heralding the arrival of another autumn morning.Asthelonefigurestrodedowntheunmaderoadwith its hedgerows of blackberries, now showing patches of black where ripe berries hung waiting for the birds to havetheirfill,pastthelastbloomsofthewaysideflowers,yarrowwithitspinkandwhiteflower,thebroomwithitsoccasionalyellowflowersandblackseedpods.Theroadside grasses. An apple tree laden with red apples, forgotten in the corner of a paddock, past birds singing sweetly to herald the new day or to scold the intruder passingby.Manythoughtswerefloodingthroughthewalker’s head. Was this a country lane in England!

Slowly the couple walked through the centre of the town. The sun was hot on their faces. They watched couples sitting at the sidewalk cafes. The aroma of coffee wafted through the air. Busy folk rushing about their business, mothers with bags of shopping, girls with papers, children with their bags carelessly slung over their shoulders, dragging their feet as they returned home, tourists relaxing under large umbrellas sipping wine. The couple wandered up the street, mother and daughter. Could itbeasmallvillageinItalyorSpain?

No, it wasn’t England, Spain or Italy but home. My home town, the place where I spent my formative years. The lone walker was me and the couple was my mother and me.

Whysoreflective?Whatkeptmecomingbackalltheseyears?Whatwasmytiewiththissmallcountrytown?Itwas home! Here was the home I had been brought up in; here was the house where there was love, care, family support and sometimes sorrow; all that is needed to keep us whole and healthy. Here my father toiled to provide food, shelter and the opportunity for a good education, something he never had. It was here my mother lived, devoting her life to her family, tirelessly and willingly. Here she worked to keep house for a large family.

AsadnessfilledmeasIsilentlyreturnedhome.Thefurniture van had pulled up at the door and as I neared I could see pieces of furniture being loaded. The family home was gone. Mother now aged and needing care was coming to live with my family. A big decision for her and a change in our family situation.

Mother remained with us until her death four years later. Again, I was walking along a dusty country road with thoughts of my mother and the wonderful times we had had both before and after she came to live with us. I thought of how she had helped develop care, responsibility and love for all into my children. I hope that when I can no longer remain on this wonderful world that my children will take a walk down a lonely bush track and think of me and our life together.

Jean BlackGlenelg

REFLECTIONSREFLECTIONS

11Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

Founded in 1947 by Polish migrant Paul Ryzowy, Creswick Woollen Mills is now the only coloured woollen spinning mill of its type in Australia. Located in Creswick, a small township approximately 120 km from Melbourne, north-east of Ballarat, Creswick Woollen Mills is the largest private employer in the region. Despite the rationalisation of the textile industry in recent times, this family owned business run by brother and sister duo (Boaz Herszfeld and Sharon Herszfeld), remains buoyant, reinvesting for future sustainability.

The business has transformed over time from a manufacturer into a retail destination, which was started by building some excitement. They turned a little mill located between Daylesford and Ballarat into a successful tourist attraction. With a café, interactive historical experience and an animal farm, the Mill has been Winner of the RACV Best Tourism Attraction in Victoria and currently receives more than 130,000 visitors a year.

Creswick Woollen Mills has become a household name both in Australia and globally. Other innovative products produced by Creswick Mills include the Personal Protection Blankets for The Country

Fire Authority (CFA) Victoria and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) New South Wales.

Creswick now has nine stores, with the opening of Healesville in March 2019 as the latest store addition. The Creswick store network showcases the quality of Creswick’s naturalfibreproducts,rangingfromhomewares to apparel to accessories. Most stores now feature an educational space, providing local and international tourists an insight into the history of Australian natural fibressuchasmerinoandalpaca.Creswick

Woollen Mills timeline is also documented, with the remarkable history of its founder (and grandfather) Paul Ryzowy.

Creswick has a strong connection and history of working with the CWA of Victoria and this year is proud to continue its partnership and support. With a range of service offerings, we are inviting branches to host in-store fundraising events to help raise funds for your dedicated causes. For more information, please call 1800 338 837 or email: fundraising@creswickwool.com.au.

72 YEARS OF CRESWICK WOOLLEN MILLS

12 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

The Incoming Group Presidents for 2019–2020, who were elected at Group Annual General Meetings held during February and early March, will commence their dutiesfollowingtheconfirmationoftheirpositions as Members of State Council at the Annual General Meeting of the Association on 31 May 2019: Rosalie Silvey (Ballarat District), Lyn Fleay (Beaufort), Amanda Millar (Central Highlands) (not in photograph), Darryl O’Bryan (Central Victoria), Prudence McCredden (Central Wimmera) (absent), Leanne Egan (Diamond Valley), Mirjana Angelov (Eastern Foothills), Val Gibbs (Eastern Goulburn Valley), Barbara Higgins (Echuca), Jenny Kay (Fraser), Meg Edwards (Gippsland Hills), Jennifer Goonan (Goulburn Valley West), Sue Caslake (Henty), Kaye Ashe (Hume Goulburn), Dhirleen Clarke (Kiewa

Valley), Christine Coleston (Loddon Valley), Gail Jurak (Mildura/Millewa), Cate Venturoni (Mornington Peninsula), Wilma Bright (North Eastern), Kate Commins (Omeo/Tambo Valley), Mary Prime (Polwarth), Tania Duvoisin (South Gippsland) (absent), Joy Lowry (Upper Murray), Ann Laws (West Gippsland) and Judi Pymer (West Wimmera).

The Incoming Group Presidents are pictured in traditional fashion on the steps of Umina during their three-day ‘Group President Training Days’ with State President Lyn Harris OAM and Deputy State President Marion Dewar.

The program included an informal greeting time in the lounge before dinner in the dining room on Tuesday 5 March, followed by a formal social time in the lounge when each member introduced themselves with a brief recital of their

personal and Association ‘history’.Wednesday sessions in the Craft Room

included working through the Group President Training Manual, checking the Constitution and Branch Basics, and receiving information from Executive Director Lynne Jordan.

Atouroftheproperty(B&B,officesand garden) was enjoyed before dinner on Wednesday and afterwards members took part in a practical session on conducting a Group Conference.

Thursdaysessionsincludedafinanceworkshop conducted by State Treasurer Jeanette O’Keefe and hearing about each State Committee, with some Chairpersons being present.

Accommodation was at Umina B&B and meals were prepared and served by Club Committee Chairman Mary Grant and some member volunteers.

INCOMING GROUP PRESIDENTS

Row 5: Meg Edwards, Lyn Fleay, Helen Paraskavas (2nd year) (McDonald)Row 4: Christine Coleston, State President Lyn Harris OAM, Mary Prime, Val GibbsRow 3: Wilma Bright, Leanne Egan, Rosalie Silvey, Dhirleen Clarke, Judy PymerRow 2: Jenny Kay, Darryl O’Bryan, Kate Commins, Deputy State President Marion Dewar, Gail Jurak, Cate Venturoni, Sue CaslakeRow 1: Ann Laws, Jennifer Goonan, Joy Lowry, Mirjana Angelov, Kaye Ashe, Barbara Higgins

13Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

The CWA of Victoria, as you know, has had a presence in many Victorian communities over a long period of time.

In 2019 we have over 300 branches and membership in excess of 5,500 individuals. The number of those joining the Association who are aged 25 years and younger is growing year by year and currently makes up approximately 8% of the current membership. Some branches have junior meetings, while others integrate young women into general branch activities.

The work of the Association has always been focused on women, children and families in communities and helping those who may fall on tough times. Members are very resourceful and have a lot of knowledge and information to share. This is the basis for our project ‘Strengthening Information and Communication with Victoria’s Communities – Especially with Young People’.

