The Country Women's Association of Victoria was founded in 1928. It was formed to promote the interests of women and children in rural areas. Mabel Hedditch (1897 - 1966) moved to Australia and was postmistress in Bridgewater. Aswell as being elected to the Portland Town Council she was a founding member of the Country Women's Association of Victoria. Programme for Country Women's Association Choral and Drama Festival 1990. Yellow front and back cover with a green content page. Three pages in total stapled together. The cover page shows pixelated images of four drama masks with title information. Held at the Portland Civic Hall, 9th-10th Oct. 1990. Cover page: The Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc. / Choral & Drama Festival, Portland Civic Hall, 9th & 10th October 1990 / Convenor - Mrs M Stratford / Adjudicators, Mrs J Irving - Drama, Mr P Sargeant - Choralcountry women's association, cwa, fesitvals, choral and drama festival

The Hamilton-Smith collection was donated by the children of Grace Mary Hamilton-Smith nee Ellwood (1911-2004) and John Hamilton-Smith (1909-1984) who settled in Wodonga in the 1940s. The Ellwood family had lived in north-east Victoria since the late 1800s. Grace’s mother, Rosina Ellwood nee Smale, was the first teacher at Baranduda in 1888, and a foundation member of the C.W.A. Rosina and her husband Mark retired to Wodonga in 1934. Grace and John married at St. David’s Church, Albury in 1941. John was a grazier, and actively involved in Agricultural Societies. The collection contains significant items which reflect the local history of Wodonga, including handmade needlework, books, photographs, a wedding dress, maps, and material relating to the world wars. This item has well documented provenance and a known owner. It forms part of a significant and representative historical collection which reflects the local history of Wodonga. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in early twentieth century Wodonga, as well as providing interpretative capacity for themes including local history and social history. Two small round badges. The NSW CWA badge has a light and dark blue design with orange. The Victorian badge has a yellow, green and gold design.On Victorian badge: "VICTORIA/CWA". On NSW Badge: "COUNTRY WOMENS ASSOCIATION N.S.W./CWA".hamilton-smith collection, hamilton-smith, ellwood, charity, volunteer, voluntering, cwa, country women's association, rural, women, women's history, domestic, cooking, food, community

The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. was formed on the 7th Feb. 1946. They had 45 members by the end of the year. A scrap book (KVHS 0750) exists with a list of names of members for each year up to 1988 and articles from the newspaper. The Tawonga branch often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve the health, welfare and education for women and children in the country.Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Small green cardboard covered book with yellow border and logo (in middle) and with black printing. It has 48 pages.Cover: "The Official Annual of the Country Women's Association of Victoria." Also their Motto and "Forty Third Annual Report / and Balance Sheet / for the Year ending 31st December 1970 / Published 1971 Handwritten on cover: "Tawonga 15 cents each" Inside on cover sheet: handwritten: "30 c to pay to Mrs Courtney"country women's association of victoria. c.w.a.. tawonga.

The Country Women’s Association of Australia advances the rights and equity of women, families and communities in Australia through advocacy and empowerment, especially for those living in regional, rural and remote Australia. The Country Women’s Association of Victoria was founded in 1928 and the Warrnambool Branch was founded in 1931. The branch has given assistance through the years to the Red Cross, Baby Health Centres, the Warrnambool Hospital, bush fire relief, mental health and aged care and it has regular displays of country arts and crafts. In 1961 the C.W.A. Centre and Rest Rooms were opened in Kepler Street, Warrnambool. In 2016 the group celebrated the 85th anniversary of its founding.This booklet is of interest to researchers and others wanting a brief outline of the history of the Warrnambool Branch of the Country Women’s Association. This is a small booklet of 12 pages. The front cover is white with black printing and it has a yellow back cover. The booklet has black plastic spiral binding. The pages contain printed information, photocopies of newspaper articles, a knitting pattern and other photocopied material. The booklet has been produced in-house by the Warrnambool Country Women’s Association.‘Looking Back at 85 Years, the History of the Warrnambool Branch of the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. 1931 until 2016 and Still Going Strong.’country women’s association, history of warrnambool

A short history of the Country Women's Association of Victoria 1928-1978. 76 pages, black and white photographs. Soft cover.country womens association of victoria

The Country Women's Association of Victoria was established to support and promote the interests of women and children living in rural areas.Square ticket made from yellow cardboard. Ticket is for the Country Women's Association Choral & Drama Festival 1990. A date stamp of 10 October 1990 on the front. Printed with C.W.A FESTIVAL.10 OCT 1990 / C.W.A / FESTIVALcountry women's association, cwa, festival, women's history, women

256 pages.

