Our People
11 September, 2026
Beaufort CWA celebrates 100 years of service
A cold Wednesday in Beaufort was warmed by a strong sense of community, compassion and friendship as the Beaufort Country Women’s Association (CWA) celebrated its centenary. More than 60 people gathered in the gardens beside the band rotunda for the dedication of a park bench and oak tree commemorating 100 years of the local organisation.
The celebrations later continued in the Beaufort CWA rooms, where guests enjoyed afternoon tea, the lighting of candles and the cutting of a centenary cake.
Memories and stories were shared as photographs and recollections highlighted the remarkable history of the local branch.
The Beaufort Women’s Institute was established on September 9, 1926, before officially becoming the Beaufort CWA in March 1928.
Beaufort CWA President Lyn Harvey welcomed guests and thanked the Pyrenees Shire, local community groups and individuals for their ongoing support.
Lyn highlighted the organisation’s significant contribution to the local community, recalling that the CWA donated the land on which its clubrooms stood from 1926 to 1996.
The land was donated to enable construction of the Ripon Peace Memorial Hospital, now Beaufort Skipton Health Services.
As part of the agreement, a meeting room was to be built within the health services complex for the continued use of the Beaufort CWA.
Lyn also thanked current members for their commitment and assistance in organising the centenary celebrations.
Treasurer Carmel Danks acknowledged the Pyrenees Shire’s support, including generous grants that helped fund the commemorative bench and other centenary activities.
She said Shire staff had been particularly helpful with the grant application, planning and installation of the bench.
Secretary Anne Bunting reflected on the branch’s history after reading minutes dating back to 1926.
She said it quickly became clear that the women who established the organisation were “far more than good cooks”.
The early members worked to have a CWA hall constructed, including rest rooms for women visiting Beaufort to shop.
Over the decades, the branch carefully managed its finances while generously supporting numerous charities and community causes.
Education was also an important priority, with the CWA providing bursaries to secondary school students.
Ms Bunting said one of the most rewarding aspects of the CWA’s work was its “kindness” towards vulnerable women and children.
The afternoon concluded with a display of CWA cooking at its best – afternoon tea along with the screening of a video featuring current and former members as well as a slideshow depicting some of the CWAs projects including Hope in a Suitcase, the Poppies project, the Little Library and the support provided for people affected by the recent fires including catering for BlazeAid workers.
The centenary celebration provided a fitting tribute to a century of service, friendship and kindness, while looking forward to the Beaufort CWA’s continuing role in the community.
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