Our history and impact

90+ Years of Service

The Country Women’s Association in Tasmania was formed in 1936 by a group of pioneering women led by Lady Clark, wife of then Governor, Sir Ernest Clark. From an initial 18 branches, we have grown into a powerful force for good, shaping Tasmania’s social landscape and touching countless lives along the way.

Every day, CWA women across Tasmania are solving problems, supporting neighbours, and strengthening communities. From advocating for better services to providing hands-on support where it’s needed most, our members show that collective action creates lasting change.

Our Timeline

Below is a recap of our history from the years 1936 up until present day, decade by decade.

2020 to Present

The beginning of this decade was defined by adaptation and resilience. Faced with the challenges of a global pandemic, our members pivoted to new ways of connecting. Our work never paused, we continued to support vital causes like the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Rural Dental Health Services.

2020

  • Fundraising – Orange Sky continued
  • Knitted Care Bears for Palliative Care
  • Opening of an Online Branch
  • Zoom meetings started
  • Continued sponsorship for young girl to attend the Country to Canberra Scholarship program

2010-2019

A decade of growth and modernisation, responding to the need to adapt to contemporary issues.

2019

  • Fundraising Orange Sky
  • Donations made to Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales CWA’s for their fire relief.
  • Donation to Kangaroo Island following major fires
  • Lobbied for the manufacturers of wet wipes etc to advertise that these products are not flushable.

2018

  • Fundraising Misssiondale
  • Sale of Jessie Kean Home at Snug. Donations made to Mens Shed, Playground equipment and bench seats on the Beach foreshore
  • We knitted and crocheted red Poppies which were put around the grounds of Albert Hall in Launceston. This was to celebrate 100th anniversary of Armistice Day with the RSL
  • A Scone-a-thon was held at the Hobart Shop and over $3000 was donated to Rural Aid

2017

  • Fundraising foe Defibrillators for rural areas
  • Rugs of all sizes continue to be made and donated to Aged Cared Facilities
  • Bags containing reading books, pencils, colouring books, small toy donated to the Children’s wards of the hospitals.
  • Hobart Show Stand and scone bar discontinued due to expense and lack of suitable venue.
  • Yarn bomb project undertaken with Physio department of RHH

2016

  • Continue to supply wig bags, breast cushions, IV bags and turbans for Cancer Council.
  • Lobbied for better public transport in rural and remote areas of Tasmania
  • Lobbied for stricter standards for all products containing button batteries
  • Burnie Branch reopened.

2015

  • 80th Birthday Exhibition held at the Fundraising QVMAG in Launceston
  • Fundraising - Ambulance Tasmania
  • Lobbied for more Palliative Beds being made available.
  • Donation to the Yaloop CWA branch in West Australia after loosing their building in a fire

2014

  • A survey was undertaken into all aspects of Nursing Homes in Tasmania resulting in a severe lack of staff particularly at night. The results were sent to the relevant Government department.
  • Lobbied for mandatory tutorials for international drivers
  • Fundraising for Ronald McDonald House.
  • Towels, blankets, newspapers and bowls donated to the RSPCA
  • Assistance given to families who lost their possessions in house fires.

2013

  • Fundraising State Emergency Service
  • Lobbied for the compulsory fitting of Roll Bars for ATV bikes.
  • International celebrated with State event held at Longford
  • Lobbied for better mobile phone services and black spots
  • We continue to supply Little Angel Gowns to hospitals for still born babies.

2012

  • Fundraising Clown Doctor
  • Lobbied for a review into the Deeming rules for intergenerational transfer of farming property
  • CWA in Tasmania inducted into the Tasmanian Honour Role for Women
  • Trauma Teddies and Therapy Dolls continue to be donated to hospitals
  • Rotunda built in Zeehan celebrating Pioneer women of Zeehan

2011

  • Fundraising Dr Leon Wescombe Memorial Fund for Cystic Fibrosis
  • Parcels of sewing aids, materials, children’s books and pens continue to be sent to the Pacific Islands
  • Lamingtons made for the launch of the Tasmanian Heritage Festival held at Landfall
  • Soft toys and teddies continue to be donated to the Ambulance Service.
  • Continued support for women’s shelters bedding, clothing, books, cooking gear, toiletries, slippers etc.
  • Lobbied Government re the proposed closure of state schools particularly those in rural areas.

