'More than just tea and scones': Why young members are joining city's CWA
More young women are joining the Country Women's Association's city branches, with a passion for jams and scones along with social connection and purpose.
For a year now, Maddy Langabeer has been front and centre at Sydney's inner city market stalls and attending cookery days to make and package jams, chutneys and scones.
Growing up in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Ms Langabeer knew almost everyone in her "tight-knit" small town.
But when she moved to Sydney to study, she experienced social isolation for the first time.
"You can be surrounded by millions of people but still feel quite disconnected," she said.
In a bid to turn the tables, Ms Langabeer, who is in her 20s, joined the Country Women Association's (CWA) Sydney City branch.
"A lot of people think it's just tea and scones, but it's so much more than that.
"We all have the same goal — to tackle isolation and improve conditions for country women and children."
Ms Langabeer has been part of the Country Women Association for approximately one year now. (Supplied)
Gradually, Ms Langabeer said she had noticed a growing interest in young women looking for connection and purpose.
"I think our generation has a lot to bring to the table, while also learning from women who have been doing this kind of work for decades. Through the CWA we've all been reminded of what community spirit feels like."
From handicraft to connection
Jemima Khoo has been with the CWA for a few months now after a recommendation from a family friend to join.
"I'm not from the country myself, but my grandmother grew up on a farm, and she was always involved in different community organisations related to charity and handicraft," the 27-year-old said.
"I now do a bit of knitting which my grandmother taught me."
Jemima Khoo (left) and Sonia Martin (right) both feel they have lots to learn from the respective members of their CWA branch. (ABC News: Patrick Thomas)
While she is yet to make any jam, Ms Khoo is keen to have a go at it in the future.
In her downtime away from her job as a software engineer, she helps the branch prepare for and run their market stalls, where handicraft is sometimes sold.
Ms Khoo said getting to know people in her city and making new connections had been a positive experience.