BELMONT'S Audrey Peck has been a member of the local Country Women's Association branch almost as long as she has lived in the area - 26 years to be exact.

Last week she helped the branch celebrate its 70th birthday at Valentine Bowling Club as one of its longest-standing members.

"It's quite a milestone," Mrs Peck said. "I've loved every minute with Belmont CWA; I've made so many friends and I am delighted to celebrate with them."

The Belmont branch was formed in 1945 as part of a national movement to improve living conditions for country women and their children, especially those living in rural Australia.

The association's main mission was to establish baby health clinics around the country.

It has since evolved to support various not-for-profit organisations through fundraisers and social activities.

Over the years Belmont branch has raised money for a local women's refuge, Ronald McDonald House and John Hunter Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

It does this through selling its members' handmade craft, scones, cakes, jams and pickles.

The branch's 80 members celebrated all they have achieved with lunch, cake and a look back through some of the branch's memorabilia.

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President Maureen Drinkwater said it was truly a special occasion.

"We are, in essence, a talented group of dedicated and caring women, brought together by common interests and desire for friendship, who work together to serve and support our community to achieve a better future for families," she said.

"That's something worth celebrating."