Found in a file entitled, "Women's Education, 1930's," in 1991Two pages of The Sun News-Pictorial, July 10, 1934. A large photo of many students crowded into a dray and sitting on a draught horse with the caption: "Things are never down on the farm at Burnley Horticultural School while Don, the old dray horse, is on the job carting his load of happy students back to the lecture rooms after a session of practical work. Most of the 30 pupils now at the school are engaged in the study of pruning."the sun news-pictorial, students, students working outside, female students, horses, women's education, draught horses, don, pruning

Correspondence, newpaper articles, reports re women's education in horticulture. Photocopies - refer to paper cataloguehorticulture, burnley, female education

Black paperback with gold text. Front cover depicts Sepia toned photograph of six women having tea. Back cover is black with recommendations and information about contents of the book.non-fictionStudy of the place and life of middle-class Victorian era women.victorian, middle-class, women, nineteenth century, women’s health education, modernization, warrnambool

Brown hardcovered book with read tape spine. The book includes: Tasmanian University Actm 1890, High School Vesting Act, Statutes, Regulations, Rules, Public Examinations, Local Examinations in Music, Association with the University of Oxford, University Council, Graduates, Matriculated Students, Records and Close Lists, Annual Report for 1906, Benefaction and Donations, Rhodes SCholarship, Bequests, Women's University Union university of tasmania, tasmania, education, women's university union, oxford university

CWA of Victoria was a popular widely known organisation throughout Australia. The CWA aimed to improve health welfare, and education for women and children living in the country.Each town / area in the Kiewa Valley had an active CWA. The Tawonga branch commenced in Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with other branches of the Kiewa Valley.Country Women's Association of Victoria Group Map, June 1961. each area is colored ad each wit a letter of the alphabet. each group has a number and is listed. eg. blue, 'N' and "Tawonga 14' country women's association, map of cwa groups, tawonga cwa

The Country Women's Association of Victoria was a popular widely known organisation throughout Australia. The CWA aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country.Each town / area in the Kiewa Valley had an active CWA. The Tawonga branch commenced in Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with other branches in the Kiewa Valley. One of their activities may have been to play cards.Green cotton square tablecloth for a fold-up card table. It has an yellow with a little bit of white embroidered circle / emblem in one corner. Inside the circle is "Victoria' and CWA (on top of each other as per the CWA emblem.) The edges are hemmed and a seam runs around all edges so that the square sits correctly on the table.Victoria CWAcountry women's association, tablecloth, community, volunteers, women, charity

Country Women's Association of Victoria was a popular widely known organisation throughout Australia. The CWA aimed to improve health, welfare and education for women and children in the country.Each town / area in the Kiewa Valley had an active CWA. The Tawonga branch commenced in Feb. 1946 and often combined activities with other branches in the Kiewa Valley.1. Nov. 2000, Vol. 46, No. 10. Cover: Purple & red tulips 2. October 2004 Vol. 50, No. 9 x2 Cover: Olive Green surrounding oval shaped photo 'The Log Cabin' 3. April 2001, Vol. 47, No. 3 Cover: Mustard surrounding square portrait of 'Nursing Sister Atherton, N. Qld.' 4. Agenda for the Annual Conference of the Kiewa Valley Group of the CWA of Vic.Also includes National Anthem, CWA Collect & Mottocountry women's association, journals, kiewa valley group of cwa

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 of available workers and the well being of the women and children. This tea towel would have been used at a later date possibly for fund raising as the group continued to meet and work together.This large blue green, yellow, brown and black with a white border, linen, tea towel has the CWA logo in the middle with pictures of handcrafted items surrounding it. Along the bottom is printed: "Handicrafts / of the / Country Women's Association of Victoria."Handicrafts / of the / Country Women's Association of Victoria - along the bottom Pure Irish Linen - bottom left Dummay - bottom righttea towel, cwa, tawonga, kitchen, linen

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.

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 an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Round green and white badge with the CWA logo in the centre of a green triangular shield. The logo is in gold. Around the triangular shape it is white with Victoria in gold at the top and 2 slim leaves on each side of the other sides. The badge has a green border. The back is gold and two of them have a pin attached. The third has a ring attached at the top. On the back each one has a different inscription and all are hard to read. Each badge is very slightly different in texture and depth of colour perhaps indicating that they were made at different times."Victoria / CWA" On the back - 1. Inscribed in oval shape 'Morgan Swann' but upside down to each other. 2. Inscribed - 'Stoker' 3. Inscribed - 'Stokes' or 'Stones'tawonga. country woman's association of victoria. badge. cwa logo.

