Sylvia Palmer joined the Country Women’s Association as a 16-year-old in World War II and is still serving her community 76 years later.
At 92, she is the oldest active member of the association’s Bacchus Marsh branch, which was formed in the 1930s.
The CWA’s national body turned 70 last week and marked the milestone at events for women and children in regional, rural and remote communities throughout Australia.
“I joined at Dean when I lived in Mollongghip,” Mrs Palmer said. “There wasn’t much for young ones to do and the CWA appealed to me. I love the crafts side of things but also enjoy helping the community.”
Mrs Palmer later became president at Bacchus Marsh and also served at Ballan.
“We knitted socks during World War II and sent them to the soldiers,” she said.
“My brother was over there for four years so it was a special thing for me to be a part of.”
Mrs Palmer’s sight is failing but she still makes cushions and dolls as part of the birthing kits distributed to new mums in the area.
“I’d love to do more,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing and it means a lot to me.”
CWA Ballarat district group president Gail Fiander said the organisation was about “much more than tea and scones”.
“We do so much work behind the scenes in the community,” she said.
Details: cwaofvicballaratgroup.blogspot.com.au
Esther Lauaki
