Country Women’s Association (CWA)

The Mingenew Yandanooka Branch was formed on 6th February 1929 with Mrs Bridge as President and Mrs Howard as Hon. Secretary. These ladies held the branch together with an iron hand for many years and achieved a great deal in a time of low wages and hard work caused by the depression.
Their first aim was to obtain the services of a district nurse. Sister Larson was appointed in 1930 with her annual wage being funded by the C.W.A. Their fund raising efforts included organising weekly dances, card evenings, catering for sales, polo matches and races.
In 1930 the C.W.A commenced organising plans for the building of a hospital. However in 1934 they reluctantly handed over this project to the District Hospital Association which completed the building in 1936. In 1936 the C.W.A Restrooms were built on this site. They served a very useful purpose for meetings, members’ convenience and accommodation, especially for mothers and their children from outlying areas.
The C.W.A contributed greatly to the war effort from 1941 – 1943 not only on the local front but also by making up food parcels to be sent to the troops overseas. They advocated strongly for native rights and improvements at the ‘Little Well’ Reserve. They established a special distress fund to aid people with food, clothing and housing during the depression.
The Yandanooka members formed their own branch in 1946.
In 1979 the restroom was demolished after being severely damaged by cyclone Hazel.