Facilitator Spotlights
Meet some of our Country Kitchens Facilitators
Being a Country Kitchens facilitator is fun, educational and thoroughly rewarding.
Our facilitators are QCWA Branch or Supporter Members who volunteer to learn new skills in nutrition promotion, food literacy and group facilitation, enabling them to deliver the Country Kitchens program messages and activities within their communities. The Country Kitchens Facilitator Training PATHway includes online sessions as well as in-person training workshops, all designed to equip facilitators with the necessary skills to deliver a variety of healthy eating and lifestyle initiatives. In doing so, QCWA volunteers are improving health outcomes at a grassroots level.
Country Kitchens facilitators are part of a group of amazing volunteers; women with the power to heal their communities.
Click on the images below to read more about some of our Fabulous Facilitators, with profiles that have featured in previous editions of our Monthly Munch e-newsletter.
Dianne Tonkin-Taylor, Beerwah Branch
Published in the May 2024 edition of the Monthly Munch Here are a few words from Dianne at Beerwah Branch in Nambour and North Coast Division about why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator:I had been to a Country Kitchens friendship afternoon organised...
Wendy Gordon, QCWA Oakey Branch
Here are a few words from Wendy at Oakey Branch about her journey as a Country Kitchens facilitator. Wendy started her Country Kitchens journey back in 2019. She was drawn to the program because she loves cooking, sharing new skills and helping her community. She...
Judy Fysh, Nelia Branch
Judy Fysh from Nelia branch has been a facilitator for 7 years. Judy has worn many hats within the QCWA at a branch and division level over the years, demonstrating her dedication to the association. In addition to being a Country Kitchens facilitator, she is also the...
Glynis Stevenson, QCWA Chinchilla Branch
Published in the September 2020 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few works from Glynis Stevenson at QCWA Chinchilla. Glynis has been part of the Country Kitchens program since Day 1 and was integral in the rolling out and uptake of the program across the...
Tara McGrath, Dimbulah Branch
Published in the April 2022 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Tara McGrath at Dimbulah Branch in the Atherton Tableland Division of the QCWA. I joined the QCWA Country Kitchens program as a facilitator in July 2021. I am currently studying a...
Su Ranson, Charleville Branch
Su has been a Country Kitchens Facilitator for Charleville branch, since 2017.Su enjoys cooking new recipes, reading, gardening, and sharing meals with friends and family. Her interest in the program began after attending a Country Kitchens workshop, where she had a...
Sheila Marshall, St George Branch
Published in the April 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Sheila Marshall at St George Branch in Western Division. I became a Country Kitchens facilitator eight months ago because I’m passionate about health and wellbeing, and helping others...
Roslyn Reen, Middle Ridge Branch
Published in the June 2024 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Roslyn Reen, one of our Fabulous Facilitators from QCWA Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Division. Ros joined the Country Kitchens team in 2022 and was jointly awarded the Country...
Michelle Donohue, Quilpie Branch
Published in the November 2021 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Michelle Donohue at Quilpie Branch in the Warrego Division of the QCWA. I have been a part of the wonderful Country Kitchens program as a facilitator for 4 years now. Originally,I...
Michele Connors, Emu Park Branch
Published in the September 2024 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Michele Connors at Emu Park Branch in Capricornia Division.Michele embarked on her journey as a facilitator in September 2022. With a background in teaching and a passion for...
Mary-Therese Watson, Sarina Branch
Published in the October 2024 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Mary-Therese Watson from Sarina Branch in Pioneer Division about why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator: Mary-Therese began her journey as a Country Kitchens...
Margaret Laughton, Gracemere Branch
Published in the April 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Margaret Laughton at QCWA Gracemere Branch in Capricornia Division about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:I have been a Country Kitchens facilitator with the Gracemere branch since...
Margaret Gallagher, Middle Ridge Branch
Published in the August 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Margaret Gallagher at Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Division about her journey as a Country Kitchens facilitator. I joined Country Kitchens as a facilitator in 2018. Country...
Lydia Woods, Middle Ridge Branch
Published in the December 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words fromLydia at Middle Ridge Branch in Darling Downs Divisionabout why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been a part of the QCWA Country Kitchens program for 4...