In late 2017 State President Lyn Harris OAM wrote to the then Victorian Health Minister, The Honourable Jill Hennessy, requesting funding to further develop the CWA of Victoria website to enhance our ability to communicate across all ages, but especially with young members and young people more broadly.

Our website is largely undeveloped as a vehicle for disseminating information and is not user friendly, in particular for young people, who are a growing cohort of CWA of Victoria members. For these

members and their friends, a ‘junior CWA portal’ would be an asset towards learning life skills and in communication of appropriate information on safe and healthy decision making.

We were delighted when we received a very positive letter from the Minister, which acknowledged the great work of theAssociationandfinancialsupportfortwo years to undertake this project.

In early 2018 I met with staff from the Department of Health and Human Services to further develop the project plan and during 2018 presented information about this great opportunity at the 2018 State Conference and at State Council meetings.

The project is now referred to as ‘Young Person Communication Project’ (for short!) and focuses on looking at how we can engage and communicate wellbeing, safety and health messages to young people aged 8 to 25 years within our membership and beyond, across Victoria.

The goal of the project is to strengthen access to digital health and wellbeing information for young people and to improve the digital awareness and literacy of young people, especially those living in regional and rural areas.

The project will also demonstrate how opportunities can be created for intergenerational knowledge transfer and increase community participation in volunteer opportunities.

We have engaged Changesmith

Consulting to assist us in delivering this project. They are experienced in working with communities, and young people, on these types of projects.

Thisprojectwillbenefitfrom:• involving members at branch and

group levels• gaining a thorough understanding

from members about what the CWA of Victoria has to offer young people

• talking with young people about how they get information and in what ways the Association can make this easier.The main things the Association will

gain from this project are:• increased knowledge about what

young people think the CWA of Victoria does

• a stronger digital and social media presence

• a communications plan• shared understanding of how young

people currently engage with the CWA of Victoria

A survey was recently sent out to Group Presidents to share with branches as a way of gathering information. I am sure we will all be interested in hearing the outcomes.

I look forward to working with you all on this project and please contact me if you would like further information.

Lynne JordanExecutive Director

Email: execdirector@cwaofvic.org.au

STRENGTHENING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION WITH VIC-TORIA’S COMMUNITIES – ESPECIALLY WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

Strengthening information and communication with Victoria’s communities – especially with young people

Photo by Julia Caesar on Unsplash

14 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

ASSOCIATION MEMBER AWARDS ON AUSTRALIA DAY 2019Mrs Beverley Wall, OAMCongratulations to State Vice President Mrs Beverley Wall on receiving the Order of Australia Day Medal on Australia Day

2019. The following article is printed with permission from the Shepparton News.

No borders to lend a handBeverley Wall has devoted her life for C.W.A. cause, and volunteering at home and abroad

Liz Mellino, Shepparton News

With an extensive list of service to the Country Women’s Association across various branches and roles, Beverley Wall is the ideal candidate to receive the Medal of the Order of Australia.

The Cosgrove resident and Victoria CWA state vice-president said it was a privilege to be nominated for the award, let alone receive one.

“My initial reaction when I found out was one of shock and excitement, I was very proud and honoured to be given an award like this, and humbled,” she said.

“I don’t know who nominated me, I’m a bit behind the eight ball… there are thousands of people who do wonderful things out there and I always feel I don’t do anything more than anyone else.”

Originally joining the CWA in 2006 while living in Woomelang in Victoria, Mrs Wall grew up with her mother an avid member of the Cosgrove South branch.

Watching her involvement and the benefitshegainedfromtheexperience,Mrs Wall said she knew she always wanted to join the Association.

During the past 13 years she has been involved in various ways before joining the Caniambo branch in 2015 and later becoming the state vice-president.

“I love it and the friendships I have made have been fantastic, it is a great leveller because you meet people from all walks of life and you do a lot of good work for local communities,” she said.

“I would encourage any lady, woman or child to get involved with the CWA. It is a wonderful organisation to be with.”

Outside of CWA, Mrs Wall has donated countless hours helping those in need across Australia and overseas.

She is the former president of the Woomelang Bush Nursing Centre, a former member of the Woomelang and

District Development Association and was a volunteer for the Nepal Aussie Action Abroad for two years.

With other achievements including being the recipient of Victoria’s Local Hero of the Year award and the Yarriambiack Shire Citizen of the Year award in 2009, Mrs Wall said her work with the Nepal AAA was a true highlight of her life.

“I had always been keen to go and help elsewhere and see what other people did and how they lived… we worked in an orphanage and a disability centre along with visiting the leprosy centre and the hospital over there,” she said.

“I went back the next year to the same places and in a 12-month period you could not believe how the money and things we had taken with us had made such an impact on their lives… the people of Nepal appreciate everything you can take, it is a very special place, very dear to my heart.”

Over the years, Mrs Wall has also found time to be a member of the Dookie Lions Club and a Justice of the Peace along with volunteering a couple of days every two months to sign documents at the Shepparton police station.

She said becoming the CWA vice-president of Victoria was a huge honour and something she never imagined possible.

“When you’re a member you’re one of 5000-plus women and you think I would never be part of the top because I am at the bottom end of the CWA,” she said.

‘However, it is not the bottom, our pyramid should be turned upside-down, the members are the most important part and we’re just here to co-ordinate and put it all together.”

While she is still unsure who nominated her for the OAM, Mrs Wall said she was grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to stand up against thousands of other worthy recipients.

“When you do things, you don’t do it thinking you’re going to get something for it, you do it because you love it,” she said. “It is very humbling, I think I don’t do any more than the next vice-president.”

Printed with permission of the Shepparton News – www.sheppnews.com.au

Thoona member recognised on Australia DayJan James was voted Achiever of the Year for Thoona. Jan is a CWA of Victoria member and has lived in the local district her entire life. She has always been an

active participant and supported and driven many community clubs, events and celebrations.

Jan’s acceptance speech focussed on volunteering as all of her activities involve this. Her family has been involved with International Student Exchange. They have sponsored quite a few students over the years and still keep in touch with many of these students. Jan has also been an active Guide Leader for many years and was very much involved with both primary and secondary school activities for her four children. Coincidentally, mother-in-law Loris James, Life Member of Thoona branch, celebrated her 92nd birthday at Thoona on Australia Day.

Benalla Councillor Bernie Hearn (left) presenting the Thoona Achiever of the Year award to Jan James.

Yarck member receives Australia Day AwardNorma Hodson was presented with the Murrindindi Shire Senior Citizen of the Year award on Australia Day. Norma is a life member and a past Group President and has been a member of the Association for 64 years. She has always been involved in anything to do with the Association. As well as her involvement with the Association, Norma has spent 50 years on the Yarck Hall Committee and 40 years as a member of Alexandra Pastoral and Agricultural Ladies Auxillary, as well as many years associated with Girl Guides and other associations. She has a wonderful history of community involvement.

Norma Hodson receiving her Murrindindi Shire Senior Citizen of the Year award with Yarck President Fay Green and Tina Williams.

15Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

My search for the best ‘spurtle’ has gone on for many years. I have described its use to many and the immediate responseis,“Don’tyoumeanaspoon?”.

“No, it’s a spurtle.”Now I could have improvised, tried making one,

scoured Op shops or simply given up. Not one to give up easily, when I had the chance to visit Canberra recently, an idea sprang immediately to mind.

