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Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria.

Also known as
The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria. (1885-)
Women's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria.
Persistent Identifier
http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-464917

Biographies

Australian Women's Register

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Victoria was founded in 1887 when the 12 existing local branches in Melbourne suburbs and regional Victoria joined together to form a Colonial Union. It is primarily dedicated to promoting total abstinence from alcohol and other harmful drugs and all members sign a pledge to this effect. Under its broader agenda of ‘home protection’ and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and in its belief that the dangers of alcohol could not be tackled in isolation, the WCTU has pursued a very wide-ranging reform agenda mostly relating to the welfare of women and children. Importantly, influenced by its sister organisation in the United States, the Union became a major supporter of the campaign for women’s suffrage in Australia as it was believed that power at the ballot box was the only way to achieve their goals. While at its most influential in the years up to WWI, the movement continues today.

The first local Union was established in Victoria in 1885 and the movement grew rapidly. The Victorian Union was founded largely due to the efforts of Marie Kirk and the Rev. Philip Moses who arranged the first Organising Conference in 1887. The foundation president was Mary Love, who had been a member of the Union in the United States prior to her move to Melbourne in 1886. At its first Annual Convention in 1888, the Union outlined its operational agenda of 'Organisation, Preventive Work, Social Work and Educational Work.' By 1891 it had 57 branches.

By 1890 the Victorian Union had also committed itself to the suffrage cause: passing a resolution that:#xA; 'As men and women are alike in having to obey the laws … they should also be equal in electing those who make the laws; and, further, that the ballot in the hands of women would be a safeguard to the home, in which the interests of women are paramount, and as what is good for the home is also good for the State, the enfranchisement of women would be conducive to the highest national welfare.'#xA; In 1891 the Union sent a deputation to the Premier who responded cautiously that in order for him to take any action on the matter there would need to be united and representative agitation on the part of women. The Union thus approached the other two suffrage societies to discuss combined action. It was decided to launch a vigorous effort to gather signatures for a petition. They began a massive door knocking campaign which captured much attention. Never before had such large numbers of women taken to the streets in common cause. 30,000 signatures were collected and presented to parliament. The Union was instrumental in the formation of the Victorian Woman's Suffrage League in 1894.

The Union has also been involved in a range of other issues and causes. It was one of the first four groups to affiliate with the National Council of Women of Victoria in 1902. From its inception, the Union became concerned with children's welfare. It campaigned for reforms in the 'boarding-out' system and the appointment of inspectors and the raising of the age of consent for girls from 12 to 16 years. In 1909 it established Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria Kindergarten in Richmond, with an associated School for Mothers which held lectures by doctors and had visiting nurses. This was the first such institution in the State and was a forerunner of Baby Health Centres. The Kindergarten closed in 1953, but was reopened as an Occupational Centre for Mentally Retarded Children. From its earliest years it has also run a children's branch, the Loyal Temperance Union.#xA; From its earliest days, the Union has also been interested in the welfare of working-class 'girls', forming Clubs for Girls and offering affordable accommodation and meals at various hostels and its headquarters.

Other issues tackled by its various Departments of Work included prison reform, Aboriginal welfare, sex education, film censorship, early childhood education, peace and arbitration. In recent years, the WCTU has turned its attention to drug education, anti-smoking and gambling strategies and to the campaign against drink-driving.

View the full record at Australian Women's Register

Related people and organisations

Resources for Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria.

Selected resources (30)

