General News
23 March, 2026
Kath’s life of garden, books and sport
COMMUNITY volunteer Kath McNaught has been recognised as part of International Women’s Day celebrations across the Loddon.
Kath was last Thursday presented with the Kooyoora Women’s Network annual volunteer of the year award at the group’s dinner in Bridgewater.
President Colleen Condliffe and secretary Jenny Hosking presented Kath with her certificate.
They said Kath was an important part of the community, highlighting her quiet approach to running the book exchange at the old Bridgewater railway station.
Kath was the driving force behind the initiative started more than three years ago and ensures a wide range of books are available.
She is also vice-president of the Newbridge branch of the Country Women’s Association and part of the team behind regular meetings and the annual op-shop fashion parade.
A long-time member of Kooyoora Women’s Network, Kath also opened her garden when the group held an open gardens day in 2024.
Kath was also secretary and treasurer of the Bridgewater Bowling Club ladies for several years and continues as a pennant bowler with the Inglewood club.
Before moving to Bridgewater with husband Barry, Kath was treasurer of the Eaglehawk Tennis Association before a time living in the Northern Territory.
Kath said the award was a surprise and an honour and encouraged people to volunteer in their communities.
Guest speaker at the International Women’s Day dinner was Lucy Mayes who collected and compiled stories for the book A Different Flood that was launched last year.
A Different Flood shares stories from the 2022 floods that stretched across the Loddon and highlights the challenges local communities faced for a second time in a decade.
During the evening, Lucy and members of the network impacted by the flood were part of a panel discussion.
A Different Flood was a project of Loddon Shire Council and Goldfields Libraries.
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