Cover image for Federated Association of Australian Housewives - Tasmanian Branch
Agency:
Federated Association of Australian Housewives - Tasmanian Branch
Agency Number:
Start Date:
01 Jan 1919
End Date:
20 Dec 2009
Description:
This association originated in America in 1917, and was conceived as a non - political organisation to help women confined to the home. ;;The Federated Association of Australian housewives was founded by artist and feminist, Portia Swanston Geach (1873 - 1959) ;;The Tasmanian Branch of the Federated Association of Australian Housewives was established in 1919, with four branches throughout the state, including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Latrobe.;;The branches aimed to be non-political and non-sectarian, and according to the association's 1986 revised constitution, the association's main aim was to 'improve and protect the living conditions and welfare of housewives and homemakers in Tasmania.' Membership was open to 'all those interested in the maintenance of a reasonable standard of living for all citizens; the availability of the necessities of life being good quality and at a reasonable price; and the protection and moral well-being of the family.' ;;After 1940 all state branches amalgated and formed the Federated Association of Australian Housewives. National Conferences were held every second year in the 'home' state of the National President. ;;At its peak, in the 1980s, the national association had 175,000 members nationally and was recognised as an influential consumer watch-dog and political lobby group. ;;With the advent of strong consumer protection laws, the association recognised its work was complete and began to close its branches nationally. The Hobart branch was the last to close in 2009, after providing 90 years' of service to the community. Mrs Kathleen Venn, a prominent association member, was President of the Tasmanian branch for 40 years.
Information Sources:
'History of the Housewives Association,' by former President, Mrs Kathleen Venn.;;Government Media Statement - from Lisa Singh (Minister for Corrections and Consumer Protection), 21 December 2009.;;;;;;;;
Kathleen (Kath) Venn (NG3479)12 Nov 192626 May 2019