General news
7 March, 2025
Governor helps Royal Far West celebrate 100 years
Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC Visits West Wyalong for a Special CWA Bellarwi Event
IT was a day to remember last week for the local community as CWA Bellarwi hosted a special visit from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, at an afternoon tea held at the St. Barnabas, West Wyalong Anglican Church.
The event, which took place today, was a significant occasion for the community and saw many local leaders and organisations come together to celebrate rural resilience and the importance of community connections.
The Governor, who serves as Joint Patron alongside Mr Dennis Wilson for the Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA) NSW, paid a heartfelt tribute to the hardworking communities of the region. Her Excellency spoke warmly of her fond memories of time spent in the bush, acknowledging the incredible resilience and spirit of country towns.
“The regions are the backbone of our state,” she said.
“The hard work, strength, and spirit of communities like West Wyalong are the reason we all thrive.”
The afternoon was marked by a genuine and inclusive atmosphere as the Governor took the time to visit every table, engaging with locals from all walks of life. From children to the elderly, Her Excellency listened attentively to stories and anecdotes, making the event feel even more personal and memorable for attendees.
Among the distinguished guests were NSW Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, Bland Shire Deputy Mayor Lisa Minogue, and representatives from numerous organisations. These included the ICPA, RSL, Hospital Auxiliary, the CWA, and Royal Far West, who were also celebrating their surprise 100th anniversary at the event.
In a special moment of recognition, the event also honoured the longstanding contributions of those who have supported the ICPA, an organisation dedicated to advocating for rural and isolated families. Key attendees from the ICPA included Myfi Kellahan, ICPA-NSW State Council & Lone Member, Nyelva Carnegie, West Wyalong ICPA Life Member, Sue Buttenshaw, ICPA NSW/VIC Lone Member, Kerrie Johnston, President of the Rankins Springs ICPA Branch, and Ellen Walker, Rankins Springs ICPA Life Member.
The afternoon tea, which was both a social and reflective occasion, highlighted the unity and strength of rural communities. The Governor’s visit was a fitting recognition of the incredible work that continues in rural NSW and a reminder of the importance of supporting isolated families and communities.
“It is a privilege to be here today,” said Governor Beazley, “and it is heartening to see the dedication of all those involved in supporting our regional areas. Today, we celebrate not only the work of ICPA and other local organisations but also the individuals who contribute so much to making these communities so special.”
The event also served as a reminder of the crucial role that organisations like the CWA, RSL, ICPA and Royal Far West play in ensuring that families in rural and remote areas receive the support they need.
For those in attendance, it was a day to remember – a vice-regal visit that highlighted the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing support for families in rural areas.
Aside from a meet and greet with the Governor, the afternoon tea was also a reason to celebrate 100 years of Royal Far West which was described as “an incredible milestone”, by President Julie Crerar, who also holds the same role with the CWA Bellarwi branch.
“It has been tremendous having Her Excellency, Governor Beazley here along with our NSW Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke,” said Julie.
“We so many branches from a variety of organisations here today all bound by a willingness to help and support our communities.
“Many like Royal Far West and the CWA have been doing it for over a century now.”
Here’s hoping they continue for at least a hundred more.
Read More: West Wyalong