76 pages.

72 pages.

Historical: This book covers all aspects of the C.W.A. including its history. The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country .Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced, would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Small 17 page book with white cardboard cover and green writing. Pages are held together with 2 staples. Cover: "The Country Women's Association / of Victoria Inc. / For Country and City Women / Victoria (with logo underneath) Address and contact details beneathcountry women's association of victoria. c.w.a.. tawonga.

The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. Doing craft helped the women achieve these aims as they would get together and learn from each other. Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Hard covered book with a yellow and black sleeve. The sleeve has a picture of a lady sitting on a lounge chair under a lamp admiring her glove. Inserted in the book is a page with further instructions on glove making. The book is bound and has 90 pages. The first and last 3 pages consist of advertising.Cover page "Country Womens' Association / of Victoria" stamp with purple ink Title: Clove-Making / At Home / by Frances Staite / Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd 5/- net.tawonga. cwa. gloves. craft. country women's association of victoria

The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. The Tawonga ladies competed in Handicraft and Home Industries Exhibitions during the 1990's and were very successful. Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Small photo album with Country Women's Association Prize Cards for handicraft and Home Industries Exhibition enclosed. Each Prize Card is filled out with (Third) Prize; Name; No.; Section; Branch - all Tawonga; and points. Some of the cards have been won from other CWA groups displays e.g.. Yackandandah. The album has several blank pages left over. The cover is a picture of a boat on a lake with red flowers in the foreground.country women's association of victoria. tawonga. handicraft. home industries. exhibition. kiewa valley group.c.w.a.

C.W.A. is the Country Women's Association of Victoria and was formed in 1928. It is a self funded philanthropic organisation. It is non-sectarian, non-party-political, non profit lobby group working predominantly in the interests of women and children in rural areas. It helps in the provision of services to its members and the improvement of amenities in rural areas.The C. W. A. has had branches in the Kiewa Valley up until the present day.Round metal sign. On the front it is green, white and gold. There are four holes in it for attaching it to a fixture eg. Entry to town sign.c.w.a., country women's association

Pale green card with scalloped gold embossed edging. Invitation is for a 40th birthday meeting.Text: " COUNTRY WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION / LINTON BRANCH / The President and Members / request the pleasure of the company of / Mrs. J. McDonald / at the 40th Birthday Meeting of the Branch / to be held in the Parish Hall / on Wed March 28th at 2 p.m. " mrs. j. mcdonald, mrs. mcbeath, mrs. hart, country women's association linton branch, cwa

