Victor Harbor CWA President Plants CWA 90th Anniversary Rose at Resthaven Port Elliot
On Friday 30 August 2019, President of the Victor Harbor Country Women’s Association, Eve Balfour Ogilvy, visited Resthaven Port Elliot at 3 Frederik Street, Port Elliot, to plant the South Australian CWA 90th Anniversary rose in the site gardens.
‘I haven’t done a “planting” before – I didn’t realise that it could be so much fun!’ Eve says.
Eve was joined by resident, Mrs Margaret Newell (nee Haskard), who has been a Country Womens’ Association (CWA) member for 39 years, fellow CWA member, Bernice Hull, and Resthaven Relieving Manager Residential Services, Linden Brazier.
The rose was purchased by Margaret and Bernice, and donated to Resthaven Port Elliot.
A dairy farmer’s wife, Margaret joined the Mount Compass CWA after her son was born in 1980, followed by the Victor Harbor CWA in 1989. Over her 39 years, she has held the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and President.
‘Companionship is one of the most important things about the CWA – women were so isolated on the farms,’ she says.
‘Country people know how to ask how you are without being intrusive.’
Eve says, ‘Margaret has been a wonderfully active and involved with us for many years, and we have been very lucky to have had her as a member.’
‘The friendships that are formed through the CWA are so important.’
‘It’s really nice to go out and see a familiar face. Sometimes that’s all it takes, it’s a sense of community like a comforting blanket.’
‘The CWA are not only a local group, but state, and nationwide.’
‘We’re currently supporting the drought-stricken farmers in the west – we’ve distributed $2 ¼ million in funds – raising our own funds to cover administration costs. All of the branches do that.’
Relieving Manager Residential Services, Linden Brazier, says, ‘The CWA 90th anniversary rose is a fitting tribute to the amazing work of the CWA, and we are delighted to plant it in our site gardens.’
‘We sincerely thank Margaret and Bernice, for purchasing and donating the plant to Resthaven Port Elliot, where it can be enjoyed by residents and staff alike.’
Margaret is just one of many CWA members who live at Resthaven Port Elliot, which opened in 2015. The residential home is co-located with community services and independent retirement living at North Terrace.
Learn more about Resthaven Port Elliot
Established in South Australia in 1935, Resthaven is a not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.