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Snapshot of the past: Drouin CWA

A photograph of the Drouin CWA 45th birthday event in 1984.
Those captured at the event are Marylyn Bacon, Hazel Porter, Jessie Goudie, Priscilla Kraft, Pam Pretty and Lorraine Kinrade. Hazel, Jessie and Priscilla are foundation members.
It is a follow-up to a Snapshot of the Past which told of the formation of the Drouin CWA last month.
In the post war era, the Drouin CWA set up a building fund and purchased a block of land for their premises, although it took many years before there was enough funds for construction to commence. As a philanthropic group always looking out for others, a two-bedroom flat was also built next to the clubrooms.
In over 80 years of CWA, the Drouin branch has only met in three venues.
Many other initiatives and projects can be attributed to the CWA. They include singing and choir events; dramatic productions; supporting the West Gippsland Eisteddfod; catering for community and private events including debutante balls and the Drouin Australia Day Breakfast for 40 consecutive years; creation of a bicentennial quilt in 1988 for Buln Buln Shire and work on the bicentennial committee; participation in many community events such as the Ficifolia street parades, open house and Anzac Day; and creation of the "June Laurel Chemo Bottle Bags" with more than 500 made.
The CWA also erected a brick street stall building in the main street of Drouin which opened in 1985. In 2004, Baw Baw Shire demolished this kiosk and rebuilt another in Festival Lane.
Above all, CWA is a lot more than scones with jam. It is about friendship, serving the community and advocating on women's issues.
Information courtesy of Drouin History Group and photograph courtesy of Drouin CWA.
For more of the Drouin CWA story as told by Yvonne Tindle, go to storiesofdrouin.com.au

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