Jewish Women on the Map - National Council Of Jewish Women,
Australia The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia was
founded in Sydney in 1923, due largely to the efforts of Dr
Fanny Reading. Its initial purpose was to gather Jewish women
together to undertake religious and community service, in
addition to educational and philanthropic work. Membership of
the Council also included membership of the Australian Zionist
Organisation. Its first activities revolved around community
service to alleviate poverty and unemployment. By the end of its
first year the Council had 377 members, and was growing steadily
across the country. The first National Conference of the Council
was held in Sydney in May 1929, when its present name was
adopted: The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia. The
Council continues today as a non-profit, voluntary organisation
acting for the advancement of Jewish women, and for social
justice generally.