mmg.com.au

The Eastern Goulburn Valley Country Women’s Association announced $2000 worth of donations to local charities and not-for-profit organisations at its autumn conference.

Outgoing group president Margaret Tweddle said money was donated to Marion Community Domestic Violence Service, VicSuper Murray Marathon and Relay for Life.

The conference, which was attended by state vice-president Marion Dewar, also saw the election of new group office bearers.

Ms Tweddle said the event, one of two annual conferences, was a great way for branch members to celebrate their commitment to the community and form new friendships.

‘‘I think the CWA have always been community contributors, it’s a band of women coming together to see if they can help others outside their own group,’’ Mrs Tweddle said.

‘‘There’s a lot of people in need out there that one perhaps doesn’t realise, it’s nice to think you’re helping someone along the way.

‘‘It’s wonderful, they’re a lovely lot of ladies, it’s a wonderful association.’’

Mrs Tweddle said one of this year’s key resolutions was to push for the reinstatement of a hospital helipad in Shepparton.

‘‘We had one and then we lost it when they rebuilt (the hospital),’’ she said.

‘‘To think that we lost what we had, it’s sad. Ambulances coming from the south have got to go through all those sets of lights and it can take a good 20 to 25 minutes.’’

Eastern Goulburn Valley CWA’s new office bearers are:

■ Group president June Walters;

■ Group secretary Jennifer Currie;

■ Publicity officer Margaret Sarkady;

■ International officer Margaret Feldtmann;

■ Craft leader Helen Wall; and

■ Bus convenor Flo Gallow.