2010

  • 75th Anniversary celebrations held around the state
  • New furniture purchased for Hawley Holiday Home.
  • Fundraising for Angel Flight
  • Sale of Devonport Hall, donations made to Meercroft Care, Devonport Brass Band and Youth and Family focus

2000-2009

The new millenium brought a greater environmental awareness and the need for fundraising for local and international causes.

2009

  • Funds Raised for the Fred Hollows
  • Partnered with TAFE to run a Rural Women’s Project around the state
  • WARM TV supported – environment, recycling, climate change
  • Partnered with Farmsafe Australia to hold workshops.
  • Drought support and financial assistance continues – Over 1 million dollars in the past three years
  • Furniture donated to the Spurr Wing in Launceston
  • National Cookbooks produced with lots of recipes from our members. The royalties fund a post graduate scholarship for healthcare worker in rural or remote area.

2008

  • Fundraiser-Motor Neurone Disease
  • Member of the Drought Taskforce set up by the Government. Birds in the Bush Days held to assist women in drought areas.
  • Beanies, rugs, jumpers distributed through the Migrant Resource centre
  • Mini Silhouette days for Breast Cancer supports
  • Toiletries given to Young Women’s Shelter
  • Paired with Eat Well Tasmania to prepare a Community Cooking Class.

2006

  • 70th Anniversary of the Country Women’s Association in Tasmania.
  • Raising funds and awareness for the Hearing Dogs Program and the Royal Flying Doctors Service and an awareness drive around the adverse effects of medication.
  • Succession planning workshops were held funded by DAFF.
  • A large donation was made to Mahili Samity in Bangladesh for their Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, equating to $6500.
  • Philanthropy workshops were held for members of community organisations looking at how to apply for grants - funded by Office for Women.
  • $4826 was raised for the victims of the Asian Tsunami and sent through ACWW to areas of need.
  • $1679 raised for Appin Hall, a respite centre for children in the northwest of Tasmania.

2004

  • Tasmania Hosted the Country Women’s Association World Conference in Hobart. 700 participants from 41 countries attended. Resolutions included issues of trafficking women and children, HIV/AIDS epidemic and genetically modified (GM) cropping. Members started to Cross Stitch 1000 bookmarks for this conference 3 years prior.
  • The Zeehan branch replaced their town’s Band Rotunda through fundraising in 2004.
  • We raised $8500 to assist with subsidising costs for people dealing with Lymphoedema needing treatment.

2003

  • Lally’s Rally was held at Camp Clayton for the Year of the Outback.

2002

  • The Hobart CWA Gift Shop celebrated its 60th birthday.

2001

  • Over the course of 2001 $6900 was raised to help people to access the Lymphoedema Clinic in St Mary’s. With the money being used to help subidise travel and treatment.
  • Various personal hygiene bags were made and given to “Your Place Inc” for the homeless youth and Women’s Shelter and the Rural Women’s Day was celebrated with a trip to Bothwell.

2000

  • 1,059 members in 78 Branches
  • CWA in Tasmania sold their Davey Street, Hobart premises to purchase premises at 343 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

1990-1999

With 1,900 members across 120 Branches, there was continued focus on community welfare.

1999

  • 1,137 members in 81 Branches
  • $15,000 raised for Police and Citizens Youth Club to purchase a mobile sporting equipment trailer.
  • $20,000 donated to the community from the sale of Ella Mason.
  • Large birthday card was displayed in the Hobart Mall asking for donations of 70 cents to commemorate 70 years of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).
  • The entrecasteaux group made 40 quilts and wall hangings for the Children’s Ward at the Royal Hobart Hospital and $20,000 was donated to the community from the sale of Ella Mason.

