RURAL community stalwart the Country Women's Association has been in celebration mode this year.
The South Australian Country Women's Association marked a milestone 85 years since its formation at the same time as its federal body - the Country Women's Association of Australia - celebrated 70 years.
State president Linda Bertram said the organisation dates back to 1926 when the first branch was set up in Burra, before the association formally began in 1929, with branches across SA.
"It started in Burra with Mary Warnes who could see women coming into the markets with their husbands," she said.
"There was nowhere for women to go after they'd finished their shopping so Mrs Warnes set up somewhere for women to meet for friendship."
Besides friendship, the group also acted as women's advocates, setting up restrooms for female travellers throughout SA and establishing the baby health train.
"It would travel to different localities with a baby health nurse, so people could come in from their farms to take their baby for a health check," Linda said.
"It was a fantastic thing.
"From 1929 women got together to do whatever was needed for the community."
Linda said it was exciting to mark the long history of the group, but also humbling to look back at what had been achieved.
"When you talk about the history of what SACWA has done in its 85 year history, I feel very proud to be part of the long history of such an important volunteer organisation," she said.
Branches across the state have held celebrations to mark the anniversary, and at its recent state council meeting SACWA held a big variety concert.
"We celebrated by recreating an old-time variety concert," Linda said.
As well as celebrating what has been, Linda said this year was also a great chance to look forward to the future of the organisation.
She said in the past 18-months there had been a strong resurgence of interest from younger generations of women.
"We've seen young women wanting to join the association for friendship, support and to give back to the community," she said.
"These are the reasons why it started 85 years ago."
Linda said the resurgence had meant a number of new branches had formed, predominantly evening branches to fit in with member schedules.
These included a new branch at the state office in Kent Town, Stirling, Gilbert Valley and Wudinna.
A Gawler branch that closed a few years ago recently reopened with a membership of 30, with this number still climbing.