Umina CWA holds garage sale for Awareness Week

The Umina Beach branch of the Country Women's Association will hold a garage sale at their hall on September 7.

Umina Beach branch president Ms Rikki McIntosh said this year's CWA Awareness Week was focusing on women's mental health and support services in regional, rural and remote communities.

"With ongoing drought continuing to be a major challenge in many parts of the state and presenting enormous mental health implications in rural and regional areas, the Association feels there's an urgent need to shine a spotlight on the issue," Ms McIntosh said.

"One of the strengths of the CWA is the supportive social network it offers women so our members understand the power of a 'Sconversation', boiling the jug, sitting down and enjoying a cuppa and a chat.

"Being able to speak freely in a supportive environment is important for anyone's mental wellbeing and for those who are listening it's an opportunity to offer support and some advice if it's needed.

"Women whose livelihoods are tied to the land were often required to wear many different hats, and during the ongoing drought, may also be supporting a partner under enormous pressures, while also nurturing children suffering the mental health impacts of drought."

She said the Umina Beach branch's garage sale would also double as a "Sconversation morning tea" and would run from 7:30am to midday.

Ms McIntosh said several branch members had recently downsized their homes and had made a number of items available, ranging from jewellery, homewares and books to fabrics and other materials, pre-loved furniture and clothing.

The event will raise funds to upgrade the hall, with the installation of a disability toilet and access ramp.

A drought appeal donation box will also be set up on the day for anyone wishing to donate funds to support drought affected communities in rural NSW.

SOURCE:

Media release, 22 Aug 2019

Margaret Key, CWA Umina Beach