The accolades abound for the organising committee of the Walcha Rural Women's Gathering (WRWG) held here last weekend.
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Close to 200 women took part in the two-day event which showcased the stories of local women Janelle Archdale, Anna Barwick, Jules Cordingly, Erica Halliday, Jen Kealey, Sonia O'Keefe and Suzanne O'Keefe alongside others keynote speakers and workshop leaders from across NSW including Rural Woman of the Year Jo Palmer.
The Member for Maitland Jenny Atchison who is also the Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Shadow Minister for Investment and Tourism, and Shadow Minister for Medical Research (and former Walcha resident) was a delegate as was new Walcha Council general manager Anne Modderno. Local lady Karen Bloomfield performed a welcome to country in both Dunghutti and English.
Only two men were present on opening day - Mayor Eric Noakes and New South Wales Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales Adam Marshall.
it's crucial that we get together to celebrate the positives and the good things that are still happening
- Adam Marshall
Mr Noakes said Walcha was the winner on the day in terms of business and exposure and that WRWG organising committee chair Dale Webber deserved credit for instigating the process and surrounding herself with a capable and focused team.
Mr Marshall also said the organising committee had done an amazing job.
"I saw the work the team in Glen Innes did in 2015 to host the gathering - so I know how much work you have had to do, particularly during a trying time in drought conditions, but you've done a tremendous job," he said.
WRWG media director Chloe Hoy said the committee was incredibly happy with how the weekend went.
"All the feedback that we have received so far has been positive," she said.
"Like any event, there are always small hiccups along the way, but none of these seemed to be noticed by our guests. Thank you to the Walcha Council, all the local businesses, community groups and individuals who continually supported us throughout the planning and the event itself."
Mr Marshall also officially launched the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll and announced Forbes as the venue for the 2020 Rural Women's Gathering.
Two of the highlights of the Walcha Rural Women's Gathering were the White Dinner @ Altitude on Saturday night (which was enjoyed by both locals and conference delegates) and the performance of a play written by Nora and Delia Ephron Love, Loss & What I Wore, by Amanda Muggleton and members of the organising committee who rehearsed weekly for months leading up to the event.