A, Fletcher called a meeting at the Masonic Hall to form a Branch of the C.W.A. Begg was installed as the first President, Mrs B. Jordan took on the position of Secretary and Mrs. A. Moore as the Treasurer. Their first objective was to establish a rest room for farming wives coming into town. This was temporarily at the School of Arts. Also in co-operation with the P & C Association they endeavoured to have a Secondary School established on the Hastings River. In 1939, dress making classes commenced which led to the establishment of a Technical College in Wauchope and first deputation for Secondary Education to a Primary and then High School. A cottage in High Street was rented from Mr. H Wright in August 1939 and used as both a Rest Room and a Baby Health Clinic. Later the C.W.A. purchased the building where they stayed until 1969 when the building and land was given over as a "deed of Gift" to the Shire of Hastings. In return for which they built a building suitable for seating 150 people and together with a Baby Health Clinic. The hall was then leased to the C.W.A. on long term for a "pepper corn" rent. The complex originally housed the Oxley Electricity and Town offices. Today besides our Hall, the complex houses the Library, Council Offices and Senior Citizens Hall. During World War II we made over 400 camouflage nets. Our rooms were used for meeting of the VAD, NES, WASPS, Hospital Board and other auxiliary services. The Hall was also the home of the Rotary until they built their own facility at Bain Park. Largely through the rental of the hall, our catering engagements, stalls over the years we have made generous contributions to the WDM Hospital, Bundaleer Nursing home, our local schools, etc. Further afield we support eh Flying Doctor Service and more recently our local Fire services. Although so fondly known as "the tea and scones" ladies, we seldom ever have to provide this service - however when we do be assured - we provide the best! We welcome you to our Branch and hope you will enjoy our company and friendship.
