Country Women's Association

About the Country Women's Association

The CWA was formed out of desperate need. Country women were fighting isolation, and an appalling lack of health facilities and the constraints of a male dominated society. The Association was built by women who had to watch helplessly as their children died from minor illnesses. These women realised they had nowhere to turn but to themselves - and the result was staggering. Within a year, the Association was a unified, resourceful group that was going from strength to strength. The members worked tirelessly to set up baby health care centres, fund bush nurses, build and staff maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes, seaside and mountain holiday cottages - and much more. At the same time they continued to run homes in which they were often mother, nurse, teacher and general hand. The women of the CWA, while believing deeply that their role in the family is vitally important, have been initiators, fighters and lobbyists. They have made localities into communities by providing social activities and educational, recreational and medical facilities.

The CWA shares interests with women in other states and countries around the world. Any woman in NSW and ACT, through her membership of CWA, has a voice in her nation's affairs and an opportunity to assist the community.

The aim of the CWA is to work to improve conditions for country women and children. No other organisation exists for this purpose and the CWA is the largest women's organisation in Australia.

Our objects are achieved by consulting governments about many issues, including Heath, Education, Transport, Social Services and the Environment.

CWA of NSW is a member of CWA of Australia. 

Aims (Excerpt from 'Constitution of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales Regulations and Rules' May 2004)
5. The Aims of the Association shall be:
(a) To bring all women and families together and form a network of support.
(b) To provide a forum for the voice of all women in New South Wales and Australian Captial Territory.
(c) To improve conditions and welfare of all women and families especially in country areas.
(d) To support schemes which enhance the value of country living, especially health and educational facilities.
(e) To encourage development in regional areas and to increase the viability of rural communities and the environment.
(f) To provide a voice to Government at all levels.
(g) To promote International goodwill friendship understanding and tolerance between all people.
6. Branches of the Association may assist the following activities provided the Association Fund is supported:
(a) Ambulances and Child Flight Helicopter Services.
(b) Town planning and town improvement schemes and all country development within the aims of the Association.
(c) The Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Royal Far West Children's Health Scheme.
(d) The Guide and Scout Movements.
(e) Accredited programmes for homeless youth.

Honour to God
Loyalty to the Throne
Service to the Country
Through Country Women
For Country Women
By Country Women

Proudly we stand in love to serve,
Filling the needs of others where they lie,
Bound by the vision of our creed.
To share as one our glorious destiny.

Thus shall we stand as one with those,
Who through the world are pledged to serve as we
The course of our earth's great sisterhoods,
In love and faith and peace and unity.

The Country Women's Association of New South Wales is incorporated by an Act of NSW Parliament in 1931

To see the Act click here, or go to http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au , click on "Browse A-Z In Force" then "C".