Sydney Tea Room Volunteers Raise $160K for Rural Relief

For more than seven decades, volunteers at the Sydney Royal Easter Show have been proving that scones can change lives.

The Country Women's Association (CWA) of NSW runs a bustling tea room at the iconic Easter event, where 250-plus volunteers serve up to 4,000 scones daily. Last year alone, their efforts raised $160,000 for rural causes, including $10,000 specifically for disaster relief.

"Our Tea Room really is an institution at the Sydney Royal Easter Show," said Tanya Jolly, President of the CWA of NSW. Many visitors make the stop a "must do" part of their annual Show experience.

The operation runs like clockwork from April 2-13 this year. Major sponsor Manildra donates 2.5 tonnes of scone mix to keep the ovens running. Other supporters like Madura Tea, Pace Farm Eggs, and Beerenberg Jams provide ingredients that turn simple recipes into powerful fundraising tools.

The numbers tell an impressive story. During the 12-day event, volunteers typically sell over 40,000 scones. The current record stands at 49,977 scones in a single Show.

The Ripple Effect

These aren't just tasty treats. Every Devonshire tea sold directly supports rural and regional communities across New South Wales. The disaster relief fund helps farming families recover from floods, fires, and droughts that regularly challenge Australian agriculture.

Many volunteers have returned year after year, forming lasting friendships while working toward a shared mission. They open the tea room doors at 9:30 am and keep serving until 6 pm every single day of the Show, fueled by camaraderie and purpose.

The CWA has been showcasing the best of rural NSW at the Easter Show for generations, connecting city visitors with country values. Their fundraising success proves that small acts of service, multiplied by dedication and community support, create meaningful change.

This year's event could break records again as Sydney families continue their annual tradition of stopping by for fresh scones, jam, and cream.