A leader, a mentor and an ambassador for women's views.
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Margaret Roberts OAM was acknowldged for her 50 year association with the Country Women's Association movement when the Mid North Coast Group Council met at the Port Macquarie Racecourse on March 6.
The 50 year medallion now sits proudly alongside her many other medallions.
As a former state president and office bearer at many levels at branch and state level, Mrs Roberts has achieved many things. But, she says, the movement can still inspire women of all ages.
"I know 50 years sounds like a long time - at it probably is - but you don't have to be a cook or a handicrafter to get a benefit from being part of the CWA," she said.
"The CWA covers a wide range of areas for women of all ages to be involved with.
"For me, CWA represented a lifeline and an access to communication with other like-minded women."
A trained teacher, Mrs Roberts moved to a farm on the southern tablelands shortly after her marriage to Arthur. It was, in her own words, very isolated.
One source of communication was the just-formed local CWA branch.
As the family moved to various properties around the state, Mrs Roberts said she 'just continued on with CWA service because it fitted in with our lifestyle'.
"It was a lifeline for me. When you look back at that time, communications were non-existent compared with today's world," she said.
It was a lifeline for me. When you look back at that time, communications were non-existent compared with today's world.
- Margaret Roberts OAM
"But CWA was the constant, no matter where we were.
"It is an important part of my life and very important (for everyone) to get involved in their community.
"Through CWA I was able to get involved in many aspects of education and personal development. As a member you can get involved in public speaking, agricultural and enviornment issues, cooking, arts and handicrafts.
"And because we are a non party political body, it enables us to talk to every level of government. They respect our views and certainly listen to us."
During her tenure as the state leader, Mrs Roberts said she often attended a government level event where the CWA was the sole community voice in attendance.
"Governments certainly heed what we say," she added.
The fifty year veteran member described her involvement in CWA as 'a wonderful experience for me personally'.
Now retired - 'I dragged my husband off the land five years ago and we really enjoy Port Macquarie' - Mrs Roberts says she is happy to take a back seat.
"I enjoy watching the members come along and enjoy their time together and being, sometimes, consulted on issues of the day," she said.
Mrs Roberts encouraged women of all ages to get involved and contribute to their community through the CWA.
"There's a growing list of evening branches now available," she added.
