Augusta CWA Hall

Statement of Significance

Augusta CWA Hall is of significance: • For its association with the efforts and influence of the women of the district; and their social and economic contribution to Augusta and surrounding areas. • As a long-standing focal gathering point for the women of the community.

Physical Description

This is a small, symmetrical, timber-framed hall, with hipped roof and a centrally placed, gabled, front porch (opening to one side). The roof is clad with corrugated iron and has a small eaves overhang with exposed rafters.The walls are clad with flat sheet fibrous cement, with flat vertical battens and semi-round horizontal battens. The window openings have retained their original square proportions, but there are later windows with sliding aluminium frames.The main entrance is under the porch and comprises double timber doors accessed via a later concrete ramp (with evidence of a short handrail for former steps). There is a rear skillion, with an attached toilet extension.The CWA insignia is fixed as a sign to the centre of the front porch and as a raised painted detail over the back entrance. The building is located on an open site with informal landscaping

History

Agricultural Development Linked to the Group Settlement and WWII Soldier Settlement Schemes (c.1922-1960) • Establishment and Consolidation of Town and Village Centres. The Country Women’s Association began in Western Australia in 1924 as a non-party political, non-sectarian and not for profit organisation with the first branch being at Nungarin. The aim of the Association then, and still, is to improve the wellbeing of all people, especially those in country areas by promoting courtesy, cooperation, community effort, ethical standards and the wise use of resources. The CWA was formed to meet the needs of the time – to help women in isolated rural communities and to provide a voice to Government to seek solutions to the difficulties facing families in such areas.The Augusta CWA branch was first formed in 1933. Papers report fund raising activities being carried out in 1935-36 to build rest rooms at Flinders Bay. However, it is possible this did not eventuate, as membership was too low to sustain the branch, which closed in 1938.In 1939 a meeting of the Augusta-Karridale branch of the Country Women's Association was held at Mrs. Sutton's residence in Karridale, the idea being to reform the branch. Millars Timber and Trading Co. granted permission for the use of a suitable room in M.C. Davies’ ‘Big House’ for the CWA at an annual rent of £1. Furniture was supplied from abandoned group homes. Social evenings were arranged where the men and visitors played cards in the ballroom until the completion of the meeting, when they were joined by the women for music and games.A purpose built Karridale CWA Hall was built by H Challis in July 1948 adjacent to the sports ground. This escaped the 1961 Karridale bushfires, and was later moved to its present location at the Karridale crossroads.The Augusta CWA branch was reformed in 1952. On 6 July 1956, a freehold title for Lot 265 Allnutt Terrace was set aside for the Augusta CWA restrooms. The asbestos and corrugated galvanized iron building was erected at a cost of £1890.

Integrity/Authenticity

High: The original use has been maintained. Medium: The place has had some alterations, but the original intent/character is still clearly evident.

Condition

Good *Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

Creation Date

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