100 Years of the Country Women`s Association NSWPrint Page 
The monument commemorates 100 years of the Country Women`s Association (C.W.A.) in New South Wales.
The C.W.A. was founded in 1922 by Grace Munro who was married to Hugh Munro of Keera Station near Bingara. In 1922, Grace organised a three day conference held during the week of the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. The C.W.A. was formed at the conference, with Grace Munro as the first president. Grace then travelled extensively in New South Wales and Queensland forming new branches of the Association. By 1923, there were sixty eight branches and seventeen Rest Rooms for mothers and children in country towns.
The Association appointed bush nurses and established seaside homes at Coffs Harbour and Dee Why in New South Wales. Grace campaigned actively for maternity wards in hospitals and separate railway carriages for mothers and children, badgering and cajoling Cabinet ministers to consider women in all forms of government planning. By 1926, when Grace Munro stepped down from the presidency, the C.W.A. had a membership of 4500 in 100 branches. Grace Munro died on 23 July 1964.
100 years of the CWA of NSW was recognised in Bingara last August with the unveiling of a monument in recognition of the centenary. In attendance were large number of community members, Gwydir Shire Council representatives and over 70 members of the CWA of NSW from across the state who travelled from as far away as Dubbo and Sydney.
Also in attendance were members of the Munro family, direct descendants of Grace Emily Munro, the founder and first president of the Country Women’s Association in 1922. Mrs Munro’s Grandson Mr Hugh Munro addressed the crowd and relayed fond memories of his grandmother and her determination and tenacity.
Former Associated Country Women of the World President MRS Ruth Shanks AM officially launched the memorial on behalf of Mrs Jenny Mitchell OAM, and past president of CWA of NSW who was the driving force behind the establishment of the monument.
The project was made possible by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program with assistance by the Gwydir Shire Council.
bingara.com.au, 9 January 2020.
Location
| Address: | East & White Streets, , Bingara, 2404 |
|---|---|
| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -29.860615 Long: 150.573559 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Monument |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Culture |
| Sub-Theme: | Community |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | April -1922 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | April - 2022 |
Dedication
| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: | August-2019 |
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Country Women`s Association N. S. W.
For Women, Through Women and By Women
In 1921, Miss Florence Gorden penned an article in the Stock & Station Journal “A union of help for country women” with the idea of establishing a Bushwomen`s Union, in order to improve the lives of country women who were suffering from sever isolation. The article gained much attention including that of Mrs Grace Munro.
Mrs Grace Munro MBE, of Keera Station, Bingara, had campaigned tirelessly to improve the medical conditions for women and children in the bush after the death of her young son in 1911. Upon reading “A union of help for country women”, Mrs Munro travelled to Sydney and together with Miss Gordon quickly organised the first Bushwomen`s Conference to beheld at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April 1922. It was here that the Country Women`s Association (C. W. A.) of New South Wales (NSW) was formed, with Mrs Grace Munro elected as the foundation President.
Since 1922, the women of the C. W. A. NSW have been initiators, lobbyists and supported of women and families locally. Their aim throughout this time has been to improve the conditions of country women and children by lobbying governments for change, helping the local community through disasters and bringing women together to build a network of support.
Miss Gordon’s and Mrs Munro`s legacies live on today through the C. W. A. of NSW and throughout Australia. The C. W. A. of NSW continues its work to advance the rights and equity of women, families and communities through advocacy and empowerment, especially for those living in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Celebrating 100 years 1922 - 2022
