FROM lobbying for 40km/h signs outside of schools to decorating thousands of cakes to raise money to build a community hall, Orange Local Woman of the Year Gail Hayden believes in giving back.
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Member for Orange Andrew Gee and Minister for Women Pru Goward announced Mrs Hayden as the electorate's 2016 award recipient for the 54 years she has spent as a member of the Country Women’s Association.
In that time, she has been a branch member at Katanning in Western Australia, Warren, Nashdale and now Millthorpe. She has been president of the Nashdale branch and also led the Central West Group, where she is now vice-president.
She is also a cookery judge for The Land and a certified cattle judge for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.
The 75-year-old said it was “a thrill and an honour” to be chosen for the award.
“What you get out of the community, you must put back in,” she said.
Mrs Hayden was recruited to the CWA as an 18-year-old by her mother.
“I was conned into icing thousands of lamingtons and heart-shaped and butterfly-shaped sponge cakes to raise money to build a hall in the town,” she said.
Mrs Hayden was part of the Warren branch when it researched speed signs for schools to take to the group council and later the state conference.
“I think that was one of the best things we did for many years,” she said.
She also participated in campaigns to add reflectors to trains and linemarkings on country roads, although she felt the CWA still had a role to play in health advocacy.
Mr Gee described Mrs Hayden’s efforts as unwavering, having also supported Western Care Lodge and the 24-hour helicopter service.
“The CWA, particularly in this part of the world, are fierce advocates for the benefits for the communities out here ... and they’re things we take for granted,” he said.
Mr Gee nominated her for the award, which Ms Goward’s office approved.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au