the country women's association was formed in 1922, initially with chapters in both new south wales and queensland. south australia followed in 1926, initially as the "burra country women's service association" with mary jane warnes as its founder and first president. a metropolitan branch was formed in adelaide in 1928. by 1936 there was a branch in each of the states and territories of australia. the formation of a federal body was discussed in 1943 and was agreed in 1945 by a meeting of all state presidents. the first annual conference of the c.w.a. of australia was held in adelaide in 1946. in 1947 delegates were appointed to go to the associated country women of the world conference in amsterdam.