So off to the lovely historic village of Bungendore, just over the ACT border in NSW. No excuses required for our family ever to visit this place. There are many galleries, a delightful traditional French café run by Christophe and his wife, leather, crafts of every sort, and the Woodwork Gallery.

The gallery specialises in many items made from wonderful Australian timber. Up and down we went, my husband going in one direction and me in the other.

Then amongst the shelves were the spurtles!I bought three. Now you may think why not simply use a spoon, but my

spurtle evokes a sweet memory of childhood, an AGA stove with the hod of coke standing by and always the delicious aroma arising from a pot my Nan was stirring using her worn and much loved spurtle.

I look today at my induction cooktop, very efficient,clean,soulless,unliketheAGA;however,InolongerneedtofillcokehodsasIdidwhenachild,thankgoodness. While making a sauce the other day, I smiled as I stirred it with my spurtle and then smiled down at the two spares in the drawer (just in case).

A spurtle is a cook’s best friend – simple, multitasker, takes up very little space, it glides, doesn’t scratch pots, fitsintoyourhandsmoothlyandwillneverstopworking,until you want it to stop.

A spurtle is a Scottish wooden stirring kitchen tool from asearlyasthefifteenthcentury,usedprincipallytostirporridge to stop lumps, in soups and most other things you stirorflip.

They are a rod-like shape made from wood, in various sizes, and often with a thistle carved on the top. Mine are made from Queensland blackwood and the type of wood is important.Itisimportanttocheckfirst;don’tgodowntotheshedandthinkthisisajobforanybitofwoodyoufind.

There are some modern versions available that resemble more of a truncated oar or paddle but the original Scottish version does it all.

There are many myths surrounding how you handle your spurtle, so take heed.

It should also be used to stir, in a clockwise direction, with the right hand. This advice should always be heeded, “Lest you invoke the devil”.

My spurtles are a modern stick-shaped version and I am still on the lookout for one with a thistle, so I guess the search for the perfect spurtle continues.

Pam CrockettBoroondara

THE SPURTLE SEARCH

A spurtle is a Scottish wooden stirring kitchen tool used to stir porridge to stop lumps, in soups and most other things you stir or flip.

RECIPEAlida’s chocolate cake – dairy and gluten freePreparation: 15–20 minutesCook: 30–40 minutesMakes: One cake

INGREDIENTS½ cup water1/3 cup cocoa powder1 tablespoon of light olive oil*2 large or 3 small eggs1 cup castor sugar½ cup ground almond or hazelnut meal½cupglutenfreeself-raisingflour#

METHOD1. Boil water and dissolve cocoa powder in the water, add

oil, stir in and set aside to cool.2. Separate eggs and beat egg whites until stiff.3. Gradually add sugar to the egg whites, then beaten egg

yolks.4. Gradually fold in almond meal.5. Fold in the cocoa mixture.6. Lastly,gentlyfoldinthesiftedflour.7. Place in one cake tin and bake in a moderate oven for

30 to 40 minutes or two small cake tins for 20 minutes.

NOTES*Noteonoil:Itisimportanttousealightflavourlessoilsuchasricebranoilorlightoliveoil.Don’tusestrongflavouredoilssuch as extra virgin olive oil or peanut oil.

#Glutenfreefloursinclude:• riceflour(bothwhiteandbrown)• cornflour(100%cornmaize,eitheryelloworrefinedwhite)• soyflour• buckwheatflour(Acombinationoftwoormorefloursworksbestastheyhavedifferentstructures.Soyandcornflourareverylightandriceand buckwheat have more structure.)Tomakeintoself-raisingfloursimplyaddoneteaspoonofbaking powder or ½ teaspoon each of cream of tartar and bi-carb soda.

To adapt to mud cakeBreak up a 100 gram block of good quality rich dark chocolate (70% to 90% cocoa), add to the cake mixture and stir before placing it into the cake tin. This will change the cake from a lighter spongier version to a richer denser cake like a mud cake. Most of the cooking chocolates have added dairy so check that the solid chocolate you add is dairy free.

MY PROUDEST MOMENT

It has been said, “If we haven’t been proud, then we haven’t lived.”

Then I have lived, but my proudest moment was when I wasn’t proud at all, but humble, just standing still in front of a door, a closed door – thinking, remembering.

Back went the years, back to December, 1945, and there I was standing at that door, in the blue uniform of a WAAAF saying goodbye to a room – No.8. at Umina, Lansell Road, Toorak.

I was discharged…Goodbye room, Goodbye Florrie, Goodbye Frankie – three in that room. And oh the wonderful plans for ‘Civvy Street’. No more apple jelly, no more prunes, no more ‘Madame’, and CB for us! How we laughed, cried, planned and talked in that room. We cried that day, and shut the door. I didn’t dream I would stand there ever again.

But I did. Twenty-three years later I went back to Umina, which is now the CWA Club. I wondered would it still have its ‘smell’. I remembered the dances, the guard at the gate, the Peeping Toms, the onion sandwiches, the rock melon suppers. We had our photo taken on the rock edges once. Fancy! They are still there!

Go in bravely Ada. Oh, carpets! Look at the Rec. Room – it’s the lounge now. Why look, here’s our room – I’m standing there again. But what’s this? It’s the State President’s room? I was allowed to just peep in. I puffed with pride. This was my finest hour, and I basked in reflected glory. And then suddenly I felt humble to think that I had slept in the State President’s room. Does she ‘hear’ our voices? Any footsteps

creeping in after ‘lights out’?An insignificant CWA member

was escorted past that room to another room by myself this time – and with carpet! There was room to turn around – no straw mattress on a cyclone gate for a bed. How very quiet it was that night. Where are all the girls now? Have your dreams come true? Did you marry your boyfriend? Does he know all his letters were read by everybody?

Have any of you been ‘back’ like I have? Do you remember? You must go back, for Umina, our Club, is beautiful. The new wing as I see it on the cover of Country Crafts will be a far cry from the Army hut we knew, but we loved Umina and Umina is still loved.

There I am again – puffing up with pride.

From the April issue of Country Crafts, 1969, Mrs AC Gallagher, Devenish, 3126, won second prize of $1.00 for her entry.

Research has shown that in 1942 at least 12 properties in the Toorak area were acquired to accommodate an increasing number of recruits in the WAAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force). Some of the jobs for the WAAAF included radio telephones, signals, radar operators, aeronautical inspectors, meteorology, catering, messing and clerical work.

Although Umina was not purchased by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria until 1948, the organisation itself was very involved in women’s activities during the Second World War. By 1943, there was an acute shortage of women to take on roles such as wireless operators and breaking Japanese codes. From the attitude in the 1930s – that a woman’s place was in the home rearing children, and the man was the family breadwinner – society’s attitudes were changing in the 1940s with the realisation that female support staff on the ground was essential to the war effort.

By 1943 with over 27,000 women working in the WAAAF Australia wide, accommodation was in great demand. Often personnel were housed in undesirable boarding houses or in places such as the show grounds, where the cattle and horse stalls were divided up into rows of head high cubicles. Buildings were draughty, poorly lit, without heating, and showers and latrines were some distance away. How fortunate was Mrs AC Gallagher to stay at Umina. She was one of thousands of service women during the Second World War who, by their diligence and hard work, paved the way for the integration of women into the armed forces today.

(Research from The WAAAF in Wartime Australia by Joyce

HER STORY

Umina, Rose series, Accession no. H32492/3374, Courtesy State Library of Victoria.

16

17Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

Thomson. Melbourne. University Press, 1991). This fascinating book is available in public libraries.

