Four decades after the region was last represented in the Inner Wheel Australia executive, two women have stepped up to take on national leadership positions in the women's organisation.
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New president Elizabeth Tooke of Blayney, and new secretary Maria Bargwanna of Orange, took part in a small change-over ceremony at Blayney with their new roles overseeing 4000 members in 13 districts and 130 clubs.
The organisation was founded in Manchester, England, to unite the wives and daughters of Rotarians. Today any woman can join the organisation to assist with women's rights, peace, mothers and children, poverty, education and disease.
"I joined the Inner Wheel Club of Orange as soon as I retired from a teaching career as I was aware of the great friendships, community and international service the club was involved in," Mrs Bargwanna said.
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Among the causes that inspire her is an international project to help educate Masai children in poverty and there are plans to purchase toys and books for a crèche at a Women's Refuge when it nears completion.
Mrs Tooke joined the Blayney Inner Wheel branch after retiring from her job at a bank.
She said each club supports local, national and international causes with the organisation supporting and providing grants for cord blood research, which is looking at immuno therapy.
Members from around the world also raised $125,000 for the summer bushfires to help with recovery and revegetation.
Mrs Tooke said the organisation had to adapt due to COVID-19 by meeting and raising money online. She also wants to help others who have been left behind by the increased reliance on technology by introducing relevant community projects.
However, Mrs Tooke said the primary focus must remain on youth, and new clubs for the next generation of women.
"They are our future and their education is the key to a better world both here and in developing countries," she said.
"We must change our thinking and our attitudes and become more innovative, encouraging others to become involved in our work.
"Our strength lies in the friendship that brings us all together but it is our service that will hold us together."
For more information email iiw.au.a50membership@gmail.com.
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Tanya Marschke
I am based at Orange and cover a wide range of subjects as well as the weekly business column. I've worked consistently in the the media industry since 2006 including the past seven years at the Central Western Daily. Before moving to Orange, I worked as a journalist at weekly newspapers the Beaudesert Times and the Gold Coast Sun in Queensland, as well as the Scone Advocate in the Hunter Valley. I started my career at the Ridge News in Lightning Ridge while I completed my journalism studies remotely at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
I am based at Orange and cover a wide range of subjects as well as the weekly business column. I've worked consistently in the the media industry since 2006 including the past seven years at the Central Western Daily. Before moving to Orange, I worked as a journalist at weekly newspapers the Beaudesert Times and the Gold Coast Sun in Queensland, as well as the Scone Advocate in the Hunter Valley. I started my career at the Ridge News in Lightning Ridge while I completed my journalism studies remotely at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
