General News
15 September, 2025
Dimboola CWA successful at State Exhibition
The Dimboola Branch of the Country Women's Association of Victoria had very successful entries in the CWA State Exhibition, held in Kyabram in August.
Entries from all over Victoria compete for the chance to win this prestigious exhibition.
This year saw a record number of more than 1700 entries displayed, covering a wide variety of crafts and cookery.
Four local members entered a cross section of categories, winning many firsts and seconds.
Margaret Hunter won the Isabelle Troutbeck Prize with her hank of spun alpaca wool.
She gained a first in the spun and dyed wool and a first in the hand-spun and knitted cowl.
She also gained two seconds for her hand-spun yarn.
Margaret was awarded a first for her handmade teddy bear, second in smocking, second for her cream puffs and her nut loaf.
Lesley Pilmore gained a first for her tomato sauce with a score of 92 per cent - impressive.
Mayhla Howells received four first places and six second places for her work in toy making, knitting, basketry, embroidery, and weaving.
The highlight was that Mayhla was awarded a Green Star for her beautifully woven two-colour basket.
This is a highly prestigious award for Mayhla and, indeed, the Dimboola Branch, which has never previously received this award.
Only eight green stars were handed out at the Exhibition – to win one, your work must gain a score of over 95 per cent - Mayhla's basket was marked at 97 per cent.
Dimboola Branch then received second place in the Aggregate Award for branches with 10 to 16 branch members.
Mayhla will be holding an exhibition at the Dimboola Shire Hall, showcasing her wearable art as well as a collection of woven pieces, including her award-winning basket, from September 13 to 19.
Come along and view Mayhla's work, hear the stories behind the pieces and be surprised by the materials that have been repurposed and upcycled.