From

1920
Sydney, New South Wales

Occupations

University club/society, Lobby group and Social support organisation

Alternative Names

• Australian Federation of University Women N.S.W. Inc (Previous name, - December 2009)
• Sydney University Women Graduates' Association

Website

http://www.afgwnsw.org.au

Location

PO Box 2231 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235 email: afgwnsw@netspace.net.au

Summary

The Sydney University Women Graduates' Association was founded in 1920, to bring graduates and undergraduates together for social and intellectual purposes.
It's initial aim was to form the Australian Federation of University Women as a national body affiliated with the International Federation of University Women (IFUW). Louisa MacDonald (first principal of Sydney University's Women's College) and Mildred Muscio attended the inaugural conference of the IFUW in London in July 1920. On their return they wrote a draft constitution for the new body, and held meetings in Melbourne and Brisbane which soon led to the formation of women graduates' associations in those states as well. In 1922 a conference was organised in Sydney to formally enact the new body - attended by 75 women graduates from all states apart from Western Australia. By the end of 1923 there was a branch of AFUW in every state - some formed out of existing associations of university women. In December 2009, the AFUW changed its name to the Australian Federation of Graduate Women in order to represent the broadening of their membership parameters. They continue to promote peace and friendship and empowerment for women through education in Australia and internationally.

Sources used to compile this entry: McGrath, Amy, A Short History of the N.S.W. Association of University Women Graduates, NSW Association of University Women Graduates, Sydney, 1970.