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 an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Slim rectangular shaped gold badge with a 'v' shape at each end. Its border is wavy. The writing is in green capital letters. At the top in the middle there is a 2 link chain. On the back is a pin.Branch Secretarytawonga. country woman's association of victoria. cwa. badge. branch secretary.

The Tawonga branch of the Country Women's Association commenced on the 7th February 1946 and 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 WWII having had an effect on available workers and the well being of the women and children.Black and white case with reinforced corners on the lid an container, metal handle and metal clip fasteners. A hard case of reinforced cardboard. Includes: C,W.A. magazines from the hears 2000 onwards. Recipe book 1978, badges, Inside the lid "Tawonga CWA Secretary's Case"country women's association, tawonga cwa

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 members achieved these aims by being involved in handcrafts of all kinds.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.The book has a cover with Autumn colours of flowers in a vase with the title in block letters of pale yellow. It has 47 pages bound by 2 staples. The crafts involve the use of plants in creating decorations.tawonga. country woman's association of australia. crafts. plant crafts.c.w.a.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Roper family were very involved for many years in the activities of the branch. Clare Roper collected and documented the history of the Tawonga C.W.A. and the Kiewa Valley C.W.A.. 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 of available workers and the well being of the women and children.Black wooden plaque sloped to a narrow gold coloured border surrounding a black surface with a gold badge shaped plaque. The plaque has writing etched into it and painted white.Tawonga Branch C.W.A. / honours its Members / Kiewa Valley / Group Presidents / Annie V. Roper 1958 - 60 / (Mrs Bert) / Clara J. Roper 1964 - 66 / (Mrs Jack)tawonga. country woman's association of victoria. clara roper. annie roper.

CWA Tawonga 1946 - 1988 collection of its written history. The C.W.A. aimed to improve the health, welfare and education of women and children in the country. The book gives examples of all activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other CWA groups in the North East of Victoria. Through the photos it also gives a good example of women's fashions over the years.History of CWA Tawonga by Clare Roper, President, founding member and local resident. Women in Tawonga were mostly on farms and in 1946 felt remote after WWII as it affected available workers and the well being of children. The Country Women's Association improved the living conditions and well being of members in the Kiewa Valley community.Scrap book with block handwritten and coloured heading. Cover: Centre middle has a coloured photo of 10 ladies standing below a CWA logo. Covered with clear plastic. Consists of photos, newspaper clippings and typed sheets."CWA Tawonga from 1946 collected by C. Roper" - top of front pagecountry women's association; clare roper; tawonga;

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.

Tawonga C.W.A. was involved in dressmaking and other home industries.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. This was achieved by getting together and exchanging ideas on dressmaking while providing for their families and the local community, possibly selling their products at fetes.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.Small white and grey book with picture of tape measure and cotton reel on the cover. It has 15 pages including the cover which is printed on too. It has general instructions for sewing. Held by 2 staplesCover: Woman's Realm presents / Dressmaking / made easy / Simple instructions and / step-by-step diagrams for / making your own clothes tawonga. country woman's association of victoria. dressmaking. woman's realm. c.w.a.

The darning mushroom would have been an essential tool in an era when women were constantly repairing worn socks.Before the common use of synthetic materials, socks and other items of clothing were in constant need of repair. Darning would have been considered a necessary skill for girls and young women, part of their education as future wives and mothers. The mushroom was used to make repairs to clothing and bed linen.This darning tool was an essential item in 19th and early 20th century household as self-reliant women often had to make and repair all their clothing.A mushroom-shaped piece of smooth wood used to stretch and support material being darned.darning-mushroom needlework handicraft domestic

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.

