THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has 8000 members around the state and each has a different story to tell about why they joined and what they value about being a member.

But the one thing they all have in common is a firm belief they’ve ‘found their place’.

During April and May, the association has been running its ‘Find Your Place’ campaign, urging NSW and ACT women to consider joining their local CWA branch and becoming involved with the association’s many activities, from fundraising for community and broader causes, to helping set association policies that become part of a wider advocacy agenda.

Wendy Arentz has been a CWA of NSW member for more than 20 years and has been part of a number of branches in that time, the latest of which is the association’s Gundagai branch where she fills the roles of secretary and publicity officer.

When she moved to country NSW, a number of CWA members suggested she go along to a local branch meeting.

“After a while I thought, I may as well and just see what it’s like. And I’ve never looked back,” Wendy said.

“I look forward to it each month. You form a friendship and fellowship and we really look out for each other. It’s also such a great place to learn new things and get new ideas from other members.”

Wendy, who lives in Tumut, was born with a vision impairment so a lifetime of advocating for herself, and for others with a disability, means she also enjoys, and values, the significant advocacy role the CWA of NSW plays for the state’s remote, rural and regional communities.

“I’ve learned to speak up for myself, and for others in the community, so I think that experience and different perspective on issues helps me when it comes to CWA issues at both a local, and broader level,” she said.

Wendy, and her guide dog, Amos, attend the association’s state conference each year, valuing the chance to play a part in establishing the CWA of NSW’s advocacy platform for the following year.

For Wendy, the CWA is a big part of her life and she knows other women would get a lot out of becoming a member.

“There really is something to interest everyone, and you’ll get a lot more out of it than you put in,” she said.