did not have enough members to continue paying for their upkeep, including council rates, insurance, electricity, water and maintenance. Nine halls were sold in New South Wales between 2003 and 2005, including halls at Cowra, Ettalong Beach and Jindabyne. CWA of Australia The idea of creating a federal body bringing together the various State associations was first discussed in 1929, with the idea put on hold until 1945 when the CWA of Australia was formed at a meeting of State presidents in Melbourne. In the initial years, states took it turn about to chair the CWAA and host annual meetings. Victorian President Mrs E.G. Marfell was elected first chair. South Australia and its President, Mrs Helen Withers, carried the mantle the following year and then, in June 1947, Bertha Mac Smith from NSW took on the role. From 1948 the changeover happened biennially. Over the years various changes were made to the constitution to make it more effective, while preserving the autonomy of member Associations. Significant change came in 1983, when new rules stipulated that the National President would be elected; in 1985 former NSW State President Dorothy Ross became the first elected president of CWA after a national ballot. The CWA of Australia officially ceased to operate in early 2022, with the organisation explaining that this was (in part) as a consequence of increasingly enhanced avenues of communication, which meant a single point of contact was perceived to no longer be required. In a statement issued at the time, it said the member associations had increased capacity to advocate on the issues of concern to their members, however limited resources did not allow for duplication of this capacity at a national level. Queensland Chapter (QCWA) The Queensland Chapter was formed on 11 August 1922 at Albert Hall, Brisbane. Ruth Beatrice Fairfax was elected the first President. This chapter celebrates 100 years of continuous service in Queensland on 11 August 2022. The first meeting of the Toowoomba branch was held at the Town Hall on 12 September 1922. Mrs Ruth Fairfax attended and spoke about the objectives of the organisation. The meeting resolved to hold a conference as soon as there were sufficient representatives to attend. The Queensland chapter was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2017, the QWCA created its own perfume, '1922', to mark its 95th anniversary. It was released at 2017