Australian Women's Register

  1. The Busy Woman's Home Companion
    [1924]
    Published: Bendigo Branch, Woman' s Christian Temperance Union, Bendigo
  2. Youth Book of Citizenship Service
    [1933]
    Published: Education Committee of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, Melbourne
  3. The White Ribbon Signal: Official Organ of the Woman's Temperance Union of Victoria
    [1891-1931]
    Published: The Union, Melbourne
  4. Annual Report
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [1887-2001]
  5. Women Citizens of the New Nation: Reading some visual evidence
    Quartly, Marian
    [2002]
  6. Annual convention reports / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria.
    [1956-]
    Published: W.C.T.U.
  7. A Mission to the Home: The Housewives Association, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and Protestant Christianity, 1920-1940
    Smart, Judith
    [1998]
  8. Temperate Feminists: Marie Kirk and the WCTU
    Hyslop, Anthea
    [1985]
    Published: Penguin, Melbourne
  9. Colonising motherhood : Evangelical social reformers and Koorie women in Victoria, Australia, 1880s to the early 1990s
    Grimshaw, Patricia
    [1999]
  10. Oral evidence presented on behalf of the Woman's Christian Temperence Union of Victoria…: to a Board of Inquiry into the operation of the Liquor Control Act 1968 at Melbourne
    Bergon, M A
    [1977]
    Published: Woman's Christian Temperence Union of Victoria, Melbourne
  11. Women's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria. Peace Department and Local Association
    [[1889]]
    Published: Peacock Bros., Melbourne
  12. Forward in faith : an historical record of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union covering the years 1947-1973
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union
    [1975]
    Published: W.C.T.U., Melbourne
  13. Golden jubilee, 1887-1937
    [1937]
    Published: Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, Melbourne
  14. Temperance, Christianity and feminism : the woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, 1887-97
    Hyslop, Anthea
    [1976]
  15. Post-war women reformers and Aboriginal citizenship : rehearsing an old campaign?
    Holland, Alison
    [1999]
    Published: University of Melbourne and Australian Network for Research in Women's History
  16. From Vision to Reality: Histories of the affiliates of the National Council of Women of Victoria
    [1987]
    Published: YWCA, Melbourne
  17. Woman suffrage in Australia : a gift or a struggle?
    Oldfield, Audrey
    [1992]
    Published: Cambridge University Press, Melbourne
  18. Reading the silences: suffrage activists and race in nineteenth century settler societies.
    Grimshaw, Patricia
    [1999]
    Published: University of Melbourne and Australian Network for Research in Women's History, Parkville
  19. Religion and public life : Catholic women for this world and the next
    Massam, Katharine
    [1999]
    Published: Centre for Western Australian History, University of Western Australia, Nedlands
  20. Sex education debates and the modest mother in Australia, 1890s to the 1930s
    Warne, Ellen
    [1999]
  21. Australian Feminism: A Companion
    Caine, Barbara
    [1998]
    Published: Oxford University Press, Melbourne
  22. For God, home and humanity : a history of the Geelong City Union of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, 1888 to 1988
    Pargeter, Judith
    [1988]
    Published: Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Geelong, Vic.
  23. Christian women and changing concepts of citizenship rights and responsibilities in interwar Australia
    Smart, Judith
    [1999]
    Published: Deptartment of History, University of Melbourne and Australian Network for Research in Women's History, Melbourne
  24. A sacred trust: Cecilia Downing, Baptist faith and feminist citizenship
    Smart, Judith
    [1995]
  25. 'For the good that we can do': Cecilia Downing and feminist Christian citizenship
    Smart, Judith
    [1994]
  26. The 'Woman Question' in Melbourne, 1880-1914
    Kelly, Farley
    [1983]
    Published: Monash University, Melbourne
  27. Prowlers in the darkened cinema: Australian church women's associations and the arrival of the motion picture in Australia.
    Warne, Ellen
    [2000]
  28. One of Australia's daughters : an autobiography
    Cowie, Bessie
    [1900]
    Published: Ideal Publishing Union, London
  29. Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria Inc. : community organisation records
    [1887 - 1988]
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria Inc. (WCTUV), Executive Council: minutes, 1887-1976 (16 vols). WCTUV: photographs of Union activities, members, office bearers, buildings, kindergarten and children's camps, competitions and centenary celebrations, 1887-1987 (6 albums, c100 loose photographs). WCTUV: annual reports and conferences, 1888-1987, and minutes of annual conference, 1890-1972 (17 vols and loose issues). WCTUV: Local and District Union records, chiefly minute books, but also some financial records and roll books, c1892-1980s (475 vols). White Ribbon Signal, a bi-monthly journal of the Union, vol. 1, no. 1, 1892-1911, 1926-1988 (23 bound vols and loose issues). WCTUV: superintendents' record and cradle roll, listing babies and children enrolled as Little White Ribboners, 1919-1933 (1 vol.). WCTUV: convention rolls, listing delegates, 1941-1978 (8 vols). WCTUV: ledgers, cash books, and salary and wage books, relating to Melbourne city buildings owned by the Union, 1946-1961 (8 vols). WCTUV: scrapbook containing Little White Ribboners' enrolment and birthday cards and Loyal Temperance Legion enrolment cards, poems and songs, 1940s (1 vol.). WCTUV: reports of temperance aid to missionaries, 1945-1968 (1 vol.). WCTUV: minutes of Officers' meetings, 1947-1971 (2 vols). WCTUV: minutes of half-yearly conferences and special meetings, 1948-1970 (1 vol.). WCTUV: press cuttings, 1952-1988 (5 vols and loose cuttings). WCTUV: budget books, showing financial allocations to Local Unions, 1952-1970 (3 vols). WCTUV House Committee: minutes, 1898-1907, 1911-1928 (3 vols). Maria Kirk Free Kindergarten Committee: minutes, 1909-1959 (8 vols), and directors' reports, 1940-1953 (2 vols). WCTUV Finance Committee: minutes, 1913-1919, 1928-1975 (9 vols). WCTUV Publications Committee: minutes, 1913-1918 (1 vol.); and ledger relating to the sale of publications, 1939-1941 (1 vol.). WCTUV School for Mothers: minutes, 1915 (1 vol.). WCTUV Mothers' Prayer Meeting: minutes, 1922-1944 (1 vol.). WCTUV, Camperdown Union Children's League of Hope: minutes, 1925-1928 (1 vol.). WCTUV, Brighton Union Band of Hope: minutes, 1926-1933 (1 vol.). WCTUV, Murrumbeena Union Loyal Temperance Legion: minutes, 1927-1954 (6 vols), and scrapbooks kept by members aged ten to fifteen, containing cartoons and advertisements promoting temperance, and other ephemera, 1940s (2 vols). WCTUV Education Committee: minutes, 1928-1972 (7 vols). WCTUV Young Woman's Group: minutes, 1932-1946 (1 vol.). WCTUV State Council: minutes, 1932-1946 (1 vol.). WCTUV Pledged Women's Groups: roll books, 1933-1949 (19 vols). WCTUV Strand Cafe Finance Committee: minutes, 1943-1946 (1 vol.).
    Australian Historic Records Register
    2944
  30. Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [1887 - 1999]
    Minute books; minute books from various Victorian branches; sample books; National WCTU Department of Natural Fruit Juices and Wine Production books; membership registers; memorabilia; pamphlets; World Women's Christian Temperance Union reports; certificates; budget reports; annual convention reports; enrolment registers; summary of talks; cash books; photographs; models; publications; bound copies of 'The White Ribbon Signal', the official organ of the WCTU of Australia.
    17 m, 91 archives boxes
    The University of Melbourne Archives
    101/85

