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History

The Country Women’s Association began in Western Australia in 1924 as a non party political, non sectarian and not for profit organization with the first branch being at Nungarin.

The aim of the Association then, and still, is to improve the wellbeing of all people, especially those in country areas by promoting courtesy, cooperation, community effort, ethical standards and the wise use of resources.

CWA was formed to meet the needs of the time – to help women in isolated rural communities and to provide a voice to Government to seek solutions to the difficulties facing families in such areas.

The first CWA Rest Room (now known as CWA Centres) was purchased by Donnybrook Branch.

In 1928 the first purpose built Rest Room was built at Baandee. In 1953 the branch was flooded out of its home for several months, the piano sitting up on 44 gallon oil drums.

Rest Rooms provided a home for the branch and were used for many and varied activities. Rest Rooms became the hub of small communities and many are still used today.

First CWA holiday home established, 'Sunshine' at Cottesloe.

This was followed by holiday homes in the Pilbara, Albany, Busselton and Dongara in the 1930s and South Fremantle, Esperanceand Geraldton in the 1940s. Current holiday homes were built more recently.

The first Head Office established in Boans Ltd. This was followed in 1953 by new headquarters in West Perth adjacent to Kendenup (the CWA Club). These were replaced in 1968 with CWA House and now in 2008, new headquarters built on the site of the original purpose built Head Office of the Association.

The Countrywoman of Western Australia was established as the official journal of CWA.

CWA Cookery Book and Household Hints first published – a collection of recipes and household hints contributed by members who had “made do” during the Depression. This remains a best seller today having been updated from time to time.

The Lady Mitchell Emergency Housekeeper Scheme assisted country families by supplying a housekeeper during times of sickness or emergency. However, the LMEHKS closed when it became impossible to find housekeepers who were able to go to the country to work.

The first of six CWA Hostels was established at Northam where country students could board to attend the high school. In 1969 these were relinquished when the Government took on the responsibility of accommodating students at country high schools.
Members worked tirelessly for the war effort through the CWA War Relief Fund. Land Army Girls were trained and placed on farms.
CWA began planning for the Pioneer Women’s Memorial in Kings Park.
Cockburn Lodge built, first CWA retirement unit at Rockingham, followed by others at Albany and Geraldton.
This year became known as 'The Year of the House'. CWA House was opened on the 28th July and later in the year the CWA Shop at the rear of the building opened. Members’ work is now sold through the CWA Showroom in the 'new' CWA House at 1176 Hay Street, West Perth.

Beginning of Leadership and Nutrition Schools for Aboriginal girls.

 

 

14th Triennial Conference of the Associated Country Women of the World hosted in Perth by CWA of WA.
First CWA Australia Day Thanksgiving Service held at the Pioneer Women’s Memorial in Kings Park.
First CWA Mobile Education Resource Vehicle.

Given to the Education Department of WA.

 

Golden Swan Award presented to CWA.

For 55 years of caring and concern for the community.

 

Formation of the CWA Social Issues Fact Finding Team (SIFFT).

National Conference of CWA of Australia hosted in CWA House. This Association withdrew from the National body in 2001.

CWA given the use of the Wesfarmers Perth Royal Show Headquarters for Royal Show hospitality which continues to this day.
CWA Training Programme established.
CWA Rural Information Service established as a result of the rural crisis of the 1980s.
CWA Wool Day promotions along with other West Australian produce.
CWA Bursaries for secondary students began.
New Constitution and major redistribution of Division boundaries.

Beginning of CWA Youth Leadership courses.

Statewide Fundraising activities enabled the purchase of an essential item of equipment for the UWA Rural Surgical Service. The services of this team alleviated many a desperate situation in regard to Rural Health Services.

CWA Young Volunteer of the Year Award established.

CWA’s website launched.

CWA Emergency Drought Aid distributed to drought affected farmers on behalf of the Federal Government, Woolworths Ltd and the Bega Cheese Initiative.

The CWA Sir James Mitchell Education and Welfare Fund also received wonderful support from members, corporate and private donations to be used to assist individuals and communities.

'A Special Patch in the Dry' was published by CWA with assistance from Agriculture WA for distribution to families in 14 drought affected Shires in WA.

Funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service raised by the CWA World’s Biggest Cake Stall.
CWA Community Grant established.
Inaugural Country Women’s Association Rural Medical Scholarship awarded.

New “CWA House” completed

A Strategic Plan and a New Constitution for the Association were accepted at State Conference. Both provided for an administration structural change whereby the middle tier of Divisions was deleted. A Members Handbook was produced and sent to all branches.

The history of the Country Women’s Association of Western Australia is recorded in publications – The Silver Years, Her Name is Woman and A Continuing Story.

CWA, and its membership, has a history of independence. The things members aspire to do, the service given and the building and maintenance of CWA properties are all financed by members. Hence the need to first raise the funds then set about using that money in ways approved by the members to give “service to the country, through country women, for country women, by country women”.