Drouin CWA members celebrated the branch's 85th birthday in style at the March meeting.
Members paid homage to their beginnings by dressing up in their best vintage frocks with hats and gloves to commemorate their inaugural meeting on March 6, 1939 at the Mechanics Institute in Drouin with 60 women present.
The then Buln Buln Shire president Cr Alex Goudie called on the CWA group president, Mrs Kelliher from Neerim South branch to explain the aims and objectives of the then 11 year old Country Women's Association of Victoria.
After 85 years of service, Drouin CWA is still a vibrant presence in the community and over its history, has instigated many and varied events and projects including starting an Opportunity Shop, advocating for a baby health centre and public conveniences in the town, catering for the Baw Baw Shire Australia Day breakfast for more than 40 years, involvement in the annual Ficifolia Festival, providing complimentary cuppas and Anzac biscuits at the annual Drouin Anzac Day march, operating a kiosk in the main street of Drouin at various times, including at present, the first Thursday of the month.
All this along with many and varied craft and community sewing projects including the making and provision of free chemotherapy bottle bags and 'condolence' bags for local hospitals.
In its early years, the branch raised enough funds through catering efforts to build and pay off its own clubrooms in Sinclair St, where members continue to meet.
Over 85 years, the women of the Drouin CWA have given most generously of their time and talents in serving others, while raising funds and then distributing them to worthwhile local and national charities that work to improve the lives of women and children.