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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-06-30 Daily Xml
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Country Women's Association

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:25): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the impact of women in regional South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS: We know the contribution women make to regional Australia is not simply measured statistically. Can the minister update the chamber on the important anniversary being celebrated this year by the Country Women's Association of South Australia?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:26): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. The South Australian branch of the Country Women's Association (the CWA) is celebrating the 85th anniversary of its establishment. The CWA has been a part of South Australia's community since 1929. The SACWA is a not-for-profit organisation made up of volunteers who work to promote the welfare of women and children in both the city and the country. There are currently approximately 2,500 members in South Australia and the current president suggests that numbers continue to grow. This year is also the 70th anniversary of the CWA in Australia, but the South Australian CWA was established first.

Over the years, the CWA has become synonymous with wonderful baking and fabulous award winning scones; however, the CWA has also been an intrinsic part of rural and regional South Australia for the last 85 years. I am very pleased to note that young women are also continuing the traditions of the CWA in friendship, support and community service. The local branches provide an opportunity for women to socialise with women and families in their local community as well as to assist women and children through community service. The members of the SACWA have often assisted and supported communities affected by natural disasters, such as fire and drought. The South Australian CWA provides assistance to families in need through the SACWA Emergency Aid Fund and also provides grants to rural students to continue their studies through the Dorothy Dolling Memorial Trust.

The local branches hold community workshops on everything from baking to cyber safety and are continuing a long history of supporting women's education through these workshops. The SACWA also maintains accommodation for people supporting a family member in hospital, for students and for use as holiday homes. I am very proud to belong to a government that is committed to regional South Australian women and recognising the contributions they make.

In September of last year, I had the pleasure of launching the agribusiness sector Women Influencing Agribusiness and Regions Strategy. The strategy has been developed through a partnership between women in industry, community and Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) and raises awareness of the important role women play in agribusiness and our regions. It provides encouragement for women to think about entering a career in agriculture as well—

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT: Point of order: I may not agree with what you say, but I defend your right to say it. I cannot hear the minister.

The PRESIDENT: Minister.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: Thank you, sir. Would you like me to start again? No, perhaps not. The strategy has been—

The Hon. D.W. Ridgway: Could the minister speak into the microphone?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: If they stopped interjecting, sir, I am sure the Hon. Kelly Vincent would be able to hear me. The strategy has been developed through a partnership between women in industry, community and primary industries and raises awareness of the important role women play in agribusiness and also our regions.

It provides encouragement for women to think about entering a career in agriculture as well as ensuring that women already in the industry have an opportunity to develop. Having a strategy that coordinates programs in skills training is incredibly important to enable women to make educated choices regarding their career and what a career in South Australia's agriculture industry can offer them. I want to thank the CWA for their 85 years of supporting the women and children of South Australia, and I hope for a successful and enduring future for the CWA in South Australia.

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