South Australians flocked to the Royal Adelaide Show in droves this year, but it wasn’t the Ferris wheel or fairy floss that caused the biggest stir. It was the scones. A record-breaking 16,765 of them to be exact. Hand-baked, jam-laced and cream-topped, they flew out of the SACWA’s Country Café faster than you could say “pass the jam”.
“It was just fantastic,” said SACWA State President Rebecca Maund.
“We broke our own record by about a hundred. We were amazed. It obviously means a huge amount to us because everything we sell goes back into the SACWA coffers so we can support our branches and help them with their community work.”
That work includes initiatives like the Emergency Aid Fund, which supports people in crisis across South Australia.
“It could be someone who’s missed a rental payment, had a fridge break down or lost their vehicle. They get referred to us by social workers or financial counsellors and we pay the money straight into their bank account,” said Rebecca.
“No admin costs, no questions. Just support when it’s needed most.”
The SACWA plan at least two major pop-up scone cafes during the year and is likely to bring their delicious baked good to the Adelaide Central Market in March 2026. Also keep a look out when regional branches hold special events around the state.
For those who can’t wait for the next event, the quickest way to bring that buttery nostalgia home is with box of the SACWA Specialty Scone Mix, which has been around for almost twenty years. It’s available in Foodland, IGA and through local SACWA branches. It’s super easy and you’ll be guaranteed scone success!
Thirty cents from every packet of the iconic SACWA scone mix goes directly into that fund, thanks to a long-standing partnership with Laucke Flour Mills.
The magic at the Show, though, is in the making. Behind the counter was a small army of around 400 volunteers working across three weeks. While a team of twelve managed the café logistics, it was two core scone-makers and a handful of long-time volunteer bakers who worked from 7am until close.
“They’re absolute machines,” Rebecca said.
“It’s a custom-made oven upstairs, and when you come up the stairs at the end of your shift, the smell of baking scones just wraps around you. It’s such a lovely atmosphere.”
While strawberry remains the most popular jam, the Show scones come with a seedless alternative for allergy reasons. But when it comes to cream, there’s only one rule.
“Jam goes on the bottom,” said Rebecca firmly. “Always.”
Outside of the Show, SACWA’s Country Café committee hosts pop-ups at the Adelaide Central Market a couple of times a year, and branches occasionally offer scones at community events.
“We’re working on being more visible,” she said. “
We’d love to do more morning teas and public events. If someone’s running a festival or a large event, they should absolutely reach out to us.”
With members ranging from newborns to people in their 90s, SACWA is embracing a growing number of younger women, especially those looking for friendship, connection and purpose.
“We’re here for the community. We’re here to keep tradition alive. And we’re here if anyone wants to learn more. Just give us a call.”
Because some traditions are too sweet to lose. Especially when served with jam and cream.
Country Women’s Scone Specialty Mix
For more information, click here.
The South Australian Country Women’s Association Inc
Where: 30 Dequetteville Tce, Kent Town
For more information, click here.