1998

  • 1,137 members in 81 Branches
  • State Project – to raise funds for the Mobile Activity Centre for Police and Citizens Youth Clubs
  • Donations were made to the Colombo disaster
  • Throughout the 90’s the Cuppa for Kids project continued with 168 gifts, 6 large fruit juices, a carton of biscuits, and extra clothing and toiletries given to the Royal Derwent for Christmas over 1998.

1997

  • 1,337 members in 88 Branches
  • A restructure of the Association resulted in 14 Groups decreased to 7
  • A plaque was presented to the Association for 60 years of service by Premier Tony Rundle.
  • State Project – computer for the Midlands Multi-purpose Centre
  • $13,700 donated by Ranelagh Branch from the sale of their rooms to purchase a computer operated paging system for Eldercare
  • National president Sylvia Laxton attended the Tasmanian CWA state conference and World President, Lyndsay Hacket-Pain visited the state. Premier Tony Rundle also presented a plaque to the Association for 60 years of service.

1996

  • 1,403 members in 97 Branches
  • The Association undertook to make breast cancer cushions and prosthesis covers for Tasmanian Cancer Council
  • The 60th Anniversary Celebrations were held in 1996 and this saw an exhibition called ‘Playing our Part’ launched in Hobart and travelled to Launceston and Burnie. A publication ‘Country Women Calling’ was published and a request from the Tasmanian Cancer Council was received for members to make breast cushions and prosthesis covers.

1995

  • 1,483 member sin 100 Branches
  • 60 baby parcels were distributed throughout the Queen Alexandra Hospital.

1994

  • 1,400 members
  • South Pacific Area Conference held in Hobart
  • Rural Secondary Scholarship established

1993

  • 1,500 members
  • The Anzac Peace prize was awarded to the CWA of Australia in 1993 and over 200 cotton singlets were sent to Tenant Creek CWA in the Northern Territory for distribution to Aboriginal children in Mission Stations.

1992

  • 1,600 members, 18 life members, 11 junior members
  • Donated a surgeon’s chair and defibrillator to the Heart Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital
  • Donation to purchase timber for a training centre being built in Western Samoa

1991

  • 1,809 members in 117 Branches
  • $45,000 raised for 10 patient controlled analgesia systems.
  • The 55th Anniversary was celebrated with a luncheon and mannequin parade in Launceston

1990

  • 1,900 members in 120 Branches
  • $11,000 raised State funds from Baby Quest

1980-1989

With 2,580 members across 153 Branches, the CWA engaged in fundraising for national and international causes.

1989

  • 1,920 members in 119 Branches
  • Funds sent to South Pacific and Bangladesh for cyclone relief.
  • Hundreds of knitted vests sent to Papua New Guinea
  • Magra Branch received a Bicentenary Certificate for service to the community
  • Esk Valley Group supported a foster child in Honduras

1988

  • 1,971 members in 120 Branches
  • CWA stall at Agfest (agricultural field days held in Northern Tasmania organised by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania)
  • 10,000 boxes of sewing aids dispatched to Fiji, Western Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and Tonga

1987

  • 2,003 members in 120 Branches
  • The Association was presented with the gift of a new State Presidents’ badge on behalf of F&W Stewart Pty Ltd Jeweler, Launceston.

1986

  • 2,014 members in 117 Branches
  • 50th Anniversary Special Project – two radios for domiciliary nurses’ cars and 68 pagers.
  • Donations to Solomon Island typhoon disaster and cyclone in Queensland.

1985

  • 2,080 members in 120 Branches
  • A book on judging and stewarding for shows – ‘Winning Ways – was published.
  • Tasmania hosted the Country Women’s Association of Australia National Conference.

1984

  • The CWA set up a team of ‘safety monitors’ for any dumping of hazardous products in retail outlets at the request of the Australian Federation of Consumer Organisations. $11,171 was donated to more than 52 community and charitable organisations.

1983

  • 1,975 members in 125 Branches
  • CWA in Tasmania became incorporated.
  • Tea chests of handcraft articles were donated to South Australia and Victoria for the victims of bushfires.

