When the Kiama branch of the Country Women’s Association formed in 1938, it was the only branch between Wollongong and Nowra.

Aside from its fundraising and social activities, the branch was responsible for initiating and running baby health centres in the region, and continued to do so until the 1980s when it became a government responsibility.

Its 80th anniversary comes at a time of renewal for the branch, with a new evening group attracting 20 members compared to the traditional day group’s 18 members.

Penny Grey, 44, joined the day group in July last year, managing to fit the meetings in around her full-time career as a social worker.

“I grew up in a small town of 400 in the Central West, and I know how important the CWA can be to the fabric of a community.”

She is particularly interested in the CWA’s advocacy of mental heath issues in regional Australia and the drought. She is already on the local committee and has attended a state conference.

If you’d like to join, contact Cheryl on 4232 4680 or Kiamacwa.daybranch@gmail.com