Individual members of CWA branches were immediately ready to help as the needs arose - offering at RFS distribution centres to make sandwiches, cakes, collecting goods for distribution, food hampers, accommodation offers, storage for goods collected, and that spare paddock.

Now, some weeks later we all know someone who has lost their home, sheds, equipment, animals, livelihood, and others who somehow survived the infernos.

Branches have now quickly rallied together to respond to the various calls of assistance directly, or by social media and local publicity (being watchful for scams!).

The achievements recognised at the end of year CWA awards slipped to insignificance as the fire crisis arose.

Congratulations to Maggie Stewart of Bowral CWA and to Marian Smith of Nowra CWA for winning the inaugural Wollondilly Group Publicity Award (Highlands and Coast respectively).

CWA of NSW is already well recognised with its work for drought and bush fires, with funds coming from its Disaster Relief Fund.

Looking ahead as the new CWA year begins, our first program hosted by the coastal branches (CWA@MyBayandBeach) will include workshops for members in the various facets of CWA.

The first social event for the Highland branches will be hosted by Mittagong CWA on February 8.

This includes each branch's representative outlining its projects for the year,

With so many anniversary celebrations coming up in 2020, this could be an extra fun year, a contrast to the start of the year!