Isobel Dowling began her career in tertiary education in Ballarat at the Teachers' College. This merged with the Ballarat College of Advanced Education in 1976. More name changes and she finished her career as a lecturer in Sociology and Politics at the University of Ballarat. One of her students was Steve Bracks who became Premier of Victoria. One of her greatest achievements involved pioneering work towards forging a career in higher education for women. An inaugural listing on "Ballarat's Great Women Honour Roll' in 2008, Isobel Dowling died in 2013.isobel dowling, women of note, tertiary educator, ballarat teachers' college, ballarat college of advanced education, university of ballarat, sociology and politics, steve bracks, premier of victoria, career in higher education for women, honour roll in 2008

Dr Michele Matthews has been a local and social historian for nearly three decades since she first used correspondence held by the then Bendigo City Council for her Honours thesis. She is an ardent advocate for the use of local history records to tell Victorian and Australian history from a grassroots perspective. Michele’s MA thesis, ‘A forgotten “Father” of Federation: Sir John Quick 1852‑1911’ (2003), and her PhD thesis, ‘Survivors, schemes, Samaritans and shareholders: the impact of the Great Depression on Bendigo and District 1925‑1935’ (2007), both drew heavily on Bendigo and district records. Michele used these articles as part of her research: The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. played a significant role in shaping opportunities for young women during the early twentieth century. It combined religious values with practical education, recreation, accommodation, employment assistance, and community service. By addressing women's social, educational, physical, and spiritual needs, the Association became an important institution within Bendigo, helping thousands of women develop confidence, independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Its work also contributed to broader social reform by improving women's access to education, employment, health, and civic participation. Michele Matthews Collection: PHD Research - The YWCA in Bendigo, Newspaper Articles and a publication (Author Unknown) This item includes the following documents: 8672.31a Newspaper (Unknown) Article coloured photo of Kylie Emonson who had been researching the YWCA and memorabillia, story by Nicole Strahn and photo by Brendan McCarthy. 8672.31b Newspaper (Unknown) Article coloured photo of Norma Cook sifting through old clippings and photos, story by Nicole Strahn and photo by Laura Scott. 8672.31c The article 8672.31c "YWCA: A Century of Achievements" celebrates the 100-year history of the Bendigo YWCA and its significant contribution to improving the lives of women and girls. Founded in the early 1900s, the organisation initially focused on helping women achieve financial independence by providing employment assistance, educational classes, and safe accommodation. It also offered practical training in subjects such as shorthand, dressmaking, and millinery, creating opportunities that were uncommon for women at the time. As the organisation developed, its services expanded to meet the changing needs of the community. The Bendigo YWCA established hostels and residences for women, provided affordable meals, and later introduced a wide range of programs supporting young mothers, migrants and refugees, women in business, and survivors of violence. It also promoted women's participation in sport by helping establish hockey and basketball teams and encouraging community involvement through theatre, singing, fitness, and holiday programs. During World War I, the YWCA even encouraged women to save money through weekly savings schemes. Although the YWCA was originally founded on Christian principles, the article explains that it evolved into an inclusive organisation focused on equality and empowerment rather than religion. According to Bendigo YWCA coordinator Kylie Emmerson, the organisation has always been committed to helping women become independent and providing opportunities that were often unavailable to them. Long-time member Norma Cook also reflects on the important role the YWCA has played in advancing women's rights and creating equal opportunities over many decades. The article concludes by describing the Bendigo YWCA's centenary celebrations, including a permanent sculpture and a public exhibition featuring decorated handbags representing each decade of the organisation's history. It also highlights several current programs, such as school holiday activities, community arts projects, self-protection classes, the Baby Dolls program for young mothers, the Bendigo Young Women's Network, the Encore exercise program for breast cancer survivors, and the Week Without Violence campaign. Overall, the article presents the Bendigo YWCA as an organisation that has continually adapted over the past century while remaining dedicated to supporting, educating, and empowering women and girls. 8672.31d Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Sat March 22 1986. YWCA's great record of service by Maurie McDonald, black and white photo of one of the girls' basketball teams. 