How the CWA adapted with the times would be explored in an upcoming ABC segment, to air on May 31, called "Whatever happened to the CWA?"

Mrs Harries, who has been part of the Nelson Bay day branch for 42 years, said the CWA had kept up with the times since its founding 93 years ago.

She said that the organisation was non-political and non-sectarian that lobbied on issues of importance such as medicinal cannabis.

"The main difference between CWA of today and that of the past is membership numbers," Mrs Harries said.

In her early days as a member, the CWA was the only women's group in the Bay.

"The women didn't have anything," she said.

"It [CWA] opened up a new way of life for the local ladies and showed them their value and worth in society."

Founded in 1922 to improve living conditions for rural women and families, the CWA of NSW is now 11,000-strong and an influential not-for-profit group.

Today's members not only meet and raise funds on a community level but they drive political change at state and federal levels.

However, the CWA had not lost its affectionate charm and is renowned for its cakes and jams.

The CWA now runs competitions for its cookery and for modern pursuits such as photography.

Both fields have been explored by Janet Mackintosh who joined the Nelson Bay CWA evening branch after she moved to Corlette three years ago.

In the years since she joined, she came second in the Group Land Cookery Competition with her jam and entered a photography competition.

Mrs Mackintosh said she joined to participate in a community group, to meet new friends and to access the wealth of knowledge that CWA members have.

Whatever Happened to the CWA? will air on Compass from 6.30pm on May 31.