1982

  • The CWA conducted a Knit-a-thon/Crochet-a-thon to raise funds. Trees were planted statewide for the year of the tree.

1981

  • 2,580 members in 143 Branches
  • Two infant cot death monitors donated to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
  • Foetal heart monitor donated to Tuvalu (a Pacific Ocean island).
  • The CWA became affiliated with the Australian Federation of Consumer Affairs in 1981 to submit submissions to the Law Reform Commission Hearing which dealt with Privacy and Personal Information to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Welfare regarding homeless youth.

1980

  • 2,580 members in 153 Branches
  • Large donation given for research into the Infant Cot Death Syndrome and leukemia.
  • Donation to Miranbeena Pre-education and Training Centre for Handicapped Children.
  • Donation for a child to get a kidney transplant and other for an artificial eye.
  • Three playback machines to aid Hear-a-Book Scheme reading machine for the blind and deaf.
  • Donation to Upper North Africa to construct a water supply.

1970 - 1979

Continued focus on community service, handcrafts and fundraising as well as engaging in new projects.

1979

  • 2,650 members in 156 Branches
  • State raffle raised $13,610 – First prize a car.
  • Channel Group provided a swimming pool with solar cover and safety devices for Channel Special School.
  • Low Head Holiday Home was sold for another property in Launceston.

1978

  • A state picnic was held at Conara to celebrate Australia Day in 1978 and the Hobart Branch donated a scholarship to the Tasmanian College of Hospitality.

1977

  • 2,837 members in 150 Branches.
  • News and Views Magazine started to inform members.
  • Trotting meetings were held in Launceston, Hobart and Devonport in 1977 with the races being named in honour of the association and the CWA providing trophies for these races.

1976

  • The 40th anniversary commenced with a luncheon in Launceston, a State Dinner at Wrest Point for 400 guests, Service in St David’s Cathedral, Picnic at The Gorge and an Art Exhibition at the CWA State Headquarters.
  • The ACWW flag was unfurled in around 30 municipalities on its way to Perth. A donation of $1841 was given for cyclone relief in Darwin.

1973

  • 3,000 members in 164 Branches.
  • The Association joined forces with The Farmer, a weekly newspaper for men printed by the Tasmanian Farmers Federation.
  • A generous amount of money to ACWW pilot project to combat child blindness. First clinic established at Madurai in India.

1972

  • An Opportunity Shop was opened on Flinders Island.
  • 3,114 members in 176 Branches
  • Rest Room opened at Ranelagh.
  • Woolnorth Branch set up a Trust Fund to educate triplets.

1971

  • 3,335 members in 177 Branches.
  • The Association adopted ‘Ward 7’ at the Royal Derwent Hospital.

1970

  • Following the sale of excess land at the CWA Lodge, the Clarence Commission agree that the new cul-de-sac in the area be named Gilbert Place in honour of the late Ida Gilbert.
  • Newstead, Altmoor, Eaglehawk Neck, Lady Barron and Lucaston Branches celebrated 21 years.
  • Frankford and Nubeena Branches celebrated 25 years.
  • Penguin and Lachlan Branches celebrated 30 years.

1960 - 1969

This period focused on welfare and social activities as well as fundraising for community services and creative pursuits.

1969

  • 3,600 members in 185 Branches
  • Emergency Fund formed.
  • The new Jessie Kean Holiday Home officially opened.

1967

  • Jessie Kean Holiday Home at Snug was lost in bushfires. 73 members lost their homes, while 7 members lost their lives.

1966

  • The first state cookery competition was held on 1966 to help foster home industries. The 30th birthday of the Association was celebrated at a State picnic held in Ross.
  • 4,000 members in 202 Branches.
  • Tennis courts were erected at Seven Mile Beach and Meander.
  • 1,000 garments sent to Korea.

