Our People
25 May, 2026
Chics With Attitude rising from the ashes in Avoca
AFTER Avoca’s Country Women’s Association branch folded last October, former CWA branch members have re-emerged under a new name and with a renewed focus on supporting the local community.
Now known as “Chics With Attitude”, the group says it has stepped away from the association after growing frustrated with what members described as a lack of community support and input from head office.
President Deb Serfozo said the group of around 15 women decided it was time to move in a different direction.
“Chics With Attitude, doing it for Avoca,” she said.
Ms Serfozo said members became dissatisfied after feeling their fundraising efforts were no longer directly benefiting the Avoca community.
“It was not coming back to our community. It was always us giving them money. We got fed up with no one considering our community.”
Ms Serfozo said the decision was not made lightly, but members felt the organisation had shifted away from its original purpose.
“It’s not what the CWA is for, it’s not about head office,” she said.
“We understand they’ve got a certain amount of fees and stuff like that.”
Member Robyn Cocking said the group had been approached about joining neighbouring branches but chose to remain independent.
“We were approached to join Beaufort and Maryborough, and we’ve declined,” she said.
With membership fees sitting close to $90, Ms Cocking said the cost had become difficult for many members to justify.
“Out of a fortnight’s pension, it’s very hard to find,” she said.
“We all decided we’ll continue to meet up and do our own thing. Anything we do, a barbecue, or if we cater for something, that goes back to the community, the whole lot.”
Member Dawn Sugden said Avoca was not alone in its frustrations.
“We are not the only ones who are dissatisfied either,” she said.
“We aren’t being unreasonable. We are just doing the right thing for Avoca, and for us.”
Since the reincarnation, the group has already been active in the community, helping with barbecues at the Avoca Market, the gunfire breakfast and the 2026 Anzac Day commemorations.
Ms Serfozo said proceeds raised by the group at the market barbeque were donated directly to a local project.
“That money went straight to the Chinese garden,” she said.
Additionally, funds raised from the gunfire breakfast were also donated back to the RSL.
Despite the change in structure, members say the social side of the group remains just as important.
“We still get together as a group and go places and do things,” Ms Serfozo said.
Ms Cocking said the message was simple.
“We are just a community group for our town and giving back. We can see the benefits of money going back into our community.”
The group now hopes to continue growing its membership while focusing on supporting Avoca and its residents directly.
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