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Country Women's Association |
of New South Wales |
History |
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The Country Women's Association evolved from a need to improve the conditions for women on the land.In 1922, the year which saw the beginning of the Association, women in rural areas were ripe for some sort of organisation. All country women knew the loneliness of living in rural areas. Often the men were away and while they had their mates, women had no strong structure around which to develop social relationships. Religion, beliefs and the standard of living varied tremendously in the bush, with women's lives as varied and different as in the city and the need for community just as strong. There was precious little time for social calls or recreation, and many women developed 'nerves' or severe, long-term depression. Many country women were fiercely independent and did not like to ask for help. Even if they did, it was often unavailable. In the 1920's, mateship was the predominant social ethos of rural Australia, and in this male dominated culture, the opinions and needs of women were often overlooked. This attitude was reflected in the political priorities of rural electorates - country areas lagged behind the city in terms of health, education and general amenities. These concerns weren't seen as vote winners. The education of rural children wasn't a political issue. School were inadequate, with transport a major issue and many schools lacking in facilities. There were few amenities in country areas. Baby health services were desperately needed, as were maternity hospitals and ambulances. Most country roads were unsealed and after a bit of rain, road travel was nearly impossible.It was against this background that the CWA was formed.The idea for an association for women was supported by Dr Richard Arthur, the Member of Parliament for North Sydney, and later a driving force behind the formation of CWA. As early as 1904, he wrote to newspapers and journals, championing the cause of women on the land and advocating holiday camps, and in 1918, he wrote of the need of a conference for bush women. Miss Florence Gordon, who ran the Home Page of the 'Stock and Station Journal' had also published a plan for a 'Country Women's Union of Help'. Twenty-five women joined up but once Dr Arthur presented his view, it was obvious that the first step towards an effective organisation would be to hold a conference. Miss Gordon set herself the goal of organising this conference, and plans were made for a Bushwomens' Conference. The Conference was envisaged simply as a gathering of people concerned about the problems of women in the bush - it was not a political movement, nor was its initial aim to set up an organisation. The aim was to raise public awareness of the situation. Many influential women came forward to help, and soon a Committee was formed to organise and publicise the Conference. The organisers had no idea whether anyone would even attend. Much of the press and many other country organisations were dismissive of the need for such an event. However, there was support from other areas, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education. The Bushwomens' Conference took place during the week of the Royal Agricultural Show in April, 1922. The doors were open to the public and the Conference featured speakers on baby health centres, improvements in rail travel, agriculture and architecture; and a general discussion covered such concerns as health, companionship, education, transport and community services. By the third day, it was obvious that it was going to be an enormous success. It was at this Conference that The Country Women's Association was formed. The first President of the Association was Mrs Grace Munro. She was the founding President and was confirmed in office after 3 months, continuing to serve for the next two years. She believed passionately that a better life for country women could be provided for women, through women and by women - part of the CWA motto. The first Annual Conference of 1923 was in some ways reminiscent of the Bushwomens' Conference a year before, but now the women who came were no longer tentative about the future of the organisation. Women travelled hundreds of kilometres to come to the Conference, a vindication of all the work and effort put in by the organisers. The Annual Conference continues to be a spirit-stirring affair, a renewal of energy for members of the CWA. The CWA has always had a number of purposes. The most vital of these in the early years was to serve to needs of rural women directly. The CWA was instrumental in establishing Baby Health Centres - the first of many towns to have a baby health centre was Moree in 1925. By bringing country women together, it also served as a social and cultural organisation. Finally, it served to make Government and local authorities aware of the needs and opinions of its members. In 2007, 85 years after it was first formed, the CWA continues to support all communities, including metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas. There are over 430 branches throughout the state and membership is open to all women living in NSW, whether in the country or the city. The CWA is a diverse, multicultural and powerful organisation which has given a voice to women, as well as practical help and support. It encourages and fosters the growth of its members through networking, friendship and service, while learning skills such as leadership, communication, research and debating issues affecting the local and wider community. The CWA of NSW is a member of CWA of Australia and is affiliated with the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) which involves women from over 70 countries. ACWW has 'observer' status at the United Nations. Excerpts taken from 'Serving the Country: The history of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales' by Helen Townsend Doubleday, 1988 |
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