CWA Hall

Statement of Significance

The building is important for its association with development of social, recreational and institutional activities of the district.

Physical Description

The timber framed building was erected on land donated by the Road Board adjacent to the Woodanilling hall.

History

At the inaugural meeting of the Woodanilling Country Women's Association on September 15, 1934, RS Bell, chairman of the Road Board occupied the chair at a meeting convened by Mrs Zetta Carter, who was elected president. Mrs D Wilson and Mrs Elsie Dinwoodie were vice presidents, Mrs Lena Prosser the foundation secretary also acted as treasurer. Other foundation members were Mesdames J Cornelius, H Becker, Atkins, A Beeck and Matron Blockhouse of the
Woodanilhng Hospital. After 8 months of operations the little branch had grown to 14 members.

End of year social dances were held in Doug Wilson's shearing shed near Boyerine. The second birthday party for the Woodanilling branch was a big occasion with the State president Mrs Craig heading the list of guests. That year a Christmas party was arranged for the children of the
district, but had to be cancelled because of a severe outbreak of whooping cough.

The Woodanilling Co-operative held an annual social for their customers and shareholders and when the CWA catered for the 250 people at the 1937 social they made a profit of £4/14/-. The following year, the branch undertook catering for afternoon teas at the local football matches.
With the onset of war, the branch in conjunction with the other local women raised over 700 pounds for the patriotic funds.

The early meetings of the branch were held in the card room of the hall. In May 1958 the CWA hall and a rest room was completed and opened free of debt. The cost of construction was 1200 pounds and the land was donated by the Road Board. The official opening was performed by Olive Nalder, wife of the local State Member. A kitchen and toilet block was added in 1967 at a
further cost of £2033. Of this £1000 had been loaned by the Grain Pool of WA free of interestover 15 years, but within seven years the money had been repaid.

Over the years the branch has been active not only in catering for such events as clearing sales, weddings and wind-up dinners for sporting clubs, but also in organising social events, concerts and benefit evenings for disaster victims. The hall was also hired to other community groups such
as the Farmers Union.

While the local honour board contains many names, some of the longer serving office bearers have been Zetta Carter, secretary for 23 years, including 19 years straight from 1937 - 1955 inclusive, and treasurer for 2 years prior to this, Mrs H Becker, treasurer from 1937 to her death in 1951. Muriel Ferrari, treasurer for 8 years and president for 3 years and Elva Shackley, president for 7 years, secretary for 2 years and treasurer for 3 years. Mrs Shackley was also divisional president from 1973 - 1975 inclusive.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most
Modifications: Some

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.