Jindabyne CWA branch is celebrating an outstanding 2025, which has included a new partnership with Jindabyne Public School. The CWA team has partnered with the school to provide catering for various events including Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Led by Land Cookery Officer Lorraine Phillips, Jindabyne volunteers fed an estimated 1000 parents, staff, students and friends of the school.

Volunteers also successfully launched and ran a new program at the school, a weekly breakfast Club that provides free breakfast to primary school students once a week on Wednesday mornings. One parent reported that her kids think the toast served by CWA volunteers is far more delicious than what they get at home – even though the bread is the same.

Jindabyne branch’s involvement was recognised in December with a Director’s Award for incredible support and dedication to Jindabyne Public School. Director’s awards are a prestigious recognition presented on behalf of the Director, Educational Leadership for Eden-Monaro “to a student, teacher or community member who has made an exceptional contribution to the school community, reflecting the values and excellence recognised across the region”.

President, Sheila Bollard, said the award was testament to the hard work of the Branch volunteers right through 2025.

“Our amazing members stepped up again and again this year, allowing us not only to support our school but to raise more money to contribute back to our community,” she said. “I’m so proud of our amazing team and look forward to continued success in 2026.”

Jindabyne branch’s fundraising activities allowed for the donation of a $11,000 to charity this year, with recipients including the Monaro Group Education Grant; Salme Koobakene Education Fund; Disaster Relief Fund; Emergency Fund; Medical Research; Association Fund; International Fund; three local Jindabyne schools and Woy Woy CWA.

“Our members are very proud of our ability to be able to raise funds and make meaningful contributions to these extremely worthy causes,” Mrs Bollard said. “It is only possible due to the significant investment of time by our wonderful members, for which the community and I are so thankful.”