Phillip Island CWA goes on the road

Members of the Phillip Island Twilight Branch are heading to Rochester in Victoria, along with members from branches across the state.

Last year, the small community located between Bendigo and Echua, with a population of just over 3500 people, was severely impacted by floods.

“Most businesses and homes were inundated with water,” said Sally Ann Matthews from the Phillip Island CWA.

“Water levels exceeded the floods of 2011, and the community is rebuilding step by step. The primary school reopened for Term One and at last the children are back in town.

“Over the past months, volunteers have supported the community and it is now our turn to offer the support that CWA do so well … a friendly face, a listening ear, a great cup of tea and a smile.”

Sally Ann said the “feel good” event will be held in Rochester on April 28 and 29.

“The “Chat and Chew” days will have support from the Rochester Flood Coordinator and Mental Health Workers,” she explained.

“The Social Issues Committee together with ACWW and Community Support Committee want to make this event something very special for the residents of Rochester.”

The event will provide sandwiches, slices, scones and tea and coffee, as well as pamper toiletries (eg hand creams and body lotions), fruitcake, the CWA magazine, colouring books and pencils, craft items, scarves, beanies and gloves, teddy bears, card making and scones.

“Women Walk the World is Saturday April 29, and we plan to walk around town guided by a local,” said Sally Ann.

“We hope this will help us better understand what these women faced and continue to face.

Sally Ann is hoping the Phillip Island community can come together to help with any of the following:

• Bake a fruitcake. Preferably 15cm cakes, you can use one mix to make two cakes. The CWA fruitcake recipe is excellent. Please package on a sturdy base and cellophane wrap.
• Feel good products for pampering. Examples are nail polish, emery boards, body lotion, hand cream and facemasks.
• Colouring books and pencils.
• Slices and biscuits to be shared over the two days.
• Knit a teddy or two.

Sally Ann, along with fellow Island Twilight Branch member Rosie are representing this area and taking goods from surrounding branches in Gippsland.

“If the community would like to assist in any way, they can contact me on 0409 521 825,” said Sally.