The Brighton Branch of the Tasmanian Country Women’s Association began in March 1943 in a hall on the corner of Jubilee and Andrew Street, but in 1997, this hall burnt down. There was an insurance payment of $11,500 given to the Council, who with this money and their own funds, built the current room attached to the Pontville Memorial Hall.

Membership has fluctuated over the years and currently there are 15 women ranging in age from 40s to 80s. Three fundraising functions annually – two morning teas and a soup and sandwich lunch. In recent years, CWA Brighton has donated to the Cancer Council, Bonorong, Waterbridge, the local fire brigade, the school breakfast program and to a local family who needed to purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10am for a cuppa before the meeting at 10.30am. The group are encouraging new members to come along. Members have access to CWA’s Hawley holiday home and can sell craft and produce in the CWA shops on a commission basis. If you have a spare four hours each week or fortnight, you can volunteer at the shops in Hobart and Lindisfarne. There are also active craft days through the Hand Craft and Home Industries group, which meets monthly.

CWA have lobbied the Government on various social issues over the years and are currently pushing for the reinstatement of the Breast Screen bus to service the east coast, as well as trying to get more child care facilities in remote areas.

On 25 May, there will be a morning tea to celebrate the Brighton group’s 83rd birthday and CWA Tasmania’s 90th birthday. If you are able to attend, please RSVP to Raema on 0419 345 685 by 18 May.