Grant wins fund hall improvements at Urunga CWA

THE Urunga branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) is celebrating two successful grant funding applications.

The branch has been awarded $17,040 and $2,500 respectively from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities and Volunteer Grants programs.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan joined CWA members at their Morgo Street base for afternoon tea earlier this week to celebrate the funding wins.

“The Urunga CWA has narrowly missed out on these grants in recent years, so to be able to see them finally successful across both streams for 2025 is wonderful and so well deserved,” he said.

“We all know how much each branch of the CWA does for their local communities and those in need.

“They have always been a positive force to be reckoned with!”

CWA Urunga Assistant Secretary and grant writer Lynda Saunders expressed gratitude on behalf of the branch and outlined how the funding had already begun to be used.

“We are lucky enough to have a Child and Family Health Clinic on site here at the Urunga CWA Hall which is a real benefit for young families in our community,” Ms Saunders stated.

“But we have always struggled with a lack of appropriate ventilation that causes mould, as well as the heat discomfort in summer.”

The $17,040 from the Stronger Communities Grant has helped the branch address these issues.

“We now have vents throughout the building and mould resistant paint, and two air conditioning units will be installed soon to ensure everyone attending the hall is comfortable,” Ms Saunders said.

“Plus, we were able to purchase a Smart TV that will allow us to link into State and District meetings as well as professionally display presentations here at the Hall.”

With the $2,500 from the Volunteer Grant, the branch has been able to install two user-friendly new Westinghouse ovens.

“Before now, we had a lack of baking and kitchen facilities, which I know feels unheard of for a CWA building!” Ms Saunders said.

“We can now comfortably and safely bake our famous scones and treats on site to provide to local fundraising groups like Urunga Public School and Bellingen High School’s P&C Association.”