Information from research by Mabel Rogers from the first meeting in August 1939 – 1969 Notable Events of the CWA The document contains information about meetings and events and numbers of members who attended. December 2013 – a selection of some of the items of interest have been extracted by Wendy Barrie NOTABLE EVENTS Page 1 1938 August 10th 1938 Minutes of inaugural meeting of Melton Branch Country Women’s Association. Cr Coburn introduced Mrs Toose, Ballarat G.P. [Group President] 42 ladies were present, including visitors from Bacchus Marsh and Smeaton Branches. September – Miss A Raleigh was elected Magazine Secretary October- 26 members present. Penny Collection for Million Members Fund November December – Mrs Swan gave demonstration of basketry, using stringy bark, Eucalyptus bark and reeds 1939 February 1939 – 18 members present. Branch total 50. Donation towards Pedal Transmitting Set. Inquiries made of Shire Council re permission to fence War Memorial March April – cost of fence material beyond Branch Funds May- 24 members present June, July, August – birthday celebrations. September 25 members present October – Meeting hled at Toolern Vale Bird Sanctuary 36 members present November – 1st Annual Meeting December – Owing to harvest operations, only 11 members present. 1940 February electric kettle and urn to be purchased for Mechanics Institute. Also to install a power point. [Electricity was connected to Melton in December 1939] April end of page 1 Page 2 May – Council Permission to be sought, to plant trees on oval below Shire Hall P.M.G. to be asked to supply a seat outside telephone booth for convenience of callers after P.O. was closed. June- Wives of A.I.F. soldiers be made honorary members. “1d per week drive” for gift for the Empire. July, September, October November – Group President stressed the importance of keeping Branches together during time of war. Collection of sheep skins to be made into vests for fighting forces worthy of consideration. Group President, Mrs Morgan-Paylor. December 1941 February 30 members present March – Eight members attend Ballarat Group Conference. Approach Council re fencing and preparation of land for tree plantation May – Mrs Swan demonstrated making of slippers from pieces of sheepskin June – Empire Gift Scheme of 1d per week to be continued for another year or duration of the war. July – Demonstration on making camouflage nets August, September Group Conference at Smeaton, October, November meetings held 1942 February- Enquiries to be made as how to help with A.R.P. work March, April, May, June,- Headquarters busy on war work. July end of page 2 Page 3 August, September. October – 15 Camouflage Nets forwarded to Headquarters November- Mrs Glasson Group President presided at Annual Meeting. Meetings to be held at 3 monthly intervals. Overseas link, enquiries be made of Melton Mowbray had a C.W.A. Branch 1943 February- Overseas link to be Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Wales May- 7 Camouflage Nets to Headquarters. American overseas link Nov 5th Annual Meeting, letters received from Wales and America 1944 May – Approach to be made to Council re formation of Baby Health Centre July – Ball held for Baby Health Centre effort. Admission 3/- 1945 February- Mrs Lemke present at meeting May August- Miss Strahan of Womens Hospital gave a talk on “Work of Almoner Departments in Public Hospitals” November Annual meeting. eight food parcels sent to Britain, 2 to Lampeter 1946 meetings held every two months May- Congratulations to Mrs Swan, Group President Elect June – 20 members present. August- 8th Birthday celebrated with a Social Evening Music was supplied by Mrs E.W. Barrie September - Scone competition 1. Mrs Beaty, 2. Miss Robinson 3. Mrs Exell November- Eggs sent to Somers House 1947 February – Demonstration of Glove-making March – revert to monthly meetings April - decided to have an auto tray made for the Branch May – Branch decided to plant a tree for Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday.. Council to be asked if agreeable to continue arrangements in 1940, to fence C.W.A. Plantation end of page 3 Page 4 June - Food parcels sent to Overseas Link July – Invitations to birthday celebrations sent to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Sunbury, Mt Egerton August September - Collection of silver coin taken a donation from Branch towards wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth … forwarded to H.Q. November – C.W.A. together with Red Cross and Bacchus Marsh C.W.A. to provide afternoon tea and luncheon at Eynesbury sale. 1948 February – Food parcels sent to ex-Prisoner-of-war. Publicity agent appointed April – Decided to apply for trees to be planted in area already chosen a beauty spot May – Additional listeners to Broadcast Session were appointed June July – Gift of books received from Overseas Link. I was decided to stat a Library . Miss Raleigh to at a Librarian. August – 5 pound donation from Branch funds to “Save the Children” Appeal. September, October, November 1949 January – At Group Conference, delegates to vote in favour of resolution that State School children be allowed to sit for exams in own school March – Decided to contact Council for permission to fence off Water Reserve April, May – Another parcel to be sent to Ret. British P.O.W. Association June July – Fancy Dress Children’s Ball to be held for Annual Effort August – 11th Birthday September – Bank Balance November – 11th annual Meeting. Members agree to supply small gifts to Ballarat Mental Hospital 1950 February – Five books were received from Lampeter March – Branch to support idea of holding a Music Drama Festival in Group April – Miss Smith elected Group President May – C.W.A. Science Van visited Melton June – Demonstration of Macrame work - July August – 12th Birthday Celebration end page 4 Page 5 September, October November 12th Annual Meeting, Miss Smith Group President. Melton's Country Women's Association Choirlocal special interest groups, local identities

In 1944-1996 Edna Barrie was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Items celebrating 80 years of Country Women's Association and the closure of the Melton branchlocal significant groups, local identities, local special interest groups

Country Women's Association of Victoria Awardlocal significant groups

This book was used by members of the Tawonga C.W.A.. The group exhibited their handicrafts and made items for charity. The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country.Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Small coloured 16 page book with a cover showing 4 squares of knitted and crocheted items. At the top the book has a light green background with white writing and some black writing. The back cover is similar with 4 different items. The book is bound with 2 staples. The book has patterns with instructions for knitted & crocheted items.Cover: 'Myart / Knit & Crochet' - on left. 'Handcraft / Nylon Yarn' - on right. 'Teijin 40c / Book 14' - top right in blackcountry women's association of victoria. tawonga. handcrafts. knitting. crocheting.

This book is a periodical that the Tawonga C.W.A. group received each year with news, hints, ideas etc. of all CWA groups in Victoria. The Tawonga branch of the C.W.A. commenced on the 7th Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country.Women living in Tawonga were mostly on farms and, in 1946, when the branch commenced would have been feeling more remote with WW11 having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Hard covered bound green book with 345 slightly yellowing pages. 1949 periodical book Vol. XIX No.1 (- 12) 1st January 1949 - (December) reporting on activities of C.W.A. clubs in Victoria. It is set out month by month but isn't indexed. Subscription: 4/- per annum; 5/- per year, posted; 4d. per Copy, 5 and a half pence postedCover: "Country Crafts with CWA logo."country women's association of victoria. country crafts. tawonga. c.w.a.