SHEEP SKIN VESTS

In April 1939, when war seemed very close, members of our Association were discussing ways and means of helping our country if war came, and a scheme was then drawn up for providing sheepskin vests for men of the Air Force and the Navy. When war came plans were ready, but the Association was faced with many problems, including the securing of sufficient suitable skins, freight, transport, tanning, the making up of the vests and their distribution. Mrs. RTA McDonald, who organised the scheme, realising that the costs would be tremendous, carried it out on a practically voluntary basis. Appeals were made to farmers and big flock owners to donate pelts to the scheme. Their response was immediate and overwhelming. Support for the scheme was received from every quarter, from free freight on the railways to the offer of Messrs Vary Brothers to tan and make up the vests at cost of labour and material. The distribution of the vests was undertaken by the Australian Comforts Fund. The finished vest

was a splendid article, light and warm, and long in the back and double breasted. No part of the skins was wasted; the off cuts were made up by Association members into many thousands of RAAF gloves, Navy mittens, hospital slippers and children’s slippers. Over 14,000 vests were distributed to our fighting forces, to Air Force trainees of the Empire Air Training Scheme, to the Navy and special units of the Army, to mine sweepers and the British Mercantile Navy. A thousand vests were given to the Department of the Army for the use of POWs on planes flying them back from Singapore.

CAMOUFLAGE NETS FOR THE FIGHTING FORCES

It was in the early days of World War II that the CWA of Victoria, hearing that the Defence Department was in urgent need of great numbers of camouflage nets for military purposes, offered the services of the Association to organise and administer, in a voluntary capacity, a scheme for making camouflage nets throughout Victoria. This offer was gratefully accepted by the Defence Department and Mrs McDonald was asked to undertake the organisation of the scheme. The response by our branches and the general public was

magnificent. Net-making groups were quickly formed all over the state: men, women and children, old and young, in country and town, gave up their time to help in this national work. Over 600 groups of net makers came into being. Six hundred individual workers were attached to the Central Depot at 316 Flinders Lane. Camouflage nets of every size and type were made, from the great 35 foot by 35 foot nets to fit gun emplacements, to the small 14 foot by 7 foot machine gun nets. Nets to cover aeroplanes were constructed, as well as 12,000 aerial supply nets for the aerial dropping of medical supplies, food and equipment for front line troops. Over 150,000 camouflage nets were made in this state for the government.

MOH Noela MacLeod AOArchivist

Australian War Memorial photo. Accession number 051637. Melbourne, Vic. 1943-05-12. General view of the interior of the Country Women’s Association netting workshops at 316 Flinders Lane. This place is the central depot for all the voluntary camouflage netting operations that are being carried on throughout Victoria by the CWA. Mr FJH Hart is in the foreground.

18 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

Last year our focus on improving services for regional and rural communities has seen the completion of more than 1200 network capacity upgrades, 180+ new

greenfieldmobilesitesandthecompletionof more than 500 new mobile base stations (towers)throughthefirstthreeroundsofthe Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program for a total investment of $260 million. By bringing more mobile base stations to regional Australians we’re helping to close the geographic divide and service gaps experienced by many communities.

We also established a dedicated call centre in Adelaide and Townsville for regional customers, as well as the development of new products to further improve or extend mobile coverage.

We’ve built strong partnerships with many state and regionally based organisations, including the CWA of Victoria Inc., whilst working with the National Farmers’ Federation to create a future blueprint for Australian agriculture. We’ve worked closely with state and local government on a large number of co-investmentsandbenefittedgreatlyfrom the support and advice of our many stakeholders within regional communities like Committee for Ballarat, for example.

We also announced a major revamp of support for Australian small businesses, including a new mobile and tablet plan with no lock-in contract and no excess data charges in Australia, a new 24/7 tech support service and thousands more dedicated small business specialists across the country.

Co-investmentIn 2018, we launched Telstra’s Co-investment Fund to support improved mobile coverage for regional Australia by co-investing with external partners (over and above the federally funded Mobile Black Spot Program).

“We believe network co-investment isoneofthebestwaystodeliverbenefitsfor communities in regional and rural areas, and we will continue to look for opportunities to expand connectivity across Australia,” said Tim O’Leary, Government, Regional Affairs and Sustainability Executive.

Eight projects were approved in 2018, which included a Victorian Mobile Project ($7.78 million) to build 17 new Black Spot mobile towers in regional Victoria.

Mobile Satellite Small CellsDue to advancements in technology we have been able to develop a lower cost

version of the mobile base station – the Mobile Satellite Small Cell.

Developed to suit small rural and remote communities such as tourism hotspots, remote roadhouses, and centres of agri-business, the Satellite Small Cell can be installed for approximately $70,000, of which we will match the customer’s contribution 50:50.

“We have an ambitious target to install more than 500 Satellite Small Cells over the next three years, making high quality access to 4G data possible from even the most remote parts of Australia,” said Tim O’Leary, Regional Affairs Executive.

Depending on the height of the pole and the surrounding terrain, the Satellite Small Cell can reach between 500 metres and up to 3 kilometres.

Satellite Small Cell Facts:• Only available where there is no

existing Telstra mobile coverage.• Positioned on a standalone platform

or attached to an existing building on the customer’s land, provided by the customer at no cost to Telstra.

• In most cases the customer will provide mains power for the small cell at no ongoing cost to Telstra (single 10-amp circuit required). Options can be tailored to meet the customer’s budget.

• Telstra provides and installs all the necessary equipment, with the cost of installation payable by the customer.

• Coverage is provided via Telstra’s 4GX 700 MHz band.

• Voice calls will require VoLTE enabled 4GX devices.

Telstra Go RepeaterIn May 2018, the Telstra Go Repeater was launched in Regional Australia.

The Telstra Go is a mobile repeater device that maximises coverage for better voice and data connectivity and quality for moving vehicles and in-building applications for both residential and business customers.

The new Go Repeater is available in two variants: a stationary version designed for customers seeking a coverage solution in residential and commercial premises, and a portable version designed for customers that want to boost coverage in their car, truck or boat.

The device operates on our 3G, 4G and 4GX technology and works by receiving mobile signals through an external antenna, enhancing and re-transmitting the signal to a single indoor or in-vehicle antenna to extend coverage.

It’s suitable for customers that travel between coverage areas or through areas of patchycoverage,orwhoworkinofficesorlive in residences where the indoor signal

may be weaker or lacking. The Telstra Go Repeater can both improve and extend coverage.

For assistance with choosing the right network coverage extension device for your location and needs, call us on 13 22 00, supply your number, say ‘coverage’ then ‘mobile’. CWA of Victoria members can also receive a discount by identifying themselves as a member and providing their member number to be eligible to receive the discount.

To be eligible members must have a currentTelstramobilepostpaidorfixedaccount and the discount will appear ontheirfirstorsecondbill.Thebelowdiscounts are available:• Telstra Mobile Smart Antenna – $50

discount.• Yagi Antenna – $10 discount.• Telstra Go Mobile Repeater – $50

discount.• Combined order (TMSA + Yagi OR

Telstra Go + Yagi) – $60 discount.

New Regional Call CentreFor 12 months Telstra has been operating a call centre in Adelaide dedicated to helping its regional and remote customers get answers quickly and easily to consumer service or product enquiries.

“Our focus is to give our regional and remote customers, who live more than 100 kilometres from a Telstra Store, an improved service that is effortless and responsive – in fact, it’s making sure we don’t give our customers the run-around.

“Feedback from our regional and remote customers in the last year shows considerable improvement in service experience and satisfaction, and I’m proud of how my team is listening and responding to our regional customers,” says Hugo Kovacevic, Telstra’s Domestic Call Centre Manager.

