Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) | Hansard source

I recently had the honour of opening the 50th Henry Lawson festival in the historic goldfields town of Gulgong. Honouring one of Australia's most iconic writers, the festival brought together locals and visitors to recognise Henry Lawson's enduring contribution to poetry and storytelling. He spent his formative years in the Gulgong area.

The festival drew a massive crowd, and the ongoing success of the festival is a testament to the power of the Gulgong community. Some of the highlights included helping to present our young artists with their medals—congratulations, Sierra, on your first place; taking my 1962 Falcon ute in the huge street parade; and watching old Henry Lawson cut his 159th birthday cake!

I'd like to thank and recognise Bill Murphy and his hardworking team of volunteers for bringing us this wonderful celebration of our history and 50 years of magic. They included Simone Grundy, and also Heath Atchison, Stephen Hunter, Craig Ryan, Brigid Glover, Simone Sheridan, Margi Jackson, Corey Andrews, Christina Thomlinson, Janelle Hasler and Alan Walker.

During the Henry Lawson festival, we also celebrated 100 years of the Gulgong Country Women's Association. It's been a remarkable century of service, resilience and community connection. Founded to support women in rural and regional areas, the CWA has long played a vital role in strengthening communities through advocacy, friendship and practical support. In Gulgong's CWA Hall, there was a wonderful centenary display, which reflected both the organisation's rich history and its contribution to the community.

Gulgong CWA are a small but mighty group of women, hosting a market on the fourth Saturday of each month and providing catering for coach tours and other key tourism activities. In the words of President Robyn Jones:

The proceeds from these activities helps keep the hall open and keeps us on our toes! Gulgong is our main priority and so is keeping our CWA going for another 100 years!

Congratulations to the Gulgong CWA members: President Robyn Jones, who is an outstanding leader; Treasurer Penny Pinnock; Secretary Lorraine Richards; Margaret Reid; Janette Lewis; Natalie Buckle; Liz Rowden and Linda Howard.

Happy birthday, Gulgong CWA! We wish you many, many more years of wonderful community service and thank you all for your extraordinary contribution to Gulgong, our region and our country. We cannot do without our CWA.

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