THE oldest rural women’s organisation in Australia, Women in Agriculture and Business SA (WAB) will be celebrating its 100th birthday at Riverton this year in honour of where the first branch was formed.
The energetic and pioneering women from the Mid North of South Australia are being commemorated by present day members.
Today WAB reflects with pride on its service record of helping women develop skills to become better farmers and business partners, keeping up to date with modern practices.
On October 28 an 29, celebrations will include a conference, dinner, service of reflection and an annual meeting.
At Riverton, the women and all who followed are being remembered by planting a rose in the Riverton Pioneer Gardens, along with placement of a seat for visitors to enjoy.
The “garden guru” Kym Cyrus has also bred a stunning white hybrid tea rose named Spirit of Rural Women in honour of the celebration.
“Much reminiscing and catching up will be the highlight for all those attending,” WAB past state president Helen Colliver said.
Federal Agriculture and Water Resources Assistant Minister Anne Ruston will make the opening address at the conference.
Special guest will be the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) president Ruth Shanks from Dubbo in New South Wales.
ACWW has consultative status with the United Nations as the acknowledged leading non-government organisation promoting rural women’s development and representing more than nine million women throughout the world.
Programs to assist rural women to defeat poverty through innovation, diversity and education are funded in third world countries, supported by the membership.
Guest speaker at the dinner will be the noted Australian author Fiona McIntosh.
Former members and families of WAB who are interested in the event are advised to contact Mrs Lynette Staude on 0427 970 396 or email linfern1@bigpond.com.
