Power of Us: History of the YWCA of Adelaide

The YWCA of Adelaide emerged from the activities of the early Christian settlers. In 1879, Mrs Colton (later Lady Colton) taught a class of young women in the Wesleyan Sunday School. The girls met with her for a social evening once a week, calling themselves the "Young Women’s Institute".

Another similar group met in the same Church under the leadership of Mrs Robin. It was their Minister, the Reverend R.M. Hunter, who suggested that the two groups should merge and form the YWCA in Adelaide.

The idea grew, and in 1880 Mrs Colton established the first YWCA in South Australia, and became its first President, an office she held for almost 20 years. Little did Mrs Colton think that from this small group of people, a vibrant association would grow representing thousands of members over the years.

Today, the YWCA of Adelaide encourages the involvement of a diversity of all faiths and religions with an emphasis on nurturing the strengths and abilities of women and girls, while also conducting a variety of community service programs.