A pensioner is suing the NSW Country Women's Association after being sacked as branch secretary, alleging she was falsely accused of defrauding the branch of $10.
Marion Collier is suing for defamation and claims the CWA has caused her pain, suffering, unnecessary stress and lung problems by telling hundreds of its members she was dismissed.
By not being able to participate in CWA activities, she alleges she has suffered a loss of amenities of life.
The 64-year-old also alleges she was falsely accused by the CWA of defrauding the branch of $10 after a petty cash limit was accidentally increased.
Ms Collier, a member of the association since 2010, was sacked from the Wellington branch near Dubbo in 2016.
Her previous roles included handicraft officer, group social secretary and international officer.
As a result of her dismissal, Ms Collier claims her self-esteem and standing in the community have been affected.
The CWA alleges Ms Collier was sacked because she discriminated against members and was disrespectful and derogatory to them.
However, Ms Collier said she had never been disrespectful to CWA members.
"I have never gone out of my way to break CWA rules," she told the Supreme Court.
Ms Collier who is representing herself told the court she has had a problem with fluid in her ear drums and is still "not 100 per cent".
At one point during the hearing the judge directed her to move from the bench to the witness box to cross-examine herself.
Taking on the CWA single-handedly
Outside court, Ms Collier, who has now moved from Wellington to the town of Young, said she just wanted to clear her name and was shocked to learn of her sacking via email.
She said lawyers were not confident in her case against the CWA, but she was determined.
"I have no legal training but when I approached lawyers they said they wouldn't take on a big organisation like the CWA," she said.
"I don't mind taking them on.
"I'm sick of being treated like an idiot".
In a statement to the ABC, the CWA said the organisation is "well-respected … with a reputation built on integrity and fairness" and their inclusive culture is paramount with "all views and opinions are welcomed".
The civil case before Justice Christine Adamson continues.
