The Bairnsdale Amaroo branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) held its December meeting in the home of a member, concluding a busy year of craft, community service, and cultural learning.
The ladies have continued work on their Heartfelt Hearts project, creating items to be placed in funeral parlours for the comfort of families and friends.
Karen shared plans for new projects in 2026. The next craft day is scheduled for January 27 at Clifton Waters Village, Wy Yung, from 10am to approximately 2pm.
Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.
COUNTRY OF STUDY:
SRI LANKA
Joann presented an overview of Sri Lanka’s vibrant festival calendar. Major celebrations include the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, marking the harvest season, and the Buddhist festival of Vesak Poya in May.
Other key festivals are Duruthu Poya in January, Poson Poya in June, the Kandy Esala Perahera in August with its decorated elephants, dancers, drummers and fire shows, and Deepavali in October or November, a festival of lights for Hindus. Independence Day is celebrated on February 4, commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence.
PRODUCT OF STUDY: HEMP
Lois discussed the historical and modern uses of hemp, one of the strongest and most durable fibres. Hemp has been used for thousands of years to produce textiles, rope, paper, lighting oil, incense, medicine, and more. Once a major agricultural crop in Australia, hemp declined due to prohibition in the 1930s. Lois highlighted its potential today as a sustainable material that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and deforestation.
Members Olivia, Margaret, Karen, and Lois have been collaborating with the Bairnsdale Cub Scouts for their Community Service badges. The scouts created embroidered fabric squares, which were assembled into a quilt by Karen and presented to the scout leader.
The group also assisted the
scouts in making ANZAC honey biscuits.
Local community initiative “A Place at the Table” was represented at the meeting by Adele, who explained their work providing a Christmas lunch at the Hub Bairnsdale on Christmas Eve.
Following the meeting, members enjoyed a shared lunch. Additionally, seventeen members gathered for morning tea at the Stables on December 8, welcoming new member Perlita.
The next CWA Amaroo meeting will be held on Monday, February 2, starting at 10 am, with morning tea from 9.30am, at the Bridge Club Hall, Macleod Street, next to the railway station.
