"You never know when you're going to need it." That simple truth from Gwen Wishart, one of Gerringong's longest-serving volunteers, captures the heartbeat of a group that has been quietly shaping the town for over six decades.

For 66 years, the Gerringong Committee for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) has been cooking, crafting, hosting and hustling – all in the name of science, community and love.

Founded in 1959 by Dorothy Bailey, the Gerringong group is now one of 16 CMRI committees across New South Wales. It has outlasted trendier causes, flashier campaigns and even some of the very diseases it set out to conquer.

"We just keep going," says Lorraine Peade, who has been active in the group since the 1990s and now serves as publicity officer. "We believe in the science, and we believe in each other."

Step into a CMRI kitchen in Gerringong and you won’t just find cakes rising and scones cooling – you’ll find camaraderie, purpose, and a fair bit of cheek. Some members are expert bakers. Others, like Brenda Davy, a recent arrival from Sydney, cheerfully admit they are better at washing up. Brenda joined after meeting Lorraine while planning her wedding, which CMRI members helped cater.

"It’s work, but it’s joyful," says Brenda. "You’re doing something meaningful, with really lovely people. It grounds you."

Joyce, 94, a founding and Life Member, still comes to meetings and makes exquisitely embroidered coat hangers that sold year after year at the Quilt and Craft Shows. Meanwhile, newcomers like Holly Fogarty (née Bailey) and Kate Cutri (née Cronin) are bringing fresh energy – and famously beautiful cupcakes – to the group.

Brenda Davy and Peter Matthes at the buffet table.

At a recent event, a local man stood up during a talk on gene therapy. He pointed to the little girl running behind him and said, “She wouldn’t be here without it.” That moment, unexpected and unscripted, reminded every volunteer why they keep going.

"You get feedback, not just from CMRI but from people in the community who’ve benefited," Lorraine explains. "It keeps us going."

CMRI ensures that nearly all funds raised by local committees go directly to research, and volunteers receive regular updates and access to the scientists whose work they support. That transparency matters.

The Gerringong CMRI group is thriving because it adapts.

Gone are the days of cash-in-hand ticket sales; events now sell out in minutes online.

Bunnings BBQs are manned by husbands who are also members and work happily for the cause.

Decorations from past weddings and parties are recycled for fundraisers. And despite a formal committee structure, members say there’s no hierarchy – just a shared willingness to work hard, and laugh harder.

"There’s a place for everyone," says Lorraine. "And if you don’t cook, you can still wash up."

The next big event is the Mother’s Day weekend High Tea at Gerringong Town Hall on 10 May from 2pm. Tickets are $35 pp with tables of up to eight people. Tickets go on sale on 28 April.

Come along and enjoy lots of delicious homemade treats, sandwiches and good company. Celebrate Mother’s Day and support a great cause.

New members are always welcome. The next meeting will be held Monday 7 April at 7pm at Gerringong Town Hall.