Country Women's Association

Burren Junction Country Women’s Association (CWA)

The Burren Junction branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) has been a central part of the town’s history and community life for over a century.

The branch was formally established on 24 January 1924, with Mrs Darrel Radford as President, Miss Nellie Hamilton as Secretary and Mrs Harold Gall as Treasurer. From these early beginnings, the Burren CWA quickly became an active and influential organisation, bringing women together to support both local families and the wider district.

Early Years and Community Impact

In its early years, the CWA organised social events such as sports days, dances and fundraising activities, which were vital in building community spirit. The branch also played a key role in supporting local infrastructure and services.

Between 1926 and 1932, members:

Assisted in building a hall at Cryon
Advocated for a bush nurse for the district
Purchased a piano for the Burren Hall
Raised funds for the School of Arts and local events

In 1932, the CWA contributed significantly to the establishment of a local hospital, donating funds and supporting its development. The hospital became an important service for the district until it was temporarily closed during the war years.

During World War II, the Burren CWA redirected its efforts to support the war effort, assisting families and sending goods to soldiers.

Towards a Permanent Home

Following the war, the focus turned to creating a permanent base for the CWA in Burren Junction.

1946

Under President Edith Gordon, the branch became involved in community improvement projects, including a tree planting initiative across the town. Members also began discussions with the local RSL regarding land for a women’s rest room. The RSL later donated land to support this vision.

1950–1954

During this period:

Edith Gordon was elected State President of the CWA of NSW
The branch supported community events, including visits by the Governor
Temporary use of hospital/rest room buildings was trialled
Fundraising began in earnest for a permanent facility

1955–1956

The branch made a major decision to move forward with building their own centre:

The cottage hospital was sold to raise funds
The RSL exchanged land with the CWA for a block opposite the Police Station
A building committee was formed in 1956, including Mrs Gordon, Mrs Chapman, Mrs Solling and Miss Mackenzie

Building the CWA Centre

1957

Planning and preparation accelerated:

Bush fire committees were organised
Arrangements were made to provide catering during emergencies
Tenders were called for construction
A quote of £2,950 from Mr Peak was accepted

1958

The vision became a reality.

Through community fundraising and generous loans, the building was completed and officially opened on:

👉 3 October 1958

The new building, known as the CWA Centre, quickly became a hub for:

Meetings and social gatherings
Visiting health services
Community events and functions

Furnishings including 50 chairs and gates were added, and the building was made available for use by other organisations.

A weekly medical clinic operated from the building for several years, further cementing its importance to the community.

Growth, Recognition and Legacy

In the decades that followed, the Burren Junction CWA continued to make a lasting contribution to the town.

Highlights include:

Catering for major community events such as RSL Day
Supporting education, including assistance for Aboriginal students
Hosting study groups and skills training
Ongoing improvements to the CWA Centre

In 1971, former President Edith Gordon was awarded an MBE, recognising her outstanding contribution.

Members also achieved recognition at Group and State level, including Country Women of the Year awards.

Continuing the Tradition

Like many rural organisations, the Burren Junction CWA has faced challenges over time, particularly with declining membership in later years. However, the branch has continued to operate, maintaining its strong connection to the community and preserving its important history.

A Building with Meaning

Built in the late 1950s, the Burren Junction CWA Centre stands as a lasting symbol of:

Community cooperation
Determination and resilience
The vital role of women in rural life

From fundraising dances and hospital support to building their own centre, the women of Burren Junction created a legacy that continues to be felt today.

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Country Women’s Association

From “Grass & Dust” by Nita Radford (Nellie Hamilton’s daughter)

Miss Nellie Hamilton was one of the eight foundation members of the Burren C.W.A. Mary Radford was the first secretary. Mrs Charles Hamilton & Aunt Mrs Arthur Holcombe had been instigators in the formation of the branch, just as Aunt Hannah Corcoran had been prominent in the formation of the Boorowa branch. At their first meeting in Burren on 19 January 1929, new members were enrolled, & Nellie sent a report of the meeting to be published in the “Stock Journal”. Meetings were held monthly & in April, they arranged to have a Sports Day in Burren, to be followed by a dance at night. During the month, friends were co-opted to help in organising guessing competitions, in making & sending out circulars & posters & in making entries for various stationary articles to be entered in Moree Show.

Nellie stayed up late preparing posters, writing out invitations to C.W.A. helpers & to the clergy of the district. She was instructed to write to “Jeff” to see if they could have music by “wireless”. It is not known if they had “wireless”, but they had a very successful sports day & dance. The proceeds of the stall came to more than £10 pound, & a special meeting was called to receive the balance sheet & a cheque for £12, 12 shillings & 8 pence.

Mary Radford & Nellie Hamilton went as delegates to the Moree conference during May. They travelled by train, spending the night in Narrabri to catch the Moree train early the next morning. In Moree, the delegates stayed at the Imperial Hotel, were entertained to a banquet by the Moree people & were given the freedom of the hot bore baths by the Mayor. After a two-day conference, Mary left by train for Inverell to visit friends & Nellie, who had been elected to the central executive committee, stayed on in Moree. She was then invited to travel with Mrs Barratt from Angledool, who had to spend the weekend in Narrabri in order to make the connection with the branch line train. They caught the early morning train & Nellie arrived back at “Moorah” after an absence of five days.

The CWA did the catering for sports meetings & in September they held a Ball to raise money to pay for a piano for the Burren Hall. During October, Mrs Irvine from the CWA central executive travelled through the north west of the state to address meetings on the aims & interests of the association. She addressed a meeting at Burren after spending three nights at “Moorah”, travelling on to Collarenebri, Angledool, Goodooga & returning to Sydney by the Bourke line. Nellie became involved in a CWA project to establish an Obstetric ward at the Wee Waa Hospital. After Mrs Irvine’s visit, Nellie approached Miss Grey, president of the newly formed Wee Waa branch, with a request for their assistance. Together they attended a Wee Waa hospital board meeting to gain its approval, & the men agreed to meet the Burren CWA women at a special meeting in Burren. On 13 Dec., Jack Radford drove Nellie & his sisters, Mary & Clare, to attend the meeting.

During January 1925, Nellie spent three weeks in Sydney & attended a three-day executive of the CWA central committee. She & Mrs McIntyre Ashton acted as joint secretaries. At the March meeting of the Burren Branch, Nellie retired from her position as secretary, & the office for 1925 was taken over by Mrs Jones.