1930's - The Great Depression Years

In the early 1930’s, the CWA of WA was flourishing with new members and branch openings. However, the Great Depression had a disastrous impact on the price of primary industries, creating poverty in rural regions.

CWA of WA provided stress relief to the unemployed and struggling families through fundraising and in-kind donations such as knitted or remodelled clothing and food hampers. The Barter and Produce scheme in 1932 allowed the inexpensive transport and exchange of wheat, fruit and vegetables between farming regions. The Fruit Scheme in 1933 delivered “good fruit” to schools in the dry regions of WA.

The iconic CWA Cookery Book and Household Hints, first published in 1936, was drafted as a valuable resource of thrifty recipes, during post-depression years.