Country Women's Association (CWA)

Australia's largest and oldest women's organization. Based on Canadian (1890s) and British examples (1913), the CWA began in New South Wales and spread to the other States. Non-sectarian and non-political, its aims are to improve welfare of rural women and children. Its many achievements include rest rooms and baby health centres in country towns. The CWA is represented at three-yearly conferences of the Associated Country Women of the World.

The Country Women’s Association of Australia (commonly abbreviated as CWA) is the largest women's organisation in Australia. Its aims are to improve the conditions for country women and children and to try to make life better for women and their families, especially those women living in rural and remote Australia.

The Country Women's Association was first formed in New South Wales and Queensland in 1922.

During the depression years, the CWA helped those in need with food and clothing parcels. During World War II, the CWA provided meals for the troops at Quorn, South Australia and Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, their efforts being rated one of the best voluntary war time services in Australia. CWA members also made camouflage nets and knitted of balaclavas and socks for the troops. In 1992, the CWA of Australia was awarded the RSL Anzac Peace Prize in recognition of the outstanding effort by an Australian organization that has promoted the concept of International understanding and has made a contribution to world peace in accordance with best traditions exemplified by ANZAC.

The CWA awards student scholarships;

The CWA owns a range of properties built and maintained by members. Some individual branches did not have enough members to continue paying hall upkeep costs, including council rates, insurance, electricity, water and maintenance. Nine halls were sold in New South Wales between 2003 and 2005, including halls at Cowra, Ettalong Beach and Jindabyne.