Rachel Mitchell is almost two years older than the Country Women’s Association in Western Australia.
A life member of the Donnybrook branch in the state’s South West, the 101-year-old is about to celebrate another birthday with a morning tea put on by the CWA next month.
“I think they are going to invite everyone I know on the internet thing. I’ll have to ring some friends personally because, like me, they don’t use computers,” Ms Mitchell said.
Gatherings are different now for Ms Mitchell compared to when she first joined the local branch.
“You’d go to town on a Saturday to socialise, you always wore your stockings, gloves, and hat,” she said.
The CWA prides itself on being for women, through women and by women and providing a space for a sense of belonging and purpose.
The CWA in WA is celebrating 100 years of service in 2024.
Ms Mitchell is unsure what the next century could look like for the organisation.
“It’s still an interesting thing to belong to, but I’m not sure if there is much of a need.”
Men on the agenda
CWA state chief executive Trish Langdon will be hosting the 100th WA conference in July, where potential changes to the group’s constitution will be voted on.
“It’s important the organisation is governed in a contemporary manner,” Ms Langdon said.
One major point of discussion will be having men join as associate members.
“I think some members will say it’s important to keep it as women only, but I don’t think it will make any difference to operations,” Ms Langdon said.
“Men won’t get a vote in terms of how the organisation is run, it’s more of a recognition of their support over the years.”
The CEO visited a majority of branches last year to discuss the possibility of men joining.
“The suggestion came from members themselves; it was supported,” Ms Langdon said.
Pat Nock is the president of the CWA branch in Pemberton, which has had a low uptake of members in past years.
However, Ms Nock doesn’t believe introducing men is the answer.
“Personally, I think it’s nice for ladies to have somewhere to go on their own. I know it’s the modern thing that everyone should integrate, but I’m old-fashioned,” Ms Nock said.
“I wouldn’t leave if men become members, but I just like it the way it is.
“But I guess you have to move with the times.”
Finding a place in rural communities
When Thida Baldock moved to Pemberton five years ago from Thailand, she found it difficult to learn English.
“When I first moved here from Thailand, my husband said to join to learn the Australian way,” Ms Baldock said.
“This is about sisterhood; I’ve learnt so much from a group of women, like what is the best wine.”
Ms Baldock turns 40 the same day Rachel Mitchell turns 102.
“I don’t think we’re doing enough to attract younger people, I’m the youngest in Pemberton CWA,” she said.
“We only have 11 members in Pemberton. Maybe we could think about creating a TikTok for cooking demonstrations, I’m really not sure.”