Tawonga CWA branch commenced on 7th Feb. 1946. Prior to this the ladies would have been involved in supporting the war effort with knitted and spun items as described in this book. The branch often combined activities with the other branches in the Kiewa Valley. The C.W.A. aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. Getting together for the war effort would have succeeded in this aim perhaps encouraging the women to continue meeting under the banner of C.W.A.The Tawonga ladies would have been involved in assisting the war effort from home. Most of the ladies lived on remote farms so they may have got together, learnt together and felt happier while contributing to the war effort and supporting the men fighting overseas. Wool was available and easily made into useful items that could be shipped overseas. After the war, the ladies may have wanted to continue meeting and hence decided to form a C.W.A. branch.Small brown book with black writing. 32 pages held by 2 rusty staples.The book gives patterns and instructions for making woolcraft (knitting & spinning) eg. socks & scarves, for the Airforce, Navy and Army with specific colours, thickness of wool and notes eg. no frills. Price 3d. posted 4d. Sponsored by the Australian Wool BoardCover: Warworkers Woolcraft / Compiled by the CWA / Knitting Spinning / Sponsored by the Australian Wool Boardww11. warworkers. tawonga. country women's association of victoria. woolcraft. australian wool board. c.w.a.

Front page of the 33rd Country Women's Association Finley Branchlocal significant groups

MABEL nee ABRAHAM ROGERS 1920 - 2004 Publications: The First One Hundred Years 1870-1970 Melton State School No 430 Co Author with Edna Barrie The Mechanics [Melton] 1985 Mabel Abraham was daughter of Herbert G Abraham, Butcher of High Street Melton. She attended Melton State School from 1928 qualifying for her Merit certificate in December 1928 and continued her education at Melbourne Girls High School [soon after known as MacRobertson Girls High School] She studied piano and elocution as a school girl. Mabel was associated with many activities in the Melton community. She was a natural writer and interested in research and was committed to documenting and preserving Meltons History. Mabel produced, wrote and acted for the “ Melton Amateurs” theatrical group established in 1950. The group performed Revues, Pantomimes, one and three act plays, Musical Comedy and Melodramas. In 1960 it lapsed for a time and from 1967 onwards more shows were successfully produced by Mabel. A creative producer and writer, audiences at the Melton Mechanics Institute enjoyed the performances of Gilbert and Sullivan and excerpts from the many Musicals of the era. She skilfully wrote scripts interweaving with songs and topical local dialogue successfully drawing out the talents of all the cast members. Mabel was a member of the C.W.A. holding position of Secretary. She was a member of the Melton and District Historical Society at its inception in 1968 and was a Member of The Willows Committee of Management. She was supporter of the first historical display and the Mechanics Hall and the Historical Society Annual Art and Craft shows from 1974 until 1982. In 1961 she was involved with Melton Development Association and in 1969 with the establishment of the first “Carols by Candlelight” held in Melton. Mabel was a member Anglican Church and Committee. She was a member of the Melton Mechanics Institute and made a Trustee and Life Member in 1965. She was a member of Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was Guide Leader, member of the Red Cross and School Committee. In November 1982 she was a recipient of the Annual Rotary Community Service Award for outstanding service to the Community of Melton over a prolonged time. Mabel married Eric Rogers in August 1944 the wedding reception was held at the Melton Mechanics Hall. Their are children John, Ron, Francis and Judy. The family lived in High Street Melton between the Mechanics Institute and earliest Shire Hall eastern end. Eric was grader operator on the district roads. In their latter years Mabel and Eric lived in Bacchus Marsh. Eric died in Bacchus Marsh in July 2007. Country Women's Association Melton Branch lyrics from Mabel Roger's handwritten noteslocal identities, local significant groups

The Country Women's Association of Victoria aimed to improve the health, welfare and education for women and children in the country. Many groups in country Victoria existed including one at Allan's Flat in the north east.The ladies of the Tawonga CWA branch supported the Allan's Flat branch as this book was amongst a Tawonga member's belongings. The visiting and communication between other branches supported the aims of the CWA organisation.White book with 36 pages held together with 2 rusting staples. In dark blue the title, CWA logo and Allan's Flat / Victoria are written. The recipes are typed in blue.cwa. recipes. allan's flat. cooking.