THE Country Women's Association is a lot more than just scones, jam and cream.
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Not to say they haven't got baking down to a fine art but the thousands of woman who are part of the group offer so much more to the community.
Victoria CWA state president Dorothy Coombe said most people were surprised by what the CWA are capable of.
"It surprises people how much we actually do," she said.
Mrs Coombe said the misconception that the CWA just bake things was a positive.
"I think that it is great because it starts the dialogue between people but then we can talk to them about what we really do, which is advocate for the rights of women and children," she said.
"It is about challenging our communities and asking people what support they are in need of, then offering it to them.
"CWA's main aim is to support women and children but we advocate for everybody.
"We support regional Victoria as much as we can.
"It's phenomenal to be here (at Ulumbarra) as one of the first performances."
Mrs Coombe said the performing arts event at Ulumbarra Theatre was something the women were looking forward to for some time.
"Today everyone is here to be entertained," she said.
"We have independent adjudicators judging the performances.
"Best of the best perform here.
"Its a great way to showcase what they can do."
Mrs Coombe said the CWA was growing despite it being perceived as a group for old people.
"We get two new members per day across the country," she said.
"We support them to come together and explore whatever they want to.
"We like to have women come and do whatever they want to do.
"We opened 54 new branches in the last two years.
"We are growing, growing, growing.
"We are getting juniors and working women who are skilled, time poor who want to give back to the community through a reputable organisation like CWA.
"They can use their skills to give back to the community and we have the challenge of harnessing that."
Mrs Coombe said one of the organisation's biggest challenges is being relevant and connecting with the community. She said the organisation offered a lot of education to the public.
"We educate people on what to do in a crisis, like in circumstances of domestic violence," she said.
"If we can prevent one person from harm then we have done a good job."
For more on CWA's state conference, visit www.bendigoadvertiser.comau