On Friday association members were in Launceston again – this time for the state conference.

The conference will continue throughout the weekend with a variety of activities and events, hosted by the East Launceston branch, state president Lindy Cleeland said.

“Eighty-two years ago 80 ladies came to Launceston to form the Country Women’s Association and we’ll have more than 80 ladies here,” Ms Cleeland said.

The conference includes the event itself, as well as shopping visits in Launceston, Spurr Wing House, the organisation’s annual general meeting and business meetings.

“We have over 75 full conference registrations, but also various activities and resources, and are expecting to give away 120 gifts,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Those who have a particular interest in handcraft are going to [a session on Friday afternoon] and some of them are going to hit the second-hand shops of Launceston, which will boost Launceston’s retailers.

“We’ll be back tonight for the AGM, opened by the mayor [Albert van Zetten],” she said.

Association members meet again on Saturday to discuss issues affecting women and children living in rural and regional areas and to hear from organisations that can help.

“We’ll be talking about such issues as homelessness, economic security for women and the concern that we have about the financial security of women and how it relates to government policies,” Ms Cleeland said.

On Sunday the Tasmanian organisation’s incoming executive holds its first board meeting for the year.

“It’s a big few days,” she said.

Eight women submitted four pieces of handcraft for the Edna Rundle Award, which was judged on Friday morning and announced on Friday night.

“Handcraft and home industries are going to be showcasing the highest level of creative work our members have produced with the Edna Rundle Award, where one woman has produced four different samples of work,” Ms Cleeland said.

Handcraft committee president Elaine Youd said she looked forward to seeing what entrants had created.

“Some of the work is absolutely beautiful,” she said.

Each of the 32 pieces entered in the handcraft award is judged for its variety and craftsmanship, committee treasurer Lesley Young said.

“Edna Rundle had a vast knowledge of crafts of all sorts, from woodwork to leatherwork, to knitting, to crocheting, to embroidery through to gold work.”

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