The Country Women’s Association of NSW has today launched its Backing the Bush campaign, calling on all political parties to commit to practical action that will strengthen regional, rural and remote communities ahead of the March 2027 NSW election.
Launching the campaign in Dubbo at the 2026 National Bush Summit, CWA of NSW State President Tanya Jolly said the organisation wanted to put the needs of regional communities firmly on the election agenda.
“Regional NSW is not asking for special treatment. We’re asking for fair treatment. The people who live, work and raise families in the bush deserve access to the same opportunities, essential services and quality of life as anyone else in New South Wales,” Tanya said.
The Backing the Bush campaign outlines six key priorities that CWA members say are critical to the future of country NSW-from healthcare and community safety to infrastructure, food and fibre security, community wellbeing and ensuring bush communities have a stronger voice in government decision-making.
The six campaign priorities are:
Health & Care – improving access to healthcare, strengthening rural hospitals and health services, supporting aged care, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and initiatives that deliver better care closer to home.
Safe Communities – addressing domestic and family violence, improving road safety, upgrading rail crossings and strengthening emergency preparedness.
Infrastructure – investing in roads, telecommunications, housing, childcare, transport, workforce development and the essential infrastructure regional communities rely on every day.
Food & Fibre Security – protecting productive agricultural land, supporting biosecurity, water security, drought resilience and balanced planning that safeguards Australia’s food-producing regions.
Community Wellbeing – reducing social isolation, supporting volunteers and strengthening the community organisations that help regional towns thrive.
Bush Voices – ensuring the lived experiences of regional communities are reflected in government policy and decision-making.
Tanya said while each priority was important in its own right, together they painted a picture of what was needed to build stronger regional communities.
“These issues are all connected. Healthcare depends on good roads and reliable telecommunications. Communities need housing and childcare to attract workers. Farmers need secure water and strong biosecurity to continue producing the food and fibre that benefits every household in New South Wales.
Macquarie Home Stay Managing Director Rod Crowfoot said the charity exists because too many people are forced to leave home to receive specialist care.
“Every week we welcome people who have travelled hundreds of kilometres for cancer treatment, surgery, specialist appointments or to support a loved one in hospital. For many families, the journey is stressful enough without having to worry about where they’ll stay or how they’ll afford it. Where travel is unavoidable, patients need practical support that reduces the financial and emotional burden on families,” Rod said.
The CWA of NSW says Backing the Bush is not simply a campaign for country communities but a reminder that decisions affecting regional NSW have consequences for the entire state.
“When governments invest in regional communities, the benefits don’t stop at the town boundary. Strong regional communities underpin our economy, food security, resilience and prosperity,” Tanya said.
“For more than 100 years, the CWA has been advocating for country communities. Our members know what works because they live it every day. We’re inviting every political party to listen to those voices and commit to policies that will make regional NSW stronger for generations to come.
“Backing the bush means backing the future of New South Wales,” Tanya concluded.
