OUR HISTORY

On February 19, 1897 Adelaide Hunter Hoodless started what became the Canadian Women's Institutes and the idea spread around the world.  In 1922 the Country Women’s Association of New South Wales was formed. 

In 1927 Sir Charles Merrett, then President of the Royal Agricultural Society, Victoria and Chairman of the New Settlers League, called a meeting of people to discuss matters of rural welfare.  This meeting moved and passed that an advisory committee be set up, with Lady Mitchell as Convenor, to consider the formation of a Country Women’s Association of Victoria.   In March, 1928 on the advice of this committee Lady Somers called an open conference at the Assembly Hall, Melbourne.  In her opening speech, Lady Somers said “there is a need for a State wide organized body of country women untrammeled by political or sectarian obligations, to speak with authority on, and command attention to, matters of public interest connected with community affairs.”

Lady Mitchell moved that we proceed with the formation of the Country Women’s Association and this was seconded by Mrs Ian Black and the Country Women’s Association of Victoria was born.  At this conference the first branch “The Yarra” was formed and this branch is still going strong.

During the afternoon of 12 March 2008 members of the Country Women's Association of Victoria celebrated the 80th Birthday of the Association with a Garden Party at Government House.  The Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC and Mrs Jan de Kretser, Patron of the Association, were in attendance.  A new history book, “The Feisty Phoenix” was launched at this event.  Copies may be obtained at $30 per copy by contacting Head Office on 03 9827 8971.