CWA crossing up cultures

MEMBERS of the Country Women’s Association of Victoria are focused on so much more than what goes on in their home region.

The Ballarat District Group includes Webbcona, one of many branches studying a different country of the world every year. In 2022, their 18 members are taking a look at Malaysia.

As part of their learning, the club recently hosted local cook, baker, and illustrator Lilly Wright as their special guest speaker, who is originally from Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

Wright is a coordinator of Barkly Square-based cafe and social enterprise A Pot of Courage, the business owner of Flying Chillies Malaysian-Indonesian Eatery, and a City of Ballarat Intercultural Ambassador.

Wright said the connection was “meant to be,” having met a member of Webbcona while running her Flying Chillies stall at a farmers’ market.

She said was delighted to not only broaden her network, but to be given another opportunity to share stories of her home country and start a cross-cultural conversation.

“It was a privilege to speak to the lovely CWA ladies about culture, growing up in Malaysia, social justice, economics, religion, clothes, and of course, food. It’s important for us to learn from each other,” she said.

“It was great to give the ladies a better understanding of why Malaysian culture perceives courtesy and respect as their principal moral values, and prioritises that over other things.

“We’re really into respect. As a Muslim myself, our religion teaches us to be patient, and that young people should respect our elders.”

Webbcona CWA secretary Isobel Robertson said the presentation was fascinating.

“Lilly was a delightful lady, and she was so friendly. It was so interesting to hear about her life in Malaysia, and she had a rapport with us that we all got something from,” she said.