8672.31e Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Sat March 22 1986. YWCA's great record of service by Maurie McDonald. The article traces the history of the Bendigo YWCA, which was established in 1906 following a public meeting inspired by representatives from the Melbourne YWCA. Founded to promote the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical development of women and girls, the organisation quickly became an important part of the Bendigo community. In its early years, it focused on meeting the practical needs of young women by creating an employment bureau, offering guidance on job applications and interviews, and recognising the need for safe and affordable accommodation for women moving to Bendigo for work. A major milestone came in 1919, when the YWCA purchased the Black Swan Hotel and transformed it into a residence for young women. The building provided accommodation as well as classes in home nursing, millinery, first aid, typing, bookkeeping, French and English. Beyond housing and education, the YWCA also became known for addressing controversial social issues of the time, including women's rights and sex education, by organising lectures and discussions that encouraged public debate. The organisation also played a significant role in promoting sport and recreation. In 1926, it helped establish Bendigo's first basketball association and later introduced softball to the city. During the Great Depression, the Black Swan became a refuge for girls and young women who had little hope of employment, providing companionship and support. Throughout World War II, YWCA members contributed to the war effort by washing and ironing for servicemen, writing letters, and organising dances and social events for Australian and American soldiers stationed in the region. The article highlights the contributions of several influential women who shaped the Bendigo YWCA over the decades. Members such as Vi Morgan, Loris Nankivell, and Mavis Carne expanded the organisation's programs and strengthened its role within the community. Their leadership helped the YWCA move beyond its original focus on accommodation and employment to become a centre for education, recreation, youth development and family support. From the 1960s onwards, the Bendigo YWCA broadened its services by introducing after-school care programs and developing the **Mother-Child Playgrounds Project**, an initiative that later became a model adopted throughout Australia. In 1968, it established the **Young Theatre Group**, providing hundreds of local young people with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity and performance skills. These programs reflected the organisation's commitment to responding to changing community needs. By 1983, the YWCA had moved to new premises at **465 Hargreaves Street**, where it continued to offer a wide range of services. At the time the article was written, these included school holiday programs, play schools, porcelain painting, stretch sewing, English and French classes, exercise and yoga, the Young Theatre, friendship groups, women's workshops and drama groups. Overall, the article celebrates the Bendigo YWCA's eighty-year history, highlighting its transformation from a support organisation for working women into a diverse community organisation that made lasting contributions to education, welfare, recreation and social development in Bendigo. 8672.31f Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Nov 04 1985. Family fun Fair in 79th Year, Black and white photo of YWCA Women in the 1920s, by Susan Masters. Front Row: Phyllis Ellery, Leah Wilson, Vi Clifton, Rene Truscott, Hilda Read and Vera Baker. Back Row: Glad Richardson, Elsie Talbot, Dorothy Ackland, Dorothy Hodden and Dorothy McKay. The photo has been scanned from the newspaper article. 8672.31g Newspaper article from the Bendigo Advertiser, Mon Nov 04 1985. Family fun Fair in 79th Year, by Susan Masters. The article celebrates the 79th anniversary of the Bendigo YWCA, highlighting both its upcoming annual family fun fair and the organisation’s long history of supporting women and the local community. The fair, to be held at Rosalind Park on **Saturday, November 16**, will feature amusements, cake and plant stalls, craft displays, horse and buggy rides, and a surprise visit by VFL footballers. Funds raised will support YWCA programs, with the Bendigo Zonta Club also assisting through a ceramics exhibition. The article explains that the YWCA has been a significant provider of services for women in Bendigo since **1906**, adapting to changing social needs over the decades. Public relations officer Jill Tobias notes that the organisation has always focused on supporting women, and early fundraising included donated pottery from Victorian artists and prizes contributed by prominent figures in the arts. A major focus of the article is the YWCA’s historical role in providing practical support for young women. In 1911, it established a "thrift club" that encouraged women to save small amounts of money each week. It also offered writing rooms, meeting facilities, and an employment bureau for girls. By 1919, the organisation had expanded into larger premises where it hosted educational lectures, including an early series of talks on sex education, reflecting its progressive approach to women's education. The article also highlights the YWCA’s commitment to accommodation and community support. It operated a hostel for young women for many years, beginning with the conversion of the "Black Swan" hotel and later moving to a larger building that continued as a youth centre until 1981. During the 1920s, the YWCA welcomed Swiss girls to Bendigo to work in local knitting mills, providing accommodation and helping them settle into the community. Beyond welfare services, the YWCA played an important role in developing women's sport in Bendigo. A basketball (later netball) association was formed in **1926**, while the YWCA’s hockey association enjoyed many successful seasons and hosted the Women's International Rules Basketball in 1969. The organisation also established a mother-and-child playgroup and a home tutor scheme for migrant women, demonstrating its broad commitment to community development. Looking ahead, the article notes that the YWCA hoped to continue evolving to meet changing community needs. Coordinator Judyth Jones encouraged new members to join the association, emphasising that the future success of its programs would depend on continued public involvement and support. 