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Speaking at a fundraiser for cord blood stem-cell research on Friday, Ms Wright said the CWA had been instrumental in the adoption of policies, often controversial, since 1922.

“It’s more than just cooking and handicrafts,” she said.

Ms Wright said CWA had supported and promoted cord blood stem-cell research since 2006.

“Each group in NSW collects money, which is then handed to the organisation at the CWA State conference later in the year,” she said.

“All money raised goes toward medical research so that cord blood stem-cells can benefit children later in life, for blood transfusions and the treatment of specific conditions.”

Cord blood stem-cell research is just one of a number of significant projects supported by the CWA each year.

“We do a number of very in-depth areas of study,” Ms Wright said.

“There is international study, scholarships and grants given, bush scholarships for medical students. There is more to the CWA than often meets the eye.”

Ms Wright said overseas projects involving clean water kept her motivated in her role as secretary.

“We support Papua New Guinea and Fiji,” she said.

“We also bring women to Australia from overseas to be educated in NSW for nine months. They are then able to take that education back to their own country.”

Over the years the CWA has been pivotal in the introduction of low-alcohol beer, the setting up of baby health centres and white lines being painted on the road, just to name a few.

Far from fading out, Ms Wright says the CWA is as relevant today as it was 35 years ago.

“I think image is our biggest problem, and the fact that these days there are lots of organisations available for women,” Ms Wright said.

“Whatever the case, I truly believe the CWA is as relevant today as it has ever been. We give a lot of support to the local hospital, and to women and children in the community at large. All of our money goes toward supporting them and the six schools in the area.”