The first Country Women’s Association (CWA) was formed in 1922 following a conference of people concerned about the problems facing some women in the country. More than 100 branches were soon established throughout Australia. The women who founded them were inspired by similar organisations that had begun in Canada and Britain early in the century. The CWA successfully lobbied governments to get better education and health care services for women and children in rural areas. CWAs provided a chance for isolated women and children to meet and support each other. They also offered a wide range of services, such as baby health centres, holiday homes, libraries, hospital visiting, and hostels for school and university students studying in towns or cities.