Our Success Stories
Baby Bundles for Hospitals
The Challenge
Many women arrive to give birth at the hospital with little or no clothing for the new baby. This can be for a variety of reasons, many out of the control of the mother, and can cause anxiety and feelings of shame.
Our Action
CWA provide a bundle of hand made and newly purchased items for a newborn baby. Each bundle has clothing, toys, blankets, burp cloths, toiletries, nappies and wipes, blankets and a book. The clothing is sufficient for the needs of the baby for a day. These items are gathered from different Branches and/or community donations, or may be purchased by the CSO group with monies raised through the sale of donated goods.
The Result
Each month 10 to 12 such bundles from the south are collected by Social Workers from the Royal Hobart Hospital for distribution to those in need. They are provided free of charge and made with love. At least ten families are provided for in the first few days in the life of a newborn Tasmanian.
Lifting Children’s Literacy
The Challenge
Literacy rates in Tasmania are falling, and many children are struggling to read with confidence. CWA recognised this issue and wanted to take meaningful action to help change the trend.
Our Action
Branches purchased and distributed the Tasmanian children’s book “Tassie Rhymes for Little Tigers” by local author Narelda Joy. With its focus on native animals and bright illustrations, it was ideal for young readers. Copies were donated to schools and childcare centres across Tasmania. Additional books were sold through CWA stalls and meetings, with proceeds used to fund prizes for school reading programs and adult literacy packs for community centres.
The Result
CWA donated over 1000 copies of this to schools and childcare centres across Tasmania, with the intent of providing a book that was easy to read aloud and would be enjoyed by children of a young age, encouraging them to read themselves. This is an on-going project.
Birthing Kits
The Challenge
In Papua New Guinea, the rate of death and infection among mothers and newborns remains very high, especially in remote areas where sanitation and medical help are limited. Providing a safe way for women to give birth in these conditions is a pressing need.
Our Action
CWA produced a simple, lightweight birthing kit containing essential items to reduce infection and make childbirth safer. Each kit, suitable for one birth, included sterile tools, disinfectant, plastic sheeting, medical-grade string, scissors and a clean cloth. Branches gathered supplies, packed the kits, and prepared them for shipment.
The Result
Completed kits were delivered to Head Office and sent to Papua New Guinea for distribution to medical teams in remote communities, helping to support safer births for women and babies in need.
Food items for Neighbourhood Houses
The Challenge
Many families are today going without food, struggling to meet even their most basic needs. Neighbourhood Houses do what they can to provide food items to their constituents, but it is impossible for them to provide enough to cover the growing demand across local communities.
Our Action
Our CWA Branches ask members and others to donate food items throughout the year and provide these to the pantries at Neighbourhood Houses. Other Branches work with the Houses to supply specific items such as meat trays or groceries to support local needs. At Christmas, special hampers are also prepared and supplied.
The Result
Members of our local communities are supported in providing food for their families, and by partnering with the Neighbourhood Houses, we can ensure those in the greatest need are provided for in a meaningful way.
Supporting Cancer Council Tasmania
The Challenge
Cancer affects thousands of Tasmanians each year, impacting families and communities across the State. Our goal is to support Cancer Council Tasmania’s vital local initiatives that provide care, education and hope to those facing this disease.
Our Action
Recognising the significant impact of cancer, our members have advocated to government, raised funds, promoted awareness and supported prevention programs. We have provided essential items such as breast cushions and wig bags to patients. Recently, CWA lobbied the State Government to reinstate the mobile breast screening service in northern Tasmania, a critical resource for women in rural communities.
The Result
With Cancer Council Tasmania, we stand beside Tasmanians facing cancer — helping to create brighter days and stronger communities through practical support and kindness.