8672.31h Unknown Author 38 pages of the history of the YWCA in Bendigo. The document is an academic history of the Bendigo Young Women’s Christian Association (Y.W.C.A.) between 1906 and 1939, focusing on its establishment, development, activities, and contribution to women and the wider Bendigo community. Establishment of the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. (1906–1919) The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. was established in May 1906 as part of the wider Y.W.C.A. movement in Victoria. Its founders sought to improve the spiritual, social, educational, and physical wellbeing of young women, particularly those moving to Bendigo for work or study. Initially operating from rented rooms, the Association provided Bible studies, educational classes, recreation, and a safe meeting place. As demand grew, it expanded its services and, in 1919, opened a permanent hostel in the former Black Swan Hotel, offering affordable and secure accommodation for women travelling or working in Bendigo. Activities and Programs (1906–1939) The Y.W.C.A. believed in developing the "whole person" and therefore offered a broad range of activities beyond religious instruction. Members participated in educational classes, including bookkeeping, shorthand, languages, sewing, cooking, literature, and correspondence courses. Lectures addressed health, citizenship, family life, and social issues, encouraging women to become informed, confident, and capable members of society. Physical recreation formed another important aspect of the Association's work. Sporting competitions, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, marching, folk dancing, and exercise classes promoted healthy lifestyles and provided opportunities for friendship and leadership. Club activities fostered teamwork, confidence, and community spirit, while family and social clubs helped members develop lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. Welfare and Community Service The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. extended its work well beyond its members. The hostel offered affordable accommodation, meals, and a supportive environment for young women, particularly those working away from home. During the Great Depression, the Association reduced boarding fees for women facing financial hardship, demonstrating its commitment to social welfare. The organisation also operated employment services, helping women find work while providing temporary accommodation. Other initiatives included the Thrift Club, which encouraged savings, and the Travellers' Aid Society, which assisted women and families travelling through Bendigo with accommodation, transport, and emergency support. Holiday accommodation was also provided for women needing rest or recovery. Response to the First World War During the First World War, the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. redirected many of its activities to support the war effort. Members organised fundraising, prepared care packages for soldiers, assisted military camps, and supported women whose family members were serving overseas. Educational meetings and lectures kept members informed about wartime conditions, while international Y.W.C.A. links strengthened members' awareness of global humanitarian work. Following the war, the Association promoted citizenship and leadership among young women through the Girl Citizen movement. These programs aimed to prepare women for greater social responsibility by providing education in health, family life, community service, and public citizenship. International Outlook The Bendigo Y.W.C.A. promoted international friendship and Christian fellowship through correspondence with overseas branches and participation in worldwide Y.W.C.A. programs. Members learned about different cultures, missionary work, and international issues through lectures, discussions, and exchanges with women from other countries. The organisation believed that understanding other cultures and fostering cooperation would contribute to world peace and responsible citizenship. Overall Contribution The study concludes that the Bendigo Y.W.C.A. played a significant role in shaping opportunities for young women during the early twentieth century. It combined religious values with practical education, recreation, accommodation, employment assistance, and community service. By addressing women's social, educational, physical, and spiritual needs, the Association became an important institution within Bendigo, helping thousands of women develop confidence, independence, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Its work also contributed to broader social reform by improving women's access to education, employment, health, and civic participation.bendigo, michele matthews collection, ywca

The Tawonga C.W.A. formed on 7th Feb. 1946. It was a very active group with 45 members in that year. Numbers fluctuated throughout the years and totalled 26 members in 1988. The Tawonga C.W.A. 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 book gives examples of all the activities the members were involved in over the years and their involvement with other C.W.A. groups in North East Victoria and Victoria. There are many photos of members and their activities too. These photos give a good representation of what womens fashions were during the mid part of the 20 century. Historical: 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. This scrap book was complied by Claire Roper one of the founding members of the CWA. It traces the history of the Tawonga branch of the CWA, its members and what they did which improved the living conditions for their community. Large scrap book held together by 3 large staples originally with blank pages. The pages have been written on and newspaper articles have been pasted in. The book was covered with light brown paper, the heading has been handwritten using block letters coloured in green with black outline. Centre front of the book has a photo of ladies dated 1978. Their names are typed in underneath. The book has then been covered by clear plastic.The title: "C.W.A. / Tawonga / Scrap Book / Collected by C. Ropercountry women's association of victoria. tawonga. clare roper.