Delegates from local branches of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) attended the State CWA Conference in Tamworth last week.
The conference was themed ‘Refresh, Renew, Regenerate’.
State president Mrs Tanya Cameron, Rowena, welcomed delgates. The conference was opened by NSW Governor David Hurley AC DSC (Rtd.), who was accompanied by his wife Mrs Linda Hurley.
Two key policy motions were moved at the conference in support of the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Mrs Cameron said both motions were carried by a significant majority.
“We voted to support the use of medicinal marijuana and to support the legalisation of growing, manufacture and distribution of marijuana for medicinal purposes,” she said.
“One of the branches in the Tamworth area raised the issue following the Haslam family’s long battle to legalise medicinal marijuana, and one of our more Western branches also wanted to look closely at the issue as a member is participating in an upcoming trial of medicinal marijuana.
“Medicinal marijuana was a topic we first voted on 12 years ago but the vote tied in that instance and the motion wasn’t carried.
“This time around people knew more about it because of the extensive media coverage and are more accepting of the anecdotal evidence that suggests medicinal marijuana does help.”
Among the many guest speakers at the four day conference was Professor Mary O’Kane, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer. Professor O’Kane gave a short and informative talk on her work and achievements.
The conference also heard from the executive officer of the Chrohn’s and Colitis Society, which received a cheque from the CWA for $36,300 to go towards research. The new Medical Research Project will be donating money towards research into Lyme’s disease.
“This is another debilitating disease for which we hope a cure can be found in the future,” said Wee Waa CWA President Claire Allit.