How has WCTU impacted on life in Australia?
A year after (1883) WCTU was formed in NSW the drink bill of the state was 5 pound, 16 shillings per head. In the first year of the new century (18 years later) it had reduced to 3 pound, 13 shillings and five pence per head. In 1882 there was one public house to 264 people, but in 1916 they had reduced to one to 913 people. Scientific teaching on temperance was established in state schools and competitive examinations were held. Today, our Victorian State Union – WCTU Drug-Free Lifestyles, runs drug education programs in the schools, giving demonstrations and information on drug-free living. In 1889 mothers and baby meetings were commenced by the Burwood Union. These meetings were the early forerunners of our modern Baby Health Centres. WCTU was also associated with opening the first Kindergarten at Richmond, Victoria which also incorporated a school for mothers. The age of consent for girls was raised from 13 to 18 years. Women’s Suffrage: WCTU was associated with the women’s suffrag