1965

  • 4,129 members in 209 Branches.
  • Two objectives campaigned for: 1. Adequate road safety measures for school children, 2. Provision of intermediate beds in public hospitals.
  • Donations made through ACWW for the Freedom from Hunger Campaign.
  • A training school was established in India from which 160 trainees were sent out into the field.
  • The Association was represented on the Save the Children Fund Committee with a large number of knitted garments sent to Korea.

1964

  • A postal branch was formed in the Mersey Group in 1964. This scheme is for women within the group living in isolated areas and at least 5 miles or more from an established branch, or those living in lighthouses or islands.
  • Wool, knitting needles and cotton materials were sent to Aboriginal women living on the Warrabi Settlement in the Northern Territory.

1962

  • 4,819 members in 207 Branches.
  • CWA continues to support the Freedom from Hunger Campaign through ACWW.
  • Members designed and worked on the Coat of Arms.

1961

  • 5,172 members in 206 Branches.
  • The Association owns 19 halls and rest rooms and 5 holiday homes throughout the State.
  • Resolutions from previous conferences have been put into operation: Immunisation against diptheria and whooping cough, compulsory x-ray and treatment for tuberculosis. Women on hospital boards. A booklet on traffic rules to holders of drivers’ licenses.

1960

  • Gifts of food, clothing and linen and 1341 pounds were donated to the Lord Mayor’s Flood Appeal by CWA branches in 1960.

1950 - 1959

During this era the CWA experienced peak membership with significant community activity and advocacy.

1959

  • Two agricultural bursaries were given to Hagley Farm School.
  • Mountain River Branch raised £615 for a girl to have a heart operation.
  • Trees were donated to schools for planting on Conservation Day.

1957

  • Jessie Kean Holiday Home at Snug was purchased.
  • State Headquarters at 68 Davey Street, Hobart was purchased, funded by the sales of the 21st Birthday Cookery Book and members.

1955

  • Sorell, New Norfolk, Winnaleah and Moonah opened Rest Rooms.
  • Burnie purchased a hall.
  • Funds donated to ACWW were used for a model Nursery School, which included a demonstration room, food preparation, sewing, handcraft and rural library.

1954

  • Members prepared the Official Supper for the State Reception lunch at Burnie and afternoon tea at Latrobe for the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in 1954.
  • Members erected a tennis court at St Leonards and Trowutta.

1953

  • Members worked and donated flags for schools and councils. One branch equipped a kindergarten and another built a children’s playground.

1952

  • Ella Mason Holiday Home and Bellerive Holiday Home opened.
  • Choral and drama committees developed.

1951

  • Low Head Holiday Home established.
  • Hawley House purchased.
  • Esk Valley Cookery Book released
  • Brighton Rest Room and Bushy Park Rest Room opened.
  • 21st Birthday Cookery Book published.
  • Stanley Holiday Home opened.

1936 - 1949

The formation of the CWA in Tasmania provided a platform for women for discussion and advocacy, leading to a shift in their lives and roles.

1949

  • State represented at first national conference.
  • Weekly radio broadcasts started

1948

  • In 1948 members made tapestries for the dining room chairs at Government House.

1947

  • A scholarship was awarded to a child attending a Tasmanian school

1946

  • Flinders Island released a cookbook, which funded the Rest Rooms

1945

  • First State Craft Exhibition held – 1,600 exhibits

1940

  • International officer role developed with country of study each year.
  • Two successful projects: Save the Sight and Wells for Water
  • Dilston Branch developed a cookery book.

1939 - 1945 (War Years)

  • 2,500 members in 71 Branches.
  • 2,700 camouflage nets were made for the Defence Forces
  • 3,000 sheep skin vests, slippers, mittens, gloves and 2,215 food parcels were sent to troops in Britain
  • Ambulances were purchased for the A.I.F. for £500

1937

  • CWA in Tasmania was accepted as a member of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). The Association had 18 branches with 55 members.

1936

  • On the 14th of February, 1936 the Association was founded in Tasmania at a meeting convened by Lady Clark, wife of His Excellency the Governor, Sir Ernest Clark at Launceston. The first Annual Meeting and State Conference was held at King’s Hall Launceston.
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