Recognising the differences of regional and remote areas and understanding the needs of these customers requires the call centre team of 150 staff to have a broad and detailed understanding across all Telstra consumer products.

Regional and remote customers located more than 100 kilometres from a Telstra Store are automatically diverted to the Call Centre when calling 132 200, which operates 7 days a week from 7am–8.30pm AEST.

Marcus SwinburneVictorian Community Engagement Specialist

Local Market Leadership Western VictoriaPhone: 03 8647 9024; mobile: 0429 869 861 or email: marcus.q.swinburne@team.telstra.com

TELSTRA UPDATE

19Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.

by Alfred Austin

What a great quote for the gardener, especially one like me! I love gardens, especially those of other people. We see photos in magazines and on social media of other people’s gardens. Lush and green, shrubs, trees and banks of beautiful spring, thensummerandfinallyautumnflowers.DoIhaveagardenlikethis?No!Itrymybestwithlimitedresources,mainlyme!

This summer has been particularly trying to say the least. Weeks of hot weather, high temperatures, and wind, wind, wind.

I walk around my garden and it is heartbreaking to see plantsdying.Whynotwater?Forme,townsupplyishardbore water and that sorts the weak plants from the strong (as well as being expensive).

There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments.

by Janet Kilburn Phillips

I have a very limited water supply from a rain water tank, which I use sparingly to keep the vegie patch going. As a result of this I have concentrated on succulents over the hot months. After reading an article in Gardening Australia about growing succulents in small containers, I thought this is for me. I gathered up cups and saucers, wine goblets, small boxes and containers and the unusual, like my grandson’s miniature R.M. Williams boot.

With good potting mix, and much enthusiasm, I set to create my succulent ‘show’. What fun to plant small plants into these containers. They are easy to water and after a short time will reward you with an unusual display. I have a nook where nothing grows and in it I have a ‘tea party’ with cups and saucers full of succulents and an old teapot with parsley

growing in it. Succulent cups and saucers are also being used as decorations in the conference room of the local hospital where groups of people spend time each week following various activities.

AnotherjoyIhavefoundisfindingunusualeuphorbias.Whatfuntopokearoundthelocalgardencentretofindsomeof these, often at the back of the stand. Two that I have found are ‘The Brain’ and ‘Medusa’s Hair’ (Euphorbia caput-medusae).

HowdoIgetmoreplants?Visitgardeningfriendsandremark on how great a particular plant looks. Always take a small pair of scissors when you go for a walk. If you are going to lean over the fence, don’t forget to ask. When all else fails, buy them. The ‘losers table’ often has bargains that only need a trim, new soil and water, and TLC.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

by Cicero

How true this is. If you are feeling low because you have not been able to keep your garden as you like because of the harsh summer we are having, don’t despair. Read some gardening books. Watch a gardening show. Visit an open garden (great for ideas).

And lastly, devour the bulb catalogues that are appearing now, order your spring bulbs and wait for the autumn and spring rains. Prepare your beds now. I have found a use for cardboard boxes. Put your compost on your beds, cover with cardboard and mulch. The weeds won’t come through the cardboard like they can with newspaper. Don’t disturb until you are ready to plant, especially in the summer, who knows what will lurk between the pieces of cardboard!

A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.

by May Sarton‘Medusa’s Hair’.

A unique euphorbia, ‘The Brain’.

From the Garden Gnome

20 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

To enter, please send a note explaining, in one paragraph, what gift of food you like to give to neighbours and friends, and why. Please post entries to Magazine Editor, The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc., 3 Lansell Rd, Toorak, Vic. 3142 before 26 April 2019. Please write your full name and member number on the entry so we can identify you, if you are the winner, in order to post out the book. The prize winner will be randomly drawn from the received entries. The winning entry may be printed in the magazine.

A Basket by the Door by Sophie Hansen

The best of country hospitality – 140 recipes for gatherings and thoughtful gifts of food to pack up, drop off and bring joy, from Sophie Hansen, creator of My Open Kitchen podcast.

Nothing says “I love you, I’ve got you and I’m here” better than a parcel of food you’ve taken the time to make, wrap and deliver. So, season by season, here are 130 recipes to cook for loved ones who might be moving house, busy with a newborn, celebrating a milestone, recovering after illness, grieving, or just in need of a little love and appreciation. A Basket

by the Door is friendship, connection and heartfelt country hospitality made edible. There are recipes here for sharing and giving on every occasion: an easy bundle of fresh dips and lavosh biscuits to take along to drinks, portable breakfast to surprise a friend, a sturdy picnic cake and sandwiches in abasketforlunch(evenintheoffice),comfortingraguandchocolate mousse to enjoy while wallowing on the sofa, and ideas to take when invited for dinner or a weekend away. Bake a chicken pie to cheer up a neighbour, invite friends over to makeChristmasbiscuits;filljamjarswithbrightsmoothiestobolster a new mother – the ways to connect and show you care with food are endless.

Book competitionThis month we are pleased to offer a competition to receive a free copy of the book A Basket by the Door, written by Sophie Hansen and published by Murdoch Books.

About the authorBorn and raised in Sydney, now living with her family on their farm just outside Orange in country New South Wales, Sophie Hansen trained in journalism and has over 20 years’ experience as a features writer. She has contributed to Australian Country Style and Outback magazines; she was an editor for Slow Food International’s English website, lived in Italy for 3 years and is fluent in Italian. In 2013 she set up her blog, Local is Lovely, and her podcast My Open Kitchen is going into its third season. Sophie has been awarded Australian Rural Woman of the Year in recognition of her commitment to rural communities. She believes in simple, tasty and seasonal food made with love and shared generously.

Thank you Murdoch Books for supplying a free copy of A Basket by the Door for our competition.

21Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

APRIL PUZZLES

Across1 & 17 down: Lose consciousness when the power fails (5,3)4. Uploads to poor sites regularly (5)8. I’llpoponioninastew–surveyofviews?(7,4)10. Beeswarmaroundleftflower(4)11. Senior Packer took legal action (4)12. AshWednesdayfirsts:ashcoveredwithwater(5)13. Knitting stitch sounds like a real gem (4)14. Bun, for one, made from pud mix and love (4)15. No raw lamb or mince for Victorian coastal town (11)18. Either way you look at it, it’s an aircraft detection system (5)19. TennischampcalledAshWednesdayfinal:Simpson'sboy

camefirst(5)

Down2. It’s a circuit breaker, pal! (3)3. Onceclear,nowhiddenwiththis?(9)5. Cracker, stocking and ornaments for starters (3)6. From South Australia to Los Angeles, dryly amusing deli fare

(5,4) 7. Cereal promoter called two rejects in the morning (6,3)8. Get the better of (done quietly) one who is in debt (9)9. Exercisebardisassembledtobecomecup-holder?(4,2,3)16. Scarlet re-did lost passport (3)17. See 1 across

CRYPTIC CLUESAcross1 & 17 down: Faint (5,3)4. Sends (a letter) (5)8. Voter survey (7,4)10. Central European river (4)11. Brought legal action against (4)12. Flooded (5)13. Knitting stitch (4)14. Hairstyle (4)15. Victorian coastal town (11)18. Aircraft detection system (5)19. Australian tennis player, Ash _____ (5)

Down2. Lick (3)3. Make-up for hiding blemishes (9)5. Savoury biscuit (3)6. Vegetarian lunch option (5,4) 7. Froot Loops character (6,3)8. Vanquish (9)9. Padded undergarment (4,2,3) 16. Crimson (3)17. See 1 across

QUICK CLUES

Cryptic Crossword (plus Quick Crossword clues) Sudoku

Answers will appear in the

MAYmagazine

APRIL PUZZLES Sudoku

7 5 4 3 7 9 8 4 2 7 1 6 4 3 8 1 5 8 9 4 5 2 9 2 9 1 1 3

Cryptic Crossword (plus Quick Crossword clues)

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

APRIL PUZZLES Sudoku

7 5 4 3 7 9 8 4 2 7 1 6 4 3 8 1 5 8 9 4 5 2 9 2 9 1 1 3

Cryptic Crossword (plus Quick Crossword clues)

CRYPTIC CLUES Across

22 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

GALORE

FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS, A COLLECTION OF BISCUIT RECIPES FROM THE MEMBERS OF

THE COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA INC.

