The Sydney University Women's Council

The Sydney University Women's Association 'was founded in May 1892, with the aim of bringing all women Graduates and Undergraduates together from time to time for social and intellectual purposes, and of taking cognizance of all matters affecting their well-being'. (Calendar 1893, p.429)

In 1910 the Association had changed its name to Sydney University Women's Union. The object of the S.U.W.U. was to provide an opportunity for both undergraduates and graduates to meet, and also for graduates to keep in touch with the University after they ceased to attend lectures. The women graduates' annual commemoration luncheon took place under the auspices of this Union and was arranged by a committee of members.

By 1915 the Association had changed its name to Sydney University Women's Council. That name was assumed by the Sydney University Women's Union 'in order to leave the latter name free for adoption by the new women's organisation to be formed within the University'. The objects of the Council were unchanged with the addition that 'All University Women's Societies, graduate and undergraduate, were affiliated to the Council. (1915 Calendar, p.658).

The Sydney University Women's Union was established in 1914 but did not become operational until 1917. It took over many of the functions of the Women's Council.

In 1920 the Council became the Sydney University Women Graduates' Association and part of the Australian Federation of University Women, which was affiliated with the International Federation of University Women. The Association's objects were to further such interests as University women have in common, and to encourage its members to take an active interest in the University, and in such national and international affairs as may be considered of special importance to all University women. All women graduates were eligible for membership, and women who had completed University courses could be elected to associate membership. (1925 Calendar, p 883)

The University Archives holds no records for this Association.