THE BULAHDELAH Country Women’s Association (CWA) has been busy working to bring comfort to sick kids and their families.
CWA members and their families have been hand-producing craft items, beanies, knee rugs and library bags, and collecting children’s books, colouring books and pencils, to donate to the young patients and families lodging at Ronald McDonald House at John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle.
Ronald McDonald House (RMDH) helps keep families together while their children receive vital medical treatment, and the Bulahdelah CWA ladies could not be happier to help the cause.
“Our members have collected and sent items to RMDH, things like toiletry and dignity bags to support the patients,” Bulahdelah CWA President Belinda Moore told NOTA.
“We put a little bag on the bed so when the kids come in, it makes them feel a little bit special.
“Some ladies are skilled enough to make amazing items very quickly, and we have been gathering bits and pieces over the last few months.
“We know that some may arrive at the RMDH in the dead of night after an emergency, so they come with nothing but the clothes on their back, so it’s something bright for the patients and their families.”
Closer to home, Bulahdelah CWA members have been engaging with girls from St Joseph’s Catholic School and Bulahdelah Central School, preparing several for an eventful experience as fully-fledged CWA women in the near future. “The recent CWA event at the Bulahdelah Golf Club was fabulous,” Belinda said.
“It showcased local schoolkids, and we have received so much positive feedback about it.
“We are making plans for the summer season, inviting local singers and artists, hopefully some more of the kids, so the community can see more young talent.”
Recent charitable events run by the Bulahdelah CWA have seen donations given out to several local clubs and groups, as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service and the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Moving into spring, member Bernie Sexton will show girls from the two local schools how to put together and display a vase of Australian flowers, which are the CWA’s 2025 Primary Product of study, chosen to promote a struggling boutique industry by the State Agricultural and Environmental Committee.
State-wide, the CWA is again running its Agricultural and Environmental competitions for schoolchildren, with a colouring-in competition for Kindergarten to Year 3 students, and a short story writing competition for Years 3 to 6 students.
Bulahdelah CWA has received more than 60 entries to be sent off to NSW CWA Group Conference for judging.
“The 2025 Bulahdelah Show is also right around the corner, set for 14-15 November, and the Bulahdelah CWA members will also be involved, holding a promotional art and craft stall,” Belinda added.
For those locals who cannot wait until November, the Bulahdelah CWA hosts a Devonshire Tea on the last Wednesday of each month at their building on Wade Park, with home-made scones, naturally.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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