South-west charities are set to benefit from today’s Country Women’s Association exhibition at Allansford.

The annual exhibition, which began yesterday, showcases quilts, toys, floral art, knitted items and paintings.

Victorian South West Country Women’s Association group president Bev Byron said the exhibition catered for a broad range of people.

“There’s something for everybody because it’s not just art and craft — there’s cooking, sewing, embroidery and photography to name a few,” she said.

“Because the exhibition displays such a range, women are able to show expertise in the areas that they are passionate about.”

The exhibition displays artwork and craft by women of all ages, including primary schoolchildren.

First prize was awarded to Warrnambool’s Mary Frenchman, whose entry was one of 670 from across the district.

Members said they were impressed with the number of entries this year and hoped the association would continue to attract more members across the south-west.

They hoped to open CWA branches in Timboon and Nullawarre in coming months.

“We encourage women to get involved because we are a charity and it’s a way of helping other women in the community through the charity work we do,” Ms Byron said.

“Everybody will tell you the friendships you make here are absolutely wonderful.”

Entry to the exhibition is $5 and visitors can enjoy light refreshments.

“The money we raise from the exhibition will go towards supporting local charities,” Ms Byron said.

“We receive our donations from the local community and so we want to make sure we give back to the community in any way we can.”

The exhibition ends today and runs from 10am until 4pm at the Allansford Hall.