New chapter in history of state’s CWA halls helps address challenges of remote working and learning
Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW halls around the state are being transformed into collaborative work spaces as part of $400,000 in funding from the NSW Government, with the first official launches taking place this week.
Funded by Women NSW through the ‘Investing in Women’ program, the Co-Working Spaces Project involves CWA of NSW halls in Canowindra, Dorrigo, Walgett and Trangie and has enabled the installation of high-speed internet connections, security access systems and office equipment.
“This is an exciting project for the CWA of NSW to be involved in, with the intention of supporting the growth and promotion of remote working opportunities through the provision of a dedicated space with the necessary infrastructure, at an affordable cost,” said CWA of NSW CEO Danica Leys.
“We know that since the pandemic, many more people are now working from home, but sometimes the infrastructure, such as internet connections, can prove challenging, particularly in our regions. Or maybe it’s just a matter of getting out of the house for a while and working in an environment with other like-minded individuals.
“People who are on the road for work, too, can find it hard to locate a short-term, suitable space to work from, and we know more students are now studying via remote learning pathways. So, we’re proud to be involved with Women NSW on an initiative that aims to alleviate some of the challenges for people whose circumstances have changed in recent years.”
CWA of NSW President Joy Beames said as well as providing a practical and functional work and study space equipped with fast and reliable connectivity, the intention of the project was also to promote socialisation across the community by presenting opportunities that may not have otherwise been accessible.
“These halls are in small communities where similar facilities are limited, particularly when it comes to high-speed and reliable internet connections that are so vital in our society today. Building connections with other like-minded individuals is also so important, and again, in smaller towns there are often not the same opportunities as there are in bigger places for the likes of networking events and training sessions,” Joy said.
“Our CWA halls have always been important hubs in country communities, and we hope this co-working spaces project will add a further dimension to their significance and utilisation.”
The first launch of the co-working spaces project are in Canowindra and Dorrigo this week. Launches are currently being planned for the halls in Walgett and Trangie.
Once officially launched, the halls will be available to all members of the community to hire at an affordable rate, with the co-working spaces equipped to cater for the likes of remote working, education and training activities, meetings (particularly with participants joining remotely), AV presentations and networking events.
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For more information or interview requests contact Kylie Galbraith (Seftons) on 0411 480 208.