“It would have been good if we saw more general community people there. It think they’re not used to coming,” she said.

Founded in 1922, the group was a mainstay of support during the depression years, aiding families and rural communities. They carry on that role today here and overseas.

Gail said for example, the group makes mum and baby packs for PNG, emergency washbags for hospitals, trauma teddies for children who have to have blood taken and drought relief.

“I was not long off the phone from talking to one of the branch presidents who lives further west who earlier in the year put on a dinner and invited all the local farmers to come in for dinner, and they’re going to put on another one,” Gail said.

Gail said the country side of the CWA caters for various functions, from funerals to clearing sales but also shares interest in pertinent rural issues.

“Perhaps the No Coal Seam Gas (movement). Some people have a real passion for the agricultural and environmental side of CWA and they would make it their passion to find all the details they could and give that input into a meeting.”

Each CWA researches and learns about one new country each year.

“Which is extending our knowledge of how our cousins and fellows around the world live and through that, CWA of NSW is associated with the Country Women of the World,” she said. “We raise funds for associated member groups who are not so well off around the world.”

For more information on the CWA NSW or to find the closest branch contacts: https://cwaofnsw.org.au/