For this and other delicious recipes grab your copy of

Biscuits Galore fromHeadOfficeoryour

branch’s trade table.

Ingredients MethodAnzac Biscuits

125gms butter1 cup SR flour2 tbsp boiling water1 cup sugar1 tsp bicarbonate soda1 cup rolled oats1 tbsp golden syrup

Boil together the butter, water and golden syrup and then add bicarb soda. In a bowl add the flour, sugar and rolled oats, then add the butter mixture and mix well.

Place spoonsful onto a greased tray, allowing room for spreading and bake in a moderate oven approx. 15 minutes or until golden brown. Watch that they don’t burn.

Ingredients MethodAnzac Biscuits Gluten Free

1 cup quinoa flakes1 cup GF plain flour1 cup brown sugar1 cup desiccated coconut½ cup slivered almonds2tbsp golden syrup125gms butter2 tbsp water½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

Preheat oven to 160˚C. Combine quinoa flakes, flour, brown sugar, coconut and almonds in a bowl. In a saucepan; heat together the butter, golden syrup and water until the butter melts. Add bicarb soda and mix into dry ingredients until well combined. Roll mixture into balls and place on greased trays allowing room for spreading.

Lightly flatten with a fork or damp fingers. Bake until golden (approx. 15-18 minutes). Allow to cool before removing from tray. Store in an airtight container.

23Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

HowmanyrecreationalfishinglicensesweresoldlastfinancialyearinVictoria?A around 100,000B around 150,000C around 200,000D around 250,000

Which body of water is Victoria’s largest recreationalfishery?A Lake EildonB Goulburn RiverC Port Phillip BayD Western Port Bay

Which key commercial species had the highest catch,intonnes,lastfinancialyear?A Rock lobsterB AbaloneC Fish and calamariD Port Phillip Bay mussels

WhichofthefollowingisaprotectedfishspeciesinVictorianwaters?A BreamB Black codC Silver trevallyD Marlin

AllrecreationalfishersmusthavealicenseUNLESS:A They are under 18 years of ageB They are under 20 years of ageC They are 60 years of age or overD They are 70 years of age or over

You catch pipis using:A NetsB Bait and a hookC Drag netsD Hands and feet

The rock lobster season usually starts in:A MayB JulyC SeptemberD November

BuyingfishfromrecreationalanglersisillegalinVictoria.TrueorFalse?

Barramundi is farmed both in tanks and ponds on land, and in sea cages in the ocean. True or False?

Australia imports more seafood than we produce for domestic consumption. True or False?

Sustainable Seafood Quiz1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Photo by AM FL on Unsplash.

Information from the following sources: Victorian Fisheries Authority Annual Report 2017–2018; https://vfa.vic.gov.au; https://www.sustainableseafood.org.au.

ANSWERS:1. D – 258,531 recreational

fishinglicensesweresoldlastfinancialyear

2. C – Port Phillip Bay3. C – Fish and calamari, 2,560

tonnes4. B – Black cod5. A & D – They are under 18

years of age or 70 years of age or over

6. D – Hands and feet7. D – November

8. True–Buyingfishfromrecreational anglers is in contravention of state legislation.

9. True – Although barra are mainly farmed in land-based tanks and ponds.

10. True – We import more seafood than we produce, and about 40% of the seafood we buy from overseas is canned seafood.

24 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

CHRISTMAS FARE RAFFLE RESULTS

1st prize Alma McDonald

2nd prize Simon Fenner

3rd prize Aileen Tillig

4th prize Karen Beaton

5th prize Dorothy Daly

6th prize Tamara Myers

Welcome New Members

AlphingtonMary DawsonJan IllingworthAnne Nichol

AshburtonRobyn CarseldineSusan Morgan

AvonKath Macklin

Bairnsdale/AmarooJeanette Gilbert

BenaLyn Harris

BirregurraBriar McFarlane

Campbell’s ForestJan BroadbentShirley CattanachAnn-Maree DavisJoyce DavisHelen FaganBrookeGriffinLynGriffinRobyn SheaToni Shea

CorowaRobyn Holden

CowesEileen Dear

DalvuiGeorgina Conheady

DonvaleWendy Manning

Flynn-itesSue CummingJan Gilmour

Golden NightGloria Robinson

Hamilton EveningYvonne Ingeme

HorshamNola Hetherton

KergunyahCatherine Wallace

Kilsyth/MontroseWendy Greenwood

LandsboroughDorothy AugustinAngelique BordonWilma-June BrownConnie BrowneKrystal BrowneStephanie CarrollZoe CrouchPam EllisSharyn FlettCorinne GibsonJosephine KeenRobyn LeslieGwenyth MatthewsJenny MurphyRobyn MurphyTomoko ParkerKym SirreNorma SuppleMaureen TraynorSharmaine WaldsonKylee Whiting

MarnooAnne-Maree Bryce

Melton OwlsJill Bentley

MentoneAnne CainJennifer GaleDawn Paynter

MooroopnaEliza Fuller

Mortlake DayCatherine Doulis

Nathalia Night WatchKristen Retallick

PakenhamKaye Garton

Peninsula BellesDenise Tyrie

Port FairyFiona Towler

PortarlingtonCharlotte HunterCheryl Hilton

Red HillLouise ApplebyLucy Dick

RodneyRos Burgess

RosannaKristy-Lyn Hall

Sanctuary LakesSonya Findlow

Stawell Debbie Herd

Surf CoastChristine Brooks

TyntynderGillian Williams

WallanLouise Shanahan-McKenna

WhitehorseDorothy Thuys

YeaJanet Troup

APRIL4–10 ACWW World Conference

11–12 Eastern Goulburn Valley, Creative Arts Exhibition, St Georges Rd. Primary School Stadium, John St., Shepparton

26 Deadline for June magazine submissions

27–28 Morning Peninsula Group Creative Arts Exhibition, Peninsula Community Theatre, Crn. Wilson Rd & Nepean Hwy, Mornington

28 Raglan Branch Annual Garden Luncheon, Eurambeen Historic Homestead

MAY3 Closing date for State Photography

Competition, 3 Lansell Rd, Toorak 31423–4 Gippsland Hills Group Creative Arts

Exhibition, 16 A’Beckett St, Inverloch4–5 Diamond Valley Creative Arts Exhibition,

St Martin of Tours Community Centre, Silk Street, Rosanna

17 ACWW/Int./Comm. Support Committee and packing, 10.30am – 2pm

17–18 Polwarth Creative Arts Exhibition, St John’s Hall, 17 Hesse St, Colac

24 Deadline for July magazine submissions

MAY 30 - JUNE 1State Conference

JUNE28 Deadline for August magazine

submissionsJULY

20 Performing Arts Festival, Ballarat

26 Deadline for September magazine submissions

AUGUST2–3 State Creative Arts Exhibition, Kyabram

Town Hall, 199–209 Allen St, Kyabram

2019 CALENDAR OF

EVENTS

Welcome Junior Members

AvonStephanie MacklinTyra MacklinAnnalyse SpenceJulia SpenceSara Spence

BoroniaMelodie Chung

FootscrayEnid Spence-King

Nathalia Night WatchEleanor Bourchier

Point Cook EveningIsabella Dacey

RodneyIsabella Beggs

TyntynderEmily Thompson

25Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

SPECIAL BRANCH BIRTHDAYSMORWELL’S FIRST BIRTHDAY

MorwellEveningcelebratedtheirfirstbirthdayin September 2018. It was wonderful to celebrate the night with the other local branches with party food and games. We would especially like to thank Heather Scott for being our mentor.

