The organisation has been active in Tasmania since 1936; apolitical, not-for-profit and secular.
It exists as a means by which women can make a difference in the lives of others.
Within a year and a half of operation, 18 branches had formed, and membership reached 550.
This increased to 2,500 members across the state and 71 branches by 1940.
CWA legend, Janet Symons, can remember when there were many branches of the organisation throughout the Huon Valley.
Membership numbers peaked in the 1950s and the organisation has continued, even as many small rural branches disappeared.
In 2026, 90 years since the organisation began, Ranelagh CWA is a buzzing hub of support and productivity.
Their shopfront on Wilmot St, Huonville, is open on Wednesday’s from 9am until 2pm, and there are frequently people lining up before the doors open to make sure they can swoop in a snaffle a $10 sponge cake.
The Huon News captured the last raspberry jam sponge and was very relieved.
While waiting to pay, there was a conversation at the other end of the counter, with another cake-buyer holding a saffron-coloured piece of knitting and looking hopeful.
Like a bartender for the crafty, CWA’s Shirely Tongs demonstrated that the edges needed to be crocheted, using a ‘crab stitch’.
The shop was busy, and out the back more members were gathered – sitting around a large table, working on projects, chatting and writing updates.
Information flowed – members can be as young as 10, and from the age of 16 they are able to serve customers in the shop.
People are welcome to attend their meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 1.30pm (May 12) or join in the Yarn Club between 1pm and 3pm on the first Wednesday of every month (May 6).
The CWA continues to be a remarkable mash-up of yester-year talents and contemporary relevance via cake and community.
