THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria Inc. Gippsland Hills Group held their 69th exhibition at Poowong Hall on Saturday, April 6, recognising the 708 entries of handicrafts, art, and home industries.
South Gippsland Shire Deputy Mayor Cr. Nathan Hersey was in attendance for the official opening of the event, addressing the branch members and officials, acknowledging CWA as a platform for people to come together through craftsmanship and community. Highlighting the skill, history, and knowledge present in the room, and the importance in fostering fellowship among older people.
Past State President of the CWA of Victoria Marion Dewar officially opened the event.
“It gives me great pleasure to thank the conveners and chief steward the members of Poowong and district branch and all members of Gippsland Hills Group who have contributed to the success of the 69th exhibition of handicrafts, art and home industries,” said Marion.
“The question rises, why would we enter, and I can answer: A sense of satisfaction, of pride of achievement and understanding that every entry sustains and increases knowledge in the creative arts with handwork, art, photography, cookery and horticulture and uplifting of the Spirit as we imagine the aroma and taste. See the vibrancy of color and light and marvel at the intricacy of design and beauty of execution.”
Gippsland Hills Group President Beronia Jarvis of the Poowong and district branch then welcomed Deputy Mayor Cr Nathan Hersey to present the branch awards to the following members:
Aggregate:
- First place with 620 points: Meeniyan Branch
- Second place with 436 points: Poowong and District Branch
- Third place with 398 points: Woorayl Branch
Award for the branch with the highest points as a percentage of the branch membership. First awarded to Meeniyan Branch with 39%.
Special Commendation:
Awarded to Kardella and Poowong and district branch who had every member participate in the exhibition.
Branch Exhibits:
Five handicrafts’ articles:
“Transport”
- First place: Mirboo North Night Owls.
- Second place: Leongatha Twilight.
- Third place: Mirboo
- Presentation award: Mirboo North Night Owls.
Five home industry items:
“Spice it Up”
- First place: Mirboo North Night Owls
- Second place: Inverloch
- Third place: Mirboo
- Presentation award: Woorayl
Three “Horticulture” items of edible plates:
- First place: Meeniyan
- Second place: Inverloch
- Third place: Woorayl
- Presentation award: Inverloch
Aggregate:
Elinor Scott Individual Aggregate Cup:
- First place: Maryke Dann of Bena Branch
- Second place: Vanessa Fisher of Meeniyan Branch
- Third place: Marilyn Mackie of Meeniyan Branch
Junior Aggregate:
- Savannah Facey of Meeniyan Branch
Best Exhibit Awards for the best piece of work in each class were presented to:
- Knitting, Crochet, Lace & Handkerchiefs: Sharon Melbourne
- Sewing, Patchwork, Applique & Quilts: Leanne Tilson
- Embroidery and Canvas Work: Maryke Dann
- Toys and Dolls: Vanessa Fisher
- Craft: Maryke Dann
- Art: Laura Sullivan
- Photography: Beronia Jarvis
- Jams, Jellies and Preserves: Maryke Dann
- Cookery: Vanessa Fisher
- Floral Art: Lesley Beakley
- Cut Flowers and Container of plants: Anne Fries