Kaylene Adams, Malanda Branch
Published in the September 2022 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Kaylene at Malanda Branch in Atherton Tableland Division about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:My name is Kaylene and I have been a Country Kitchens facilitator for QCWA...
Judy Tully, Mount Larcom Branch
Judy joined the Country Kitchens program five years ago. In addition to her role as a facilitator, she has held various positions within the QCWA, including Branch President, Branch Vice President, and previously, Capricornia Division Convenor. When asked why she...
Judy Stubbs, of Maleny Branch
Published in the October 2020 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Judy Stubbs from Maleny Branch in the Nambour North Coast Division about her time as a facilitator:The Country Kitchens program offers a wonderful extension of the QCWA’s commitment...
Gabriella Field, Tin Can Bay Virtual Branch Member
Published in the September 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch. Here are a few words from Gabriella Field from QCWA Tin Can Bay Branch in Gympie and South Burnett Division about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I became a Country Kitchens facilitator in April 2022...
Erika La Budda, Supporter Member
This month we would like to highlight Erika La Budda - our first QCWA supporter member and Country Kitchens facilitator. Here are a few words from Erika about her time as a facilitator:My name is Erika and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for just over...
Donna Formosa, Freshwater Branch
This month we would like to highlight Donna Formosa from QCWA Freshwater Branch in Far Northern Division. Here are a few words from Donna about being a Country Kitchens facilitator:My name is Donna Formosa and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for three...
Diane Donaldson, Herberton Branch
This month we would like to highlight Diane Donaldson from Herberton Branch in the Atherton Tableland Division of the QCWA. Here are a few words from Diane about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: My name is Diane and I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens...
Colleen Dunn, Glenmorgan Branch
This month we would like to highlight Colleen from Glenmorgan Branch in Maranoa Division. Here are a few words from Colleen about why she decided to become a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been a part of the Country Kitchens program for 2 years now and decided...
Christine Stokan, Gootchie Branch
This month we would like to highlight Christine Stokan from QCWA Gootchie Branch in Burnett Division. Here are a few words from Christine about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I joined the Country Kitchens program as a facilitator twelve months ago. I was...
Chaille Twine, Gayndah Branch
Chaille Twine from QCWA Gayndah Branch recently reflected on her journey with Country Kitchens. She said “good intentions are never enough; we need some action. I’m glad now that I was given that impetus to get going. It has been so rewarding on so many different...
Belinda Thorburn, Gracemere Branch
This month we would like to highlight Belinda Thorburn from QCWA Gracemere Branch in Capricornia Division. Here are a few words from Belinda about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I joined the Country Kitchens program almost two years ago. I am a wife and mother...
Astrid Naughton, Blackwater Branch
This month we would like to highlight Astrid Naughton from Blackwater Branch in Central Highlands Division. Astrid has been a Country Kitchens facilitator for eight years, and recently shared a bit about her time in the role with us. Astrid got involved with Country...
Sandy Machan, Emu Park Branch
This month we would like to highlight one of our Fabulous Facilitators in Capricornia Division. Keep reading to find out what inspired Sandy to get involved in the Country Kitchens program. My name is Sandy Machan and I am a member of Emu Park branch in Capricornia...
Lyn Tucker, Bundaberg Branch
This month we would like to highlight Lyn Tucker from QCWA Bundaberg Branch in Burnett Division. Here are a few words from Lyn about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been with Country Kitchens for two years and am from the Bundaberg branch, Burnett...
Jo Williams, Boonah Branch
This month we would like to highlight Jo Williams from QCWA Boonah Branch in West Moreton Division. Here are a few words from Jo about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: There are a few things that influenced me to become a facilitator. The first was seeing my...
Fiona Owens, Longreach Branch
This month we would like to highlight Fiona Owens from QCWA Longreach Branch in Central Western Division. Here are a few words from Fiona about being a Country Kitchens facilitator: I have been a QCWA Country Kitchens facilitator for five years now, joining the...
Here are some of our fabulous facilitators in action