Morwell members celebrate the branch’s first birthday.

MOOROOPNA

MOOROOPNA celebrated their 50th birthday in 2018. We invited members from our Goulburn Valley West Group to a High Tea birthday celebration. The afternoon was very well attended by Goulburn Valley West members and past members. We had a display of memorabilia and were entertained by a student and her teacher from Mooroopna Secondary College and a local poet. It was a wonderful afternoon with many stories of past events, trips and adventures, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

LastyearfourmemberscelebratedsignificantyearsofAssociationmembership.Thecertificatesandbadgeswerepresentedat our Christmas celebration in December.

Mooroopna celebrates 50 years.

(L–R) Service awards for Raelene Huggins – 30 years, Judy Luscombe – 40 years, Cecily Dumaresq – 50 years

and Gwen Jensen – 60 years.

26 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

B R A N C H a n d G R O U PBALLARAT DINNERMembers of BALLARAT DINNER decided to make a monetary donation to the Bunnings ‘Share the Dignity’ drive held at all Bunnings stores towards the end of 2018. Eight second-hand handbags were purchased, and one member purchasedsuitablefemininehygieneitemstofillupthebags.The idea is that these are then passed onto women in crisis at refuges who have need of such basic items.

Ballarat Dinner member Carol presents the Bunnings Area Manager with items for the ‘Share the Dignity’ program.

SCARSDALE CHRISTMAS OUTINGSCARSDALE members took to the road to discover the hidden joys of the Narrapumelap Homestead in the western district of Victoria to celebrate the end of year with a Christmas lunch. All our members, apart from one, due to ill health, were able to enjoy the charms of this impressive French Gothic house, which was built in 1873. The owner prepared a delicious lunch to share after conducting an extensive tour of his family’s home and garden, showcasing his patient and sympathetic restoration. A wonderful day out enjoying each other’s company andlearningaboutthismagnificentproperty’s history.

(L–R) Back row: Anne Wilson, Irene

Andrews, Janet Ellis, Teri Gray and Judy

McCracken.Front row: Lynda

McDonald, Lorraine Sala, Laurel Sharp,

Cecelia Rowberry and Andrea Rowberry

(Junior member).

FOOTSCRAY WELCOMES THEIR LITTLEST NEW MEMBERFOOTSCRAY are thrilled to welcome their littlest member. Enid Tipawan Spence-King arrived on 12 January 2019 weighing 4.59 kg. She is the daughter of our gorgeous Michelle and her husband Tom, and baby sister of Alexander. Mother and baby are both doing brilliantly.

Mother Michelle and baby Enid.

27Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

DAYLESFORD HEPBURNAfterahorrendousweekendoffiresDAYLESFORDHEPBURN met to link hands in friendship by getting their chillout yarn bomb resources tidied up and remade.

These ladies yarn bomb the town of Daylesford for Australia’s country rainbow Pride festival every year and this year they were adding feathers to align with the theme of the Chillout Festival ‘Shake your tail feather’.

(L–R) Linked hands are Anne Boundy, Amy Gross, Jennifer Mouat, Bep Gouw, Selena Smith, Carmel Thannhauser, Mif Reese and a guest.

BAIRNSDALE-AMAROO PRESENT AWARDBAIRNSDALE-AMAROO presented the $100 award for Young Citizen of the Year for 2019 to Torin Troy from Bairnsdale. Through his many volunteering positions Torin demonstrated his commitment to the East Gippsland community. As a long-standing member of St John’s Ambulance and a respected East Gippsland Shire Council Ambassador, Torin’s attendance and participation at community events and his passion for improving the lives of young people across Gippsland is commendable. Torin hopes to continue his work and to accomplish a better community for young people in East Gippsland to grow up in.

WOODLEIGH VALEWOODLEIGH VALE members Sylvia Munro, Pam Mawson, Julie Dunn, Belinda Smart, Kathrine Moss and Liz Hickey held a sausage sizzleandChristmasraffleinthemainstreetofLang Lang last December. The weather threatened but didn’t dampen their enthusiasm or the stall, and we enjoyed meeting many local residents. It was also an opportunity to promote our group, Bass, to the public.

Sylvia Munro, Pam Mawson and Julie Dunn.

CHICKS WITH grATTITUDEThe Chicks With Attitude Paddlers had another successful and fun year paddling in the Murray Massive Paddlein2018.Forthefirsttimein12yearstheteamhas grown to the extent that we had two boats competing in the event so we called them Team Blue and Team Green. Thank you to those who generously donated to our event fundraising.

The Chicks With Attitude Paddlers at the Murray Massive Paddle in 2018.

28 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

NORTH GIPPSLAND GROUP held their AGM and conference with State President Lyn Harris OAM in attendance. It was rewarding tohaveallGroupOfficeBearersre-electedforanother term, with Viv Speight as President, Sue Tudor as Secretary and Alice Dell as Treasurer. Well done ladies!

Our group is fortunate to have a choir, who entertained everyone by singing a medley of rain songs. It worked as the rain did fall!

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the memorial Margaret Bower Award. Giffard Secretary Jenny Nicholls was the recipient. Congratulations to Jenny!

Thanks to everyone who helped with the organisation of the conference, especially the caterers from Denison branch.

The North Gippsland Group Choir.NORTH GIPPSLAND GROUP AGM

State President Lyn Harris OAM and Giffard Secretary Jenny Nicholls.

GISBORNEThe Association is more than meetings, paperwork and debating the problems of the country. It can be getting together with a group of friends, some who have known each other for forty years or more and enjoying chatter over lunch. Friends that can be called upon in times of crisis or to celebrate a birthday, as these GISBORNE ladies did recently.

(L–R) Kerrie Diss, Janet Wojtylak, Judy Culpin, Barbara Rosewall, Osija Ano-lak, Lyn Heddles, Fay DeLai, Chris Edwards, Kathy Page and Chris Caddaye.

GOULBURN VALLEY WEST GROUPGOULBURN VALLEY WEST GROUP packed craft goods for the ACWW World Conference at their Group craft session in mid-February. It was a great morning’s work at the Community Centre in Tatura.

(L–R) Marie Wright (Harston), Pauline Parks (Rodney) and Mary Beck (Rushworth).

29Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

A BUSY END OF YEAR FOR SOUTH MORANG NIGHT OWLSSOUTH MORANG NIGHT OWLS had a successful cake and craft stall at the new Mernda Bunnings Family Day on 15 December 2018.

The annual pilgrimage to Sister Zita at Collingwood Cottage, which is a part of St Joseph’s church community, Collingwood, took place at the end of 2018. Members collected suitable toiletries and such over the year for the homeless. Sister Zita expressed her enormous gratitude for the 70 packs donated.

