History of the Club

The Karrakatta Club was formed in 1894 by members of the St George’s Reading Circle, to bring together the women of the community into one working body, providing opportunities for education and leadership. Its members soon became active in the social issues of the day with its motto Spectemur Agendo: Let us be Judged by our Actions.

Our first Secretary, Edith Cowan OBE, who later became WA’s first member of Parliamentary and suggested the Club’s motto, was instrumental in setting up the Welcome Soldiers Institute in 1916, to care for those returning from WW1. This organisation later became the Returned Soldiers League – The RSL.

Our club continues to provide information and social interaction for our members, through a programme of weekly speakers, and a wide range of interest groups. We are affiliated with other women’s clubs, both across Australia and around the world. We also aim to keep our members advised of advocacy issues, and support the work of others working in the field.

Of course, we are also the wives, daughters and carers of ex-servicemen, and our membership includes ex-service women. We are proud of our shared history with the RSL, and their concept of holistic care for veterans and their families. Members of the Karrakatta Club are also members of ANZAC House. To find out more about the ANZAC Club, visit their website.

The Karrakatta Club is a warm and inclusive place, which welcomes new members. We encourage anyone interested to visit our office and lounge, situated on the ground floor of ANZAC House, where more details of our activities are available.