With the perception cast from its founding year in 1922, the CWA has long been held up as ‘something older women do’.

But evening branch president Gay Cowan says that is not the reality.

At a luncheon designed to highlight its work in social areas of society and on the eve of its annual awareness week in early September, Mrs Cowan said the movement was more and more catering to a younger generation.

“The membership patterns show that, particularly in metropolitan areas, young women are joining CWA,” she said.

“To cater to this growing core of members, many branches are moving to early evening meeting timeslots to help ensure younger women can attend.

“Given that many families are now two-incomes, this offers younger women the chance to join a local CWA branch.

“The value of our work hasn’t changed within the communities we represent.

“Perhaps not so well known is our assistance in social issues especially those concerning women and children. Our branch has been a very busy one this year, with a focus on raising awareness of youth mental health and suicide prevention.

“Our awareness week is when we show the community some of the things we do, and it is not always about scones.

“I believe CWA is a bit of a hidden secret.”

At the luncheon on August 23, the evening branch made presentations to Lifeline Mid Coast to assist in its Eclipse program aimed at building resilience in those at risk.  

Lifeline’s Lee-Ann Foord thanked the members of the Port Macquarie evening branch on their wonderful donation and congratulate them for their initiative in raising awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

A second donation was handed to Dr Ray Hodgson for his Australians for Women’s Health organisation that raises funds to build a women’s hospital in Nepal.

Guests included, Sarah Wilcox from Leslie Williams MP’s office, mayor Peta Pinson, and Mid North Coast group president Margaret Breust.

The CWA Port Macquarie evening branch will celebrate its annual awareness week campaign to be held September 2-9. Members will be manning an information table and exhibition at the Port Macquarie Library in the week September 4-9.

The Port Macquarie Evening Branch meets at 7.15pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Lions Den, Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie.

For information go to the CWA Facebook page, CWA Port Macquarie Evening Branch. Contact 6583 1452.