Milestone birthday for Heathcote CWA Night Branch

CWA Heathcote Night celebrated its tenth birthday recently with afternoon tea at Heathcote Bowling Club.

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and three founding members, Alison Phillips, Mary Beedle and Emily McNally, attended the celebration as well as local residents.

President Sandra Fox thanked guests for their attendance.

“Each and every one of you here today has in your own way provided support, encouragement and assistance to help the branch reach this milestone,” she said.

“Our inaugural president was Sally Pitt who was one of the main drivers of creating the Heathcote Night branch. Sadly, Sally passed away in 2018.

“I think she would be very proud of us all.

“I had just moved to Heathcote in 2017 and attended a function at the RSL. I heard a woman ask a question and I though how insightful and understanding she sounded.

“Later that evening a friend of mine said I should join the CWA. I begged her pardon and screwed my face up as if she was mad. I was only 59.

“Then she pointed to Sally Pitt, the lady who asked the question. There she was in her lovely green apron, serving supper and had the most friendly and warm persona.

“I joined the CWA after that. The moral to this story if that ‘you never know who’s is watching and listening to you,’ so remember to act with compassion, kindness and respect just like Sally Pitt.

“Vale Sally Pitt.” Guest speaker was Ms Cleeland who thanked the group for inviting her.

“Today we marked a very special milestone: 10 years of the Heathcote CWA Night Branch,” she said.

“In that time, this remarkable group of women has become the heartbeat of the local community, supporting one another, raising funds, lending a hand when someone’s in need, and quietly making our region a better place to live.

“Their motto, Care. Empower. Contribute. says it all. And they live it, every single day.

“Whether it’s organising events, connecting locals to support services, or simply being a safe place for women to gather and feel seen, the CWA is everything that’s good about regional life.

“There’s something deeply powerful about women coming together to nurture, to support, and to lead. It’s in our nature.

“When women lead with heart, communities thrive.”

Ms Fox congratulated two current members who all celebrated 10 years with Heathcote CWA Night Group recently, Michelle McLauchlan and Heather Wallace, and Jennie Fraser who will reach 10 years in November.

Anyone who is interested in joining Heathcote CWA Night Branch can contact [email protected].