Rick Priest was called upon to introduce Ann Adams as a speaker at the meeting. Ann is the Riverina Group President of the CWA, and also the State Secretary. Ann has been a member of CWA for 53 years, and simple arithmetic indicates that she joined the association in 1965.
A bit of trivia to get things started - the first Riverina Group President of the CWA was a lady called Dorothy Hammond, and her contribution to the cause is recognised by having Hammond Avenue named in her honour. There is a cairn among the plane trees near Nixons Engineering, east of Wagga Wagga explaining the connection.
Ann spoke of the CWA organisation, its work, its history and structure. It operates a disaster relief fund, separate from administrative functions, and can receive donations and issue receipts for Tax deductible contributions. This fund provides help to families affected by fire, flood and drought.
In the current drought event, the CWA branches in NSW got things rolling with $100 00 of their own money, NSW portion of a Dick Smith contribution amounted to $300 000, and Red Cross provided help as well. Over a million dollars has already been distributed and 600 families have received a contribution. The targeted areas to be subsidised are Utility, Medical and Pharmacy, School and Excursion expenses, but help for households is the key.
This operation has become so onerous for volunteers to administer, that CWA has employed staff member to help, but the salary of the employee is paid by the CWA admin - not from the Disaster Funds.
More Trivia - Ann seemed to know plenty too keep us entertained. The CWA was started in 1922, by a man - a journalist on a rural newspaper. Then a doctor got involved, and the ladies followed. Even more trivia, it's a fact that the CWA offers accommodation in only two NSW locations - Bermagui and Wagga Wagga. Another option for Gears and Beers Cyclists!!!!!!!!