Coffs CWA guest speakers ‘well received’

THE Coffs Harbour Branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) hosted two guest speakers in July.

Both were “very well received by the members,” President Ros Hopwood said.

Principal of the First Nations Giingana Gumbaynggirr Freedom School in Coffs Harbour, Glen Cook, talked about the founding in 2022 of the first bilingual Aboriginal language school in NSW.

The pilot project received financial support from the NSW Government through the Aboriginal Languages Trust and philanthropic partners.

The 82 students are taught their native language from kindergarten to Year 12.

“Glen Cook, born into a family of 11 children, was not allowed to use his native language at school,” Ms Hopwood said.

“[He] had a determination to graduate from high school in the 70s, through [to] university and teacher training college.

“Now he is Principal of a First Nations school… what an achievement.”

CWA members enquired about attending a School Assembly ceremony to witness the dance and singing with an interpreter.

The second speaker was Dave Robinson, The Men’s Table regional host covering the Hunter, New England, Central and Mid North coast.

“Hearing from Dave Robinson gave members an understanding of the power of The Men’s Table meetings; that they are an opportunity for men to share their emotional daily ups and downs with non-judging men in a local, relaxed environment over an enjoyable meal.”

In 2011, founder Ben Hughes invited a group of men to have dinner with the intention of having a place to connect and to talk about the highs and lows of their lives.

These meetings have since helped with mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

There are two Men’s Tables in Coffs Harbour and one in Sawtell.

By Andrea FERRARI