The Country Women’s Association of NSW is celebrating its centenary this year, it’s 100th birthday. Don’t be deceived by the perfectly baked scones or knitted tea cosies, the CWA is a force to be reckoned with.
Did you know that the CWA played an important advocacy role in the introduction of compulsory seat belts, white lines on the edge of roads and flashing speed signs in school zones? More recently, they have raised funds for bushfire and flood relief assisting countless families.
Since its inception in 1922, the CWA has acted as a catalyst for change and social justice in Australia and overseas.
The organisation was formed at a Bush Women’s Conference during the Sydney Royal Show in April 1922 with the goal of addressing the issues facing country families after World War I. Volunteers took it upon themselves to improve living conditions, equip families for the Depression years, build and staff healthcare facilities, help save agricultural industries and aid local war efforts.
Over the last 100 years, the CWA has grown to be the largest women’s organisation in Australia and continues to positively contribute to rural and regional communities in so many different ways. The CWA of QLD even have their own magazine RUTH which can be purchased at newsagents Australia wide.
If you would like to know more the ABC News has a brilliant article celebrating 100 years of the CWA: www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-23/country-women-association-100-years-book-by-author-liz-harfull
You can purchase the CWA of NSW’s 100 year history book, The Women who Changed Country Australia at bookshops and the CWA website.
If you don’t live in NSW you can locate your local group at Country Women’s Association of Australia (cwaa.org.au)