Yet another successful craft stall was held at the Marymede College fete in South Morang at the end of 2018. Iva Nash, Helen Smith and Lyn McKinnon are to be commended for the amount of time they give to their branch.

Branch members and friends held a delightful Christmas break up at the Commercial Hotel in South Morang. Kris Kringle turned up on the night and distributed lots of lovely gifts. Also noted were the number of beautiful handcrafted cards by our talented members.

Cake and craft stall at Mernda Bunnings. (L–R) Lyn McKinnon, Pam McLeod, Shirley Hinton, Claire Rochford (our new president), Helen Smith, Carol Sutton, Hayley Eberbach, Marion Gaylard and Beryl O’Gorman.

Members at Collingwood Cottage (L–R) Iva Nash, Helen Smith and Lyn McKinnon.

(L–R) Iva Nash, Helen Smith and Lyn McKinnon at the Marymede College fete.

On a sweltering 38°C February day in Melbourne it was –5°C in Reykjavik, Iceland.

BOROONDARA had decided to hold an Icelandic Brunch to celebrate the Festival of Thorrablót* to commence their 2019 activities. Entry to the event was by a donation of toilet paper, for the Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff, because it is one of their top requests on their suggested donation list.

Coincidentally, all contributions were white and it was like an avalanche of Icelandic snow drifts came down the narrow Hawthorn street on that hot Sunday morning, as members and guests arrived, in the full heat of the day, clutching packets large and small of paper and escaping into the airconditioned cool inside. Other residents in the street must have been wondering what the hosts at Number 10 were going to serve their guests.

Brunch was a mixture of modern edible Icelandic and Australian delicacies all contributed by the members and concluded with an Ice Cream Bar. A Boroondara Junior, Chloe Taylor, then served guests with a choice of frozen, icy treats to keep everyone cool and continue celebrating mid-winter in the northern hemisphere.

Boroondara’s celebration was thankfully notasacrificialone,asonce took place in Iceland, but a wonderful way to celebrate the start of 2019.

Nearly 300 toilet rolls have been collected so far and there are hopes that still a few more will drift our way down south to the other side of the world.

*THORRABLÓT was asacrificialmidwinterfestival offered to the gods in pagan Iceland of the past. It was abolished during the Christianisation of Iceland, but resurrected in the 19th century as a midwinter celebration that continues to be celebrated to this day. The timing for the festival coincides with the month of Thorri, according to the old Icelandic calendar, which begins onthefirstFridayafterJanuary19th(the 13th week of winter) until mid-February. Origins of the name ‘Thorri’ are unclear but it is most likely derived from Norwegian king Thorri Snærsson, or Thor the God of Thunder in the old Nordic religion.

Locals come together to eat, drink and be merry. Customarily, the menu

consists of unusual culinary delicacies, known as traditional Icelandic food. These will include rotten shark’s meat (hákarl), boiled sheep’s head, (svið) and congealed sheep’s blood wrapped in a ram’s stomach (blóðmör)! This is traditionally washed down with some Brennivin – also known as Black Death – a potent schnapps made from potato and caraway.

Verði þér að góðu – bon appétit!

Boroondara President Pam Crockett and Junior Member Chloe Taylor amongst the avalanche of donated toilet paper.

BOROONDARA’S ICELANDIC FESTIVAL OF THORRABLÓT

30 Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

MemoryMembers of DRYSDALE are deeply saddened by the passing of Betty Carlson, who joined the Association in 1981 and was honoured with life membership in 2008. She was an excellent secretary, serving for a number of years and guiding new secretaries. Betty enjoyed craft days, social outings, our meetings and being our delegate at conferences. We will all miss Betty – our fun-loving, kind, thoughtful, generous and caring friend. Rest in peace.

Former member of both GREENSBOROUGH and RESEARCH, Lorraine Armstrong sadly passed away after a long illness. During Lorraine’s time at Research she always had a smile, loved the companionship of the members and her garden. Her membership at Greensborough was short due to illness. Her caring and friendship will be missed.

Members were saddened by the passing of Pat Dignan, a loyal member of MORTLAKE. Formerly a member of Dundonell until it closed. Pat was a diligent treasurer for twelve years and a willing contributor to all Association functions. RIP.

REDGATE ALEXANDRA is very sad to announce the passing of Maureen Payne in November 2018. She joined in 1984 and was a Life Member for her work as a very active Craft Leader andCateringOfficer.Duringhertimesheorganisedthebranchentries for group and state exhibitions. Skilled in all craft, she was always very happy to share her knowledge. In her catering role she was the driving force behind the establishment of a soup kitchen at the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show and many Association functions. She epitomised what the Association is all about.

THURINA were saddened by the passing of our esteemed member Jean Rickey in January. Jean joined Ocean Grove as a Junior Member. Later she moved to Moolap-Leopold, where she was treasurer for 40 years. When that branch closed she joinedEasternandfinallyThurina.Jeanwasanactivemember,attending meetings, conferences and social functions. Jean loved talking on the phone and knitting for many charities. She received her 60-year service badge in 2016.

TheirLives On

Image by Kantasimo on Pixabay

31Victorian Country Woman - Volume 65 Number 3 April 2019

DISCLAIMER

The appearance of an advertisement in the Victorian Country Woman magazine or the inclusion within this Magazine of any advertising material does not imply

endorsement, approval or recommendation by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. of the produce, services or

investment so advertised or any editorial accompanying such advertisement.

All material published in Victorian Country Woman is subject to copyright provisions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission

from The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc.

The information contained within the Victorian Country Woman is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed

to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Association.

Please forward all Magazine correspondence to

3 Lansell Road Toorak 3142.

Design and layout: Debra Thompson,

Thompson Creative Designs

Printed by Focus Print Group.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS

832 765 914745 319 268961 824 735

653 978 421298 431 657174 256 389

329 187 546416 592 873587 643 192

SUDOKU ANSWERS

MARCHPUZZLE ANSWERS

CWA Accommodation – VictoriaRoom Type Victorian

MembersInterstate Members

NonMembers

Single* incl. King single bed $60.00 $80.00 $90.00

Twin* including Family Rooms $95.00 $110.00 $120.00

King Double Bed $95.00 $110.00 $120.00

Ensuite * $110.00 $120.00 $130.00

* Ensuite – configuration of Twin, DoubleFamily Rooms – room configuration plus extra bedsExtra beds: $30 – 12 years and over; $15 – 3-11 years; Free – 0-2 years

Accommodation at the Country Women’s Association B&B Melbourne is open to Members and non MembersCWA Bed and BreakfastAccommodation3 Lansell Road Toorak VIC 3142

T: 03 9824 0239E: bandb@cwaofvic.org.au

VICTORIAN ACCOMMODATIONHall‘s Gap Holiday Home79 Grampians Road, Hall’s GapBookings: T 03 5385 7479E toma1@westnet.com.au

INTERSTATE ACCOMMODATIONWESTERN AUSTRALIACottages at Albany (08) 9841 1591; Busselton (08) 9754 2506; Esperance (0419 096 039); Jurien (0427 242 755)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Enquiries T 08 8332 4166

TASMANIAEnquiries T 03 6231 3706Holiday homes at Snug and Devonport

QUEENSLANDQCWA Club T 07 3026 1201F 07 3026 1222E reservations@rfhgregory.org.au W www.qcwa.org.au

MARCH PUZZLE ANSWERS SUDOKU ANSWERS 832 765 914 745 319 268 961 824 735 653 978 421 298 431 657 174 256 389 329 187 546 416 592 873 587 643 192 CRYPTIC CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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