Resources By Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria. (17)

  1. Annual convention reports / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1956-2001]
  2. Annual minutes and report of the ... convention / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1947]
  3. Annual convention and reports / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1948-1955]
  4. Convention : at Willard Hall ... / Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, Inc
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 2002-2010]
  5. Annual records and methods of work done by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1800-1895]
  6. Forward in faith : an historical record of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union covering the years 1947-1973
    [Book : 1975]
  7. The White ribbon signal : official organ of the Woman's Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1900-2010]
  8. Annual report and convention / Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Article : 1936-1946]
  9. Annual report and conference / Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Article : 1900-1935]
  10. Annual report of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Article : 1896-1900]

More...

Resources About Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria. (11)

  1. Annual convention reports / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1956-2001]
  2. Annual minutes and report of the ... convention / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1947]
  3. Annual convention and reports / the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1948-1955]
  4. Convention : at Willard Hall ... / Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria, Inc
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 2002-2010]
  5. Annual records and methods of work done by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Periodical : 1800-1895]
  6. Forward in faith : an historical record of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union covering the years 1947-1973
    [Book : 1975]
  7. Annual report and convention / Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (Inc.)
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Article : 1936-1946]
  8. Annual report and conference / Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Article : 1900-1935]
  9. Annual report of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria
    [Article : 1896-1900]
  10. Golden jubilee, 1887-1937
    [Book : 1937]

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  1. Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria Education Committee
  2. Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria Bendigo Branch
  3. The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Australia (1891-)
    ... The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Australasia (later renamed the National Women's Christian ... The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria (1885 - ) ...

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  1. Website: Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria Inc.
    home.vicnet.net.au
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  2. Website: Australian Women in War
    www.womenaustralia.info
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  3. Website: Australian Women's Archives Project
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  1. Papers of Jessie Street
    Street, Jessie, 1889-1970
    [Unpublished : 1914-1968]
  2. Records
    [Unpublished : 1887-1999]
  3. Papers of Elizabeth Reid
    Reid, Elizabeth, 1942-
    [Unpublished : 1963-1981]
  1. WCTU statue
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  2. Apologia pro vita sua : being a his...
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    [Unknown image : 1895-1907]
  3. All Things Considered
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    Austen, Jane 1775-1817
    [Book, Audio book, Sound : 1815-2009]
    Available online
  2. The lady Ros Standley & Christopher J. Wilson
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  3. Tess of the D'Urbervilles, a pure woman faithfully presented, by Thomas Hardy
    Hardy, Thomas 1840-1928
    [Book, Audio book : 1891-2008]
    Available online
  4. Pride and prejudice Jane Austen
    Austen, Jane 1775-1817
    [Book, Audio book, Sound : 1800-2009]
    Available online
  1. FREE TRANSPORT SOUGHT
    The Argus (Melbourne,..., Friday 16 April 1937 p 4
    ... 1 FREE TRANSPORT ! I SOUGHT The Women's Christian Temperance Union of Victoria has decided that, as the Australian woman delegate to the Assembly bly of the League of Nations should have facilities foi meeting the women in all the States on her return, the Federal Govern- ment should make ... 57 words
  2. WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
    The Sydney Morning Herald..., Monday 14 October 1901 p 8
    ... WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE , PERANCE UNION. » Asa fitting wind-up to the annual convention the Woman's Christian temperance Union held aharbour excursion on Saturday afternoon The lie party to the ... and visitors from tho unions of Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia Alter v lsiting most of ... 137 words
  3. THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
    PREVIEW ONLY. This article is not yet available as it is undergoing quality control procedures.
    The Brisbane Courier..., Friday 8 February 1901 p 6
    ... THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE .UNION The central ral branch of the Womens Christian Temperance ... Temperance Hall, Edward-stree, yesterday. A jesteidaj V good number of members and friends were present ... served Three new members joined the union A vote of thanki to Dr Iracl elton to Mr= D IdwarJ anl ills ... 269 words