CWA of NSW Awareness Week
4 – 10 SEPTEMBER 2022
A catalyst for the formation of the Country Women’s Association of NSW a century ago was the need for adequate maternal health services in the bush. 100 years on, the Association continues to advocate for improvements to maternity services and support in rural and regional NSW and is the focus of this year’s annual Awareness Week campaign from 4 to 10 September.
The issue was on the Association’s radar at its annual State Conference in May. A number of branch motions were put to members about the need for improved maternity services and care in rural and remote NSW, and for the establishment of a dedicated hotline to support women in rural areas to navigate available maternity support services.
On the final day of the conference, propelled by the release of findings from a NSW parliamentary inquiry into rural and regional health, a motion of urgency was unanimously endorsed by members, calling for immediate action by state and federal governments to address the current crisis in the provision of primary medical services due to the lack of general practitioners and medical staffing in hospitals in rural NSW.
One of the key recommendations from the parliamentary inquiry was around establishing a review of rural maternity services in the wake of the closure of dozens of hospital birthing units around the state, and often harrowing testimony from inquiry witnesses who shared their stories of giving birth without adequate support and facilities or having to travel far from home to have their babies.
It seems fitting that in the CWA of NSW’s centenary year, we’re continuing the advocacy around urgent improvements to maternal and antenatal care. This year, the CWA of NSW is partnering with the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association and the Gidget Foundation, a notfor- profit organisation that provides programs to support the emotional wellbeing of expectant and new parents.
CWA Galston advocates for a variety of issues, both locally and state-wide. We will be holding a Charity Fashion Parade on Tuesday 18th October 10:30am
$25 includes morning tea and lunch, a raffle and lucky door prize. Save the date!
For more information, please contact Jann 0439 222 217 or Pam 02 9653 1036. www. facebook.com/CWAGalston | [email protected]
