Kiama Group

Our inaugural meeting was held in early 2001. Although there are so many different groups in this area, a few of us realised that older women need a Voice also.

A number of women showed interest in our group when we made it known that we had received an International Year of the Volunteer grant to purchase a laptop computer, which we share with our members. Our federal MP for Gilmore, Joanna Gash, got in touch when she heard of the grant.

We have ten members at present who meet on the second Monday of the month at 10am. A highlight last year was hosting the inaugural Regional Meeting of Southern Region in July. Members from Shellharbour, Illawarra, Nowra, Southern Highlands and Wollondilly OWN groups attended.

Another highlight is the newsletter, which is full of interesting ideas, recipes, etc. We celebrated Christmas with the Time Out group at North Kiama Neighborhood Centre where we enjoyed Festive Treats demonstrated by Alfreda.

One of our members wrote about her impressions of OWN: "When I attended my first OWN meeting, it was to gauge whether or not I might be interested in joining. There were only a few members present, so I was able to hear what was being discussed (I have a hearing loss) and was surprised to find that my problems and ideas were listened to and immediately acted upon. Of course, I decided on the spot to join. I was subsequently able to have some lessons on the new computer!"

Seven of us were given two free lessons at Kiama Adult and Community Education (ACE). We are happy with our progress so far - we are becoming known!

For more information, please contact OWN NSW (02) 9247 7046 or email info@ownnsw.org.au

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