In CWA Awareness Week it seems fitting to remind everyone of the good that the CWA has done in Berridale in the last 94 years. This year CWA Awareness Week in 2025 from Sunday, 7 September and Saturday, 13 September was again the platform to draw attention to the issues and challenges facing our regional and rural communities. It’s a chance to encourage thought and debate at a local and state level around solutions to such challenges. Awareness Week in 2025 was about promoting the benefits of seasonal eating, focusing on the urgent need to change how we think about, purchase and consume food. It will be a time to discuss the importance of reducing food waste in Australia and improving food security for all Australians. According to Foodbank, more than 7.6 million tons of food go to waste each year. It costs the nation $36.6 billion despite 70 per cent of it being perfectly edible, while 640,000 households in NSW and ACT experience severe food insecurity. This is felt more acutely in the regions, with 36 per cent of households compared to 28 per cent in metropolitan areas. This year, the campaign has two ambassadors to help spread the message, with Orange-based food writer and seasonal eating advocate, Sophie Hansen, and food relief organisation Foodbank’s CEO, Brianna Casey, both partnering with the CWA of NSW. A big motivation for people to learn to make the most of food they spend their money on, is to reduce waste, and make your household budget go further. At the CWA Berridale we’re also concerned about the number of households experiencing food insecurity in regional and rural areas. Things need to change and following this Awareness Week you can turn your focus to these issues, and showing our community how they can make a big difference, not only in your own homes, but in their communities and for other Australians. CWA Berridale meet the first Wednesday of every Month at 9 Myack Street, Berridale. Louise Hendricks Berridale
