General News
28 May, 2026
Branches unite for exhibition’s return
A STRONG showing of support will see Country Women’s Association (CWA) branches from across the south west bringing the Creative Arts Exhibition back to Mortlake next month.
The event, which combines the artistic and culinary efforts of CWA members from 10 branches across the region, will be returning to Mortlake over the June 6-8 long weekend.
The event was held in Mortlake two years ago and was well attended thanks to crowds flocking to town for the markets and the Mortlake Art Show, all of which are based in the same precinct surrounding Market Square.
Mortlake CWA Day Branch secretary Sue Long said both Mortlake Day and Evening branches were looking forward to welcoming members from groups across the south west, who will be displaying a wide range of crafts and cooking.
“Each of these branches will participate in the Creative Arts Exhibition over the long weekend,” she said.
“It is generally held every two years and was last hosted in Mortlake two years ago.
“It was held over the same weekend and we feel it was successful because it adds a little bit more to Mortlake over the long weekend.
“We decided to have it again and the two Mortlake CWA branches will be hosting it again.
“It will be open to the public on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for those who would like to see all that the CWA members have been working on.”
Ms Long said the occasion would see plenty of refreshments available for those in attendance to take in the works which many members have spent decades honing their skills to create.
“It is a competition so we will be judging on the Friday with prize cards given,” she said.
“We’ll also have refreshments so people coming to town can come and get Devonshire tea, soups, sandwiches and slices.
“It is a wonderful fundraising opportunity for the CWA and people can also see the exhibits as well.”
Ms Long said entries to-date have already peaked excitement for the quality of items which will be on display.
“We think we’ll have a really good display across handcraft and home industries,” she said.
“There will also be branch exhibitions as well, so there’s a competition for the branches from across the district which is really hotly contested.”
Ms Long the return of the Creative Arts Exhibition would compliment both the markets and Mortlake Art Show, which are being held at Market Square and the Returned and Services League sub-branch hall respectively.
This year the CWA Creative Arts Exhibition will also be held across three days instead of two.
“The success of all three events being held at the same time is why we have expanded this year’s event to be held on the Monday as well,” she said.
“Last time we only had it on the Saturday and Sunday, but a lot of people had come to town on Monday for the markets and the art show and they had told us they were disappointed the exhibition had already closed.
“This time we wanted to expand it.
“I think the three events complement each other very well because they all revolve around creativity but in different ways.”
The CWA received a generous sponsorship from Origin Energy, which donated $500 to go towards the food cost.
“The sponsorship will be spent at the local IGA so we’re very thankful to Origin for supporting the event,” Ms Long said.
The 2026 Creative Arts Exhibition will be held at the Soldier’s Memorial Hall from 9.30am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 and from 9.30am-2pm on Monday, June 8.
Entry is $5 with children under 14 receiving free admission when accompanied by an adult.
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