Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 1, Western Australia, Perth, Ungly Men's Association, MITCHELL, 1917

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Overview

Presentation by Ugly Men's Society to Dr RM Mitchell of Wooloroo for Fundraising efforts in form of a mock Ministerial appointment.

Historical information

The Ugly Men's Voluntary Worker's Association of Western Australia, or Ugly Men, was a uniquely Western Australian charitable organization founded in 1917. Originating from a fundraising competition by Mrs. Alicia Pell in Kalgoorlie, the concept was expanded by the East Perth Football Club to support the Perth Children's Hospital and the War Patriotic Fund. The first official branch was established in Mount Lawley, focusing on aid for those impacted by war.

During the 1920s, the Ugly Men were a significant cultural presence in Perth, with around 2,000 members from working-class backgrounds. They organized social events, dances, and fundraisers, including the popular "Ugly Man" competitions, where votes were cast through coin donations. Their influence peaked with the annual Uglieland carnivals in Perth and Fremantle, and they managed amusement sites such as White City and the Fremantle fairground. The Fremantle Ugly Men's Association operated an Uglieland fairground from 1922 to 1936 to support underprivileged children. Their work left a lasting legacy in Western Australia's charitable and social landscape.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-1997-146

Last modified

Monday, 9 June, 2025

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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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