That’s what many are now asking after it was revealed another community organisation has folded.
The Country Women’s Association of Victoria has confirmed its Deniliquin branch recently went in to “recess” when members were unable to fill all positions on its executive committee.
The Pastoral Times believes it was prompted by the departure of some long serving members.
Also folding in recent years due to similar issues have been the Deniliquin Apex Club, Denilqiuin Kiwanis and Deniliquin Soroptimists.
Former CWA members cited a lack of interest from younger members of the community, possibly because they are “so caught up with work”.
Former Deniliquin Soroptimist president Pam Ward - who also served as president and treasurer of the regional Soroptimist committee - said it was a lack of interest and membership that forced them to close their branch.
“We just couldn’t get younger people involved,” she said.
“I don’t know whether it’s because people are too busy, or they just don’t want to.
“The Soroptimists held two significant events.
“We had to stop hosting our Pink Breakfast for breast cancer because of a lack of help and interest.
“We also held a walk to raise awareness for domestic violence, but that all became too hard because of a lack of interest too.”
While Apex, Kiwanis and Soroptimists have disappeared from the list of local organisations, CWA Victoria state president Pam Mawson said the CWA’s closure may not be permanent.
“If (there is) enough interest, if eligible members willing to take office were to contact us, we could restart a branch,” she said.
“In the meantime the closest branch is in Echuca.
“We are working with local parties to ensure the local community, who originally built the rooms, can continue to do so.
“The local CWA of Victoria branches that have kept and maintained these rooms over the years to a good standard would appreciate them being used by the community that have supported them.”
Deniliquin’s remaining service clubs include Deniliquin Rotary and the Deniliquin Lions Club, who come together this weekend to celebrate more than 130 years of service to the community combined.
The event will mark 60 years of Deniliquin Lions, and will serve as a belated 70th anniversary (from 2020) for the Deniliquin Rotary Club.
To join the CWA, and help reinstate the Deniliquin branch, go to https://cwaofvic.org.au/about/become-a-member/.