QCWA Gootchie Branch

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

💛 Happy National Volunteers Week to the backbone of the QCWA, our amazing volunteers!
Across Queensland, our members are quietly doing extraordinary things; baking, fundraising, advocating, connecting, and caring for their communities every single day.
We see you. We thank you. We celebrate you. 🙌
18–24 May 2026 | Your Year to Volunteer

10/05/2026

Today, we celebrate the women who nurture, guide, support and love in so many different ways. 💙

To the mothers raising families, the grandmothers sharing wisdom, the step mums, carers, aunties, mentors and mother figures who help shape our communities — thank you.

We also acknowledge those who hold their mothers close in memory, those navigating difficult relationships, and the women who wished for the opportunity to become mothers but never had that chance. Today can carry many emotions, and there is a place for all of them.

At QCWA, we know the strength of our communities is built on compassion, resilience and care — qualities so many women share every day, often quietly and without recognition.

Wherever Mother’s Day finds you today, we hope you feel appreciated, supported and valued.

Happy Mother’s Day from QCWA. 💐

06/05/2026

QCWA IMPORTANT DATES

18-20 May: State Executive Board (SEB) meeting
13-16 May: Handcraft School - Charters Towers
25-29 May: Council
12-14 June: Northern Region Conference - Townsville
15-17 June: State Executive Board (SEB) meeting
26-28 June: Central Region Conference - Rockhampton
27-30 July: State Executive Board (SEB) meeting
3 August: State Executive Board (SEB) Nominations Due
8-16 August: EKKA
7-9 September: State Executive Board (SEB) meeting
21 September: State Executive Board (SEB) Ballots Due
5-9 October: State Executive Board (SEB) meeting
14 October: Pre Conference Council (Online)
26 - 28 October: State Conference - Maroochydore

03/05/2026

The 1st Sunday in May each year is designated as CWA Sunday.

This is an Australia wide recognition for and by Members of the various State Associations of CWA of A {Country Women’s Association of Australia} and the communities they serve.
From the CWA of A book, “The Many Hats of Country Women” by Brenda Steven-Chambers, it is noted that at the 1949 National Conference in Sydney that the 1st Sunday in May be the date if agreed to be by the Churches.
QCWA has a Motto which is:- “Honor to God, Loyalty to the Throne, Service to the Country, Through Country Women, For Country Women, By Country Women”. And a Creed based on the words written By Howard Arnold Walters which QCWA sing to a tune written by Laurie Annette Sterne a past Member. It is also sung to the tune of “Londonderry Air”, commonly known as “Danny Boy”. Howard was a missionary who wrote the words for his parents for a Christmas gift when he did not have a gift to give them. “I WOULD BE TRUE, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave for there is much to dare; I would be friend to all – the foe – the friendless; I would be giving and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up – and laugh and – love and lift.”

27/04/2026

Recipe of the Year is a national search for the one recipe that best captures Australia today, told through real home cooks, their stories, and the dishes that mean something to them. This is a show about who we are as Australians - told through the food we cook at home.

How do you apply?
Head to recipeoftheyear.com.au

Who should apply?
Anyone! Men, Women, Country, City - as long as you are a good cook who loves bringing together people through food. We’re not after Masterchefs, or professionals - we want real Australians who love cooking.

What sort of food will be on the show?
This is not baking show. We are after all recipes - sweet, savoury and everything in between. We’re not after deconstructed masterpieces, or a recipe with 50 ingredients - we are after everyday recipes that anyone can cook.

When do applications close?
Monday 15 June. But don’t wait! Get your application in soon!

What is the age range?
18 years and older

THE QCWA
● The QCWA has been running cooking competitions for more than 100 years - long before MasterChef.
● The QCWA are the custodians of Australian home cooking.
● We’ve been preserving recipes and communities for generations
● We’re thrilled to get the work of the QCWA highlighted in this way
● We’re thrilled to be working with the ABC to tell this story.

25/04/2026

🌺 Lest We Forget – ANZAC Day 2026 🌺

Today, on ANZAC Day, we pause to honour the courage, sacrifice and spirit of all those who have served our nation, past and present.

Across Queensland, QCWA members stand alongside our communities in remembrance, reflecting on the strength and resilience of the women and families who supported those in service, both at home and on the front lines.

We remember not only the soldiers, but also the enduring legacy of mateship, service, and community, values that continue to guide QCWA today.

Whether attending a dawn service, placing a wreath, or taking a quiet moment of reflection, we invite you to join us in honouring their stories and their sacrifice.

🌿 Lest we forget. 🌿

13/04/2026

Zucchini on special? Time to stock up🥒💚

Now’s the perfect time to stock up on Zucchini and whip up a classic Zucchini Slice. This a budget and family friendly favourite that’s just as tasty hot or cold, and perfect for lunches or easy dinners. Bonus: it freezes perfectly, so make a double batch and save some for later 🙌

Want something a little different? Add a twist. Use the Country Kitchens zucchini slice recipe as your base, then get creative by adding a few extras. Ham, peas and feta, or pumpkin with sundried tomatoes are great alternative flavour combinations 🌿

Find our zucchini slice recipe here: https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/recipe/zucchini-slice/

Health and Wellbeing Queensland

11/04/2026

08/04/2026

Looking for a way to use up leftover hot cross buns from Easter? Cut them in half and swap them in for the fruit loaf in our Bread and Berry Pudding recipe. Blueberry season doesn't start until July, so feel free to use frozen blueberries - or any other frozen berries you have on hand! 🍞🍓🍒

Find the recipe on our website 👉 https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/recipe/bread-and-berry-pudding/
Health and Wellbeing Queensland