THE Country Women’s Association Bellingen Branch has released the results of a survey into the needs of local women.
Women of Bellingen and surrounding areas were invited to share their experiences, challenges, hopes and ideas, with the CWA planning to use the results to inform their work.
CWA member and survey coordinator Meaghan Burkett, was delighted with the high number of respondents.
“Having 117 women complete the survey just shows the community’s genuine commitment and enthusiasm to getting involved,” she said.
Participants’ top priorities were physical and mental health, family and caring responsibilities, friendships and social connection.
Women also nominated the environment, climate, and financial pressures as the biggest challenges.
Some more surprising results include that only 25 percent of women felt very connected to their community.
“So 75 percent of women feel either somewhat connected, not very connected, or not at all connected”, Ms Burkett noted.
Results like this have inspired branch members to create activities and policies that help solve the problem.
The diversity of respondents was also a topic of interest.
With most respondents in their mid-30s to 70s, Ms Burkett said the CWA was keen to hear from younger and more senior women too.
“Importantly, I think just running a survey like this is a win in itself.
“It helps women feel valued, heard and perhaps more hopeful when it comes to getting the support they need.”
One of the branch’s latest initiatives is a monthly “potluck” dinner designed to enhance connection and belonging.
Women of all ages are welcome, with the chance to chat and share a meal together.
“We want to reduce barriers to participation by having an informal, low-key gathering and also cater to parents by setting up a play area for kids.”
The February event saw close to 20 women attend, along with children from the ages of three to 12 who all kept each other entertained.
By running the event every month, the CWA hopes to create a sense of stability and place that women are drawn to on a regular basis.
Details of the monthly potluck dinners and the survey report can be found on the CWA Bellingen Branch Facebook page